Contamination of engine cooling system with AdBlue®.
Due to isolated findings of AdBlue® contents in the engine cooling system (e.g. for warranty damage part diagnosis and findings) observe the following:
Even minute quantities of AdBlue® in the coolant are enough to permanently damage thermostats, temperature sensors or other engine component parts.
The reason for this problem may lie in the poor separation of the coolant and AdBlue® media. This may, for example, also be the case in workshops where the same containers are used when draining or filling systems.
One of the main symptoms for contamination in the engine cooling system with AdBlue® is a very strong odor development (ammonia odor) emanating from the coolant expansion reservoir.
It is essential to ensure that for AdBlue® and all other operating fluids, fuels and lubricants such as, e.g coolant, engine oil, transmission oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid and brake fluid, only specified, clean and clearly marked containers and collecting bowls are used.
Otherwise, the operating fluids, fuels and lubricants may become contaminated.
Incorrect filling of the engine cooling system with AdBlue®:
Incorrect filling or soiling of the engine cooling system is the fault of the person responsible for filling and is not to be settled through the warranty channels.
Proceed as follows for filling or soiling of the engine cooling system with AdBlue®:
Warning | Risk of injury to skin and eyes suffering scalding from contact with hot coolantspray. Risk of poisoning from swallowing coolant. | Do not open cooling system unless coolant temperature is below 90 °C. Open cap slowly and release the pressure. Do not pour coolant into beverage containers. | |
Warning | Risk of burn injuries and scalding when working on AdBlue(R) lines and the component parts attached to them. Risk of injury to skin and eyes when handling AdBlue(R). Risk of poisoning caused by swallowing AdBlue(R) | Pour AdBlue® only into suitable containers. Wait until the pressure is released before starting any work on the exhaust aftertreatment system. | |
Topical note | Notes on coolant | ||
Topical note | Notes on use, material properties and handling of NOx reducing agent | ||
| Check | ||
1 | Check whether the coolant gives off an ammonia odor | If an ammonia odor is not detected. | |
| |||
Proceed with operation step 2. | |||
If a strong odor of ammonia was detected in the coolant. | |||
| |||
continue with operation step 3. | |||
2 | Check coolant temperature sensor for corrosion or discoloration | Remove the component parts designated for inspection in accordance with the repair documentation in the WIS. | |
If corrosion or discoloration is detected. | |||
| |||
continue with operation step 3. | |||
If corrosion or discoloration is not detected. | |||
| |||
Continue with operation step 7. | |||
3 | Check cylinder head or cylinder heads for damage | To do so, remove cylinder head/cylinder heads in accordance with the repair documentation in the WIS. Check surface of cylinder head (in particular the inside areas of the engine cooling system). Check inside areas on crankcase and all seals too for damage caused by AdBlue®. | |
If damage was detected. | |||
| |||
Replace and photograph damaged component parts. | |||
4 | Check all hoses and coolant lines of the cooling and heating system, and if fitted, the stationary heater/auxiliary heating for damage | To do so, remove all hoses and coolant lines of the cooling and heating system in accordance with the repair documentation in the WIS and - while doing so - check the inside areas of the hoses and coolant lines for damage caused by AdBlue®. | |
If damage was detected. | |||
| |||
Replace and photograph damaged component parts. | |||
5 | Check coolant pump for damage | To do so, remove the coolant pump in accordance with the repair documentation in the WIS then check the coolant pump (in particular the inside areas) and all seals for damage caused by AdBlue®. | |
If damage was detected. | |||
| |||
Replace and photograph damaged component parts. | |||
Replace | |||
6 | Replace all component parts that are in or have come into contact with coolant and that exhibit signs of damage | In particular, replace aluminum, copper and brass component parts. Affected components such as, e.g. : | |
Replace the damaged component parts in accordance with the appropriate repair documentation in the WIS. Photograph damaged component parts. | |||
| Clean | ||
7 | Flush out engine cooling system using fresh coolant | | |
To do so, flush out the engine cooling system in accordance with the repair documentation in the WIS. Use fresh coolant (50: 50 mixture) for the flushing process. | |||
8 | Drain coolant from the engine cooling system | ||
| Coolant specifications | ||
When draining the coolant from the engine cooling system, see corresponding repair documentation in the WIS. | |||
Dispose of drained coolant properly. To do so, observe the legal provisions and local regulations in the individual countries. | |||
9 | Fill engine cooling system with new coolant | Fill the engine cooling system in accordance with the appropriate repair documentation in the WIS. | |
| Check | ||
10 | Check engine cooling system for leak tightness | Conduct leak test of engine cooling system in accordance with the appropriate repair documentation in the WIS. | |
In the event of leaks in the engine cooling system. | |||
| |||
Eliminate any leaks. | |||
Document | |||
11 | Document in the "Extended VEGA Application (EVA)" system | In the "Extended VEGA Application (EVA)" system the screen | |
In this screen |