The rapid technological development of diesel fuel-injection systems has prompted diesel service centre Reef Fuel Injection Services (RFI) to upgrade its service offering significantly over the last two years.

RFI workshop manager Warren Hauser tells Engineering News that, as an authorised service agent for major diesel fuel-injection systems – Bosch, Denso, Delphi, Siemens and a Caterpillar specialist – it aims to keep abreast of the latest technology to ensure it offers clients the best possible service programme.

The company services vehicles, trucks and earthmoving equipment that have conventional, mechanical and electronic fuel systems by using original-equipment-manufacturer- (OEM-) approved genuine parts at its service, diagnostic and repair facility in Germiston.

RFI’s investment programme was focused on upgrading the company’s entire range of fuel system capabilities, says Hauser.

This included upgrading its Bosch servicing capabilities to include stage-three common rail injector (CRI) repair, which entails a zero-hour rebuild, where all possible wear parts are removed and replaced.

Hauser says this fuel system repair work is more cost-effective than replacing the entire system while still retaining component performance and integrity.

The repair work is performed using Bosch’s latest electronic repair software program which produces repair reports that contain critical system-specific injector quantity adjustment, or IMA, coding, required by the engine control unit (ECU).

This enables the ECU to calib- rate injector flow to achieve optimal injector performance, explains Hauser.

Further, the company’s Denso servicing capabilities include complete CRI testing, from passenger vehicles to heavy-duty diesel engines and high-pressure pump repair.

Its Delphi servicing also includes complete CRI testing on the latest Hartridge CRI workbench, as well as high-pressure pump repair on the fully computerised Delphi AVM2-PC pump test bench.

RFI performs a complete test and repair programme on Siemens fuel systems and can undertake a complete CAT 3126 injector repair programme, high-pressure pump repair and the latest CRI and hydraulically actuated electrically controlled unit injector testing on Caterpillar fuel systems.

RFI is a Caterpillar specialist on older mechanical Cat fuel systems.

CRI Technology
CRI technology is at the forefront of fuel-injection engine technology, as it increases injec- tion pressures to ensure more efficient fuel burning, which, in turn, releases cleaner emissions.

Further, it allows injection processes to be adjusted according to engine demands to improve engine efficiency and power.

Outlook
Hauser says business has improved owing to the upgrades, as RFI is now able to offer comprehensive diagnostic and repair processes on the latest-generation fuel systems, providing customers with an alternative to diesel fuel system replacement.

Nevertheless, he expects further growth to take place slowly but consistently, as a lot of the technology is fairly new to the market and much of the repair work on the systems is still covered by warranty.

Although RFI is an authorised warranty repairer, the company says there is a lack of sufficient knowledge among end-users with regard to available repair facilities, prompting them to buy new systems instead.

The company’s aim, going forward, is to grow the business’s market share by offering end- users an alternative to buying new systems, which will save them maintenance and repair costs without compromising on the system’s quality, durability and efficiency.

RFI is geared towards further expanding its service offering to individuals, fleet operators, dealerships and OEMs.

“While already active in these markets, we aim to target emerging vehicle markets by introducing new technologies,” says Hauser.

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