What Does The Color Of Exhaust Smoke Indicate?

February 2, 2026 FTE Leave a comment

Smoke color is key to understanding underlying engine issues and I’ve successfully diagnosed hundreds of smoke issues for drivers.

Exhaust smoke color can reveal what’s happening inside your engine.

Blue or blue-tinted smoke often signals oil burning, a possible sign of worn piston rings, leaky valve seals, or turbo seals.

White smoke can indicate coolant leaks into the combustion chamber, suggesting a head gasket issue. Black smoke is usually a sign of incomplete combustion, often related to a fuel system problem.

If you see persistent blue smoke, check your oil level regularly to monitor consumption.

With black smoke, try a fuel cleaner as a process of elimination.

With white smoke, check the engine coolant level and test the coolant for exhaust gases.

DPF

What Happens If A DPF Is Blocked?

February 2, 2026 FTE Leave a comment

If your vehicle suddenly feels like it’s struggling to breathe, it could be a DPF issue.

I’ve seen this countless times at Fuel Tech Experts, where a blocked Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is often the culprit.

When a DPF is blocked, exhaust gases can’t escape efficiently, leading to increased back pressure.

This can cause poor performance and can even trigger a warning light.

The first thing to try is getting the engine up to full operating temperature, driving at higher RPMs to see if a forced regeneration occurs.

If that doesn’t work, then try a high-quality DPF cleaner.

If the conditions for regeneration aren’t met, such as consistent short trips, the soot continues to build, worsening the blockage.

If this sounds familiar, give it a go and let me know how you get on.

Diesel Cleaner

Do diesel cleaners / injector cleaners work?

February 2, 2026 FTE Leave a comment

I have spent 15 years formulating and testing fuel cleaning chemistry.

Numerous studies and tests show that diesel cleaners with premium amine-based detergents can restore lost engine power and improve fuel economy in engines that have deteriorated due to deposit buildup.

However, cheap products with minimal active ingredients are largely ineffective, creating mixed consumer opinions and skepticism.

Choose proven products with amine and polyether-amine detergents and higher percentage active ingredients.

Look for brands that have undergone standardized testing. Premium cleaners cost £20 or more but can help prevent expensive injector replacement while maintaining optimal performance.

E10 Petrol

Can E10 Cause A Misfire?

February 2, 2026 FTE Leave a comment

Here’s the surprising connection between E10 fuel and engine misfires.

E10 can cause misfires in incompatible vehicles through fuel system contamination and water absorption.

Ethanol’s hygroscopic properties attract moisture causing irregular combustion patterns.

Water contamination reduces octane rating and creates lean fuel mixtures leading to misfires and rough running.

Check vehicle E10 compatibility immediately if experiencing misfires after the fuel switch, and revert to E5 super unleaded if problems persist.

Comment below if your engine ran worse with E10.

EGR

EGR Cleaner Vs. Brake Cleaner

February 2, 2026 FTE Leave a comment

Here’s why using the wrong cleaner can damage your EGR valve.

EGR cleaners are formulated specifically for carbon deposits and exhaust system components, while brake cleaner is designed for brake parts and may damage EGR valve seals. EGR cleaners provide better carbon removal with less risk of seal damage compared to brake cleaners EGR cleaners contain specialized solvents that evaporate more quickly, making them safer for seals and sensors.

Brake cleaner is more aggressive and can damage rubber components, causing seal swelling or deterioration over time.

Engine Break-in

Engine Break In On A Dyno?

February 2, 2026 FTE Leave a comment

Is it safe?

Dyno break-in offers precise control but requires specific techniques.

Here’s how to do it right.

Dyno break-in allows controlled loading and precise monitoring but requires careful heat management.

Poor airflow and heat buildup can cause problems during dyno break-in.

You must use varied load and breaking cycles.

Monitor temperatures closely and ensure adequate cooling.

Where possible, combine dyno break-in with road break-in for optimal results.

Remember, continually vary the loads and revs, building up gradually.

Petrol Additives

How Can Petrol Additives Red?

February 2, 2026 FTE Leave a comment

Can additives really cut emissions?

I’ve helped drivers lower emissions with fuel treatment strategies. Petrol additives can reduce emissions by cleaning fuel injectors and enhancing combustion efficiency.

This leads to less unburnt fuel and fewer harmful emissions.

They are typically available as single-use and regular use products, providing a cleaner burn and marginally improved engine performance.

However, the effects are usually less noticeable than with diesel engine cleaners and additives, where a cetane increase can make a noticeable difference in diesel engine performance and emissions reduction.

MAF

Why Clean A MAF Sensor?

February 2, 2026 FTE Leave a comment

Regular MAF cleaning prevents expensive sensor replacement and maintains optimal engine performance.

MAF sensors accumulate dirt, oil, and debris that affect airflow measurement accuracy.

Contaminated sensors provide incorrect readings, causing poor fuel economy, rough idle, and performance problems.

Clean MAF sensors every 30000-50000 miles or when experiencing performance symptoms.

Preventive cleaning costs £10 versus £150+ for sensor replacement.

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