MAHLE RTI ELF-1 - Manual (Page 10)

Page 7
FOG CHEMICAL - LEVEL LOW
A new charge of fog chemical needs to be added when ELF-1 stops providing fog. Remove the cap
from the fill port on the top of ELF-1 and add 3 ounces from the 4 ounce bottle. Re-order a new bottle
for the future. The one ounce left in the bottle is a reserve in case a new bottle was not ordered.
Order RTI Part Number: 438100 (4 oz Bottle) or 438115 (6 Bottles)
Never overfill ELF-1. The unit will need to be returned to the factory and is not covered under warranty.
THE MANY USES FOR ELF-1
EGR VALVES
One of the most common uses for ELF-1 is detecting vacuum or exhaust leaks in and around EGR
valves. Frequently a drive ability or emissions related problem (especially NOx related) may be caused
by an inoperative EGR Valve (defective diaphragm, leaking solenoid, leaking vacuum line). By applying
ELF-1
to the diagnosis, a visual result will be seen quickly.
It’s also possible to fill the exhaust system from the tailpipe forward to reveal EGR related leaks. This
will of course locate any exhaust leaks at the same time. Treat each branch separately for true dual
exhausts. Plug one of the tailpipe outlets if the branches are joined.
FUEL INJECTORS
A port fuel vehicle that has been overheated may have hardened or broken O-rings around one or more
injectors. Inserting fog into the intake manifold (plenum) will easily point this condition out, once again
making a difficult diagnosis, relatively easy. Don’t forget that some intake and exhaust valves will be
open, so fog may eventually appear at the exhaust and potentially at or around the throttle body area.
BASE GASKETS
Fog introduced into the intake manifold at virtually any point will fill the area and find a way out if it is
available. A carburetor or throttle body base gasket that is leaking will be easy to spot. In some cases
(when a supplied adapter is not suitable), it will be worthwhile to remove the air cleaner and seal the
air intake with a plastic bag and a few wraps of tape.
AIR INTAKE WITH MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR
As many port fueled vehicles age, the potential for a drive ability problem, related to false air, increases.
False air occurs when a leak between the mass airflow sensor and the throttle body occurs. This could
be the result of degenerating air intake material, or as simple as a clamp that has lost adjustment or
tension and no longer seals.
False air allows unmeasured oxygen into the intake, which leans out the air to fuel ratio while lowering
the average oxygen sensor readings. The natural tendency therefore is for the on-board computer to
add additional fuel, which the engine does not need and cannot completely burn. Over time, this
situation will eventually lead to an overloaded or failed catalytic converter.
Fill the intake manifold with fog with the engine off. As the manifold fills, fog will migrate past the throttle
plate and into the intake ducting between the throttle body and the air cleaner. Carefully observe any
leaking fog. Any leaks between the air flow sensor and the throttle body are false air leaks.
ELF-1 ships with 2 ounces of Fog Chemical inside the unit. A 4 ounce bottle
for refilling also ships with the unit. DO NOT ADD any Fog Chemical until
needed (when fog is not produced).