Hydraulic wedge is a serious problem that can affect vehicle engines and cause significant damage if not treated properly. In this post, we will address what hydraulic wedging is, its causes, how to prevent it and solutions for this worrying scenario.
What is a Hydraulic Shim?
Hydraulic wedging occurs when a fluid, usually water or engine lubricating oil, builds up in the combustion chamber of one of the engine's cylinders.
With the presence of the fluid, the piston loses its ability to move freely, resulting in the impossibility of completing the normal air and fuel compression stroke. This buildup creates a condition known as “shimming,” which can cause serious engine damage if left unaddressed.
Hydraulic wedge is a mechanical problem that requires immediate attention. In other words, knowing how to identify the causes, symptoms and carry out appropriate maintenance is essential to avoid damage to the vehicle's engine.
Main Symptoms of Hydraulic Shim
Identifying the symptoms of hydraulic wedge is crucial to taking quick action. Some common signs include:
- Problems when starting the vehicle;
- Difficulty starting the engine;
- Loss of power and reduced engine performance.
Causes of Hydraulic Shim
There are a few reasons why hydraulic wedging can occur:
- Oil leak: Oil leaks in cylinders can occur due to problems with engine seals, gaskets or valves, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber.
- Piston Seal Problems: If the piston seal is compromised or worn, oil can accumulate in the cylinders.
- Problems in the Fuel Injection System: Faults in the fuel injection system can lead to the accumulation of unburned fuel in the cylinders.
- Fuel Condensation: In ethanol-powered engines, when fueled with low-quality fuel, condensation of fuel vapor during the cooling process can cause hydraulic wedging.
- Head Gasket Damage: When the head gasket is damaged, coolant may leak into the combustion chamber, causing hydraulic wedge.
- Traveling through flooded areas (muds, streams or floods): Driving the vehicle in flooded areas may cause water to enter the combustion chamber, resulting in hydraulic wedging.
- EGR physical faults: In this case, the cooler responsible for exchanging heat between the hot exhaust gas and the engine's cooling water ends up suffering an internal crack, leaving part of this water entering the combustion chamber.
Hydraulic Chock Prevention
Prevention is essential to avoid hydraulic choking and protect your vehicle's engine:
- Regular Maintenance: Carry out the preventive maintenance recommended by the manufacturer, regularly checking the lubrication system, fuel injection and piston seals.
- Monitor Leaks: Be aware of possible oil leaks in the engine and resolve them as quickly as possible.
- Use Quality Fuel: Choose quality fuels and avoid mixtures that could harm the engine's proper functioning.
- Avoid Repeated Starts: Avoid starting the engine repeatedly without allowing it time to complete the ignition cycle.
- EGR Solution: The insulation of the EGR cooler prevents it from breaking and spilling water into the engine. Furthermore, this solution could offer a possible improvement in fuel economy.
EGR solution on Volkswagen Amarok
In the case of vehicles Volkswagen Amarok with 122hp, 140hp, 163hp and 180hp, the cooler responsible for exchanging the temperature of the hot exhaust gas with the engine cooling water ends up suffering an internal crack, allowing part of the water to enter the combustion chamber. The first symptom is the physical failure of the EGR system, which in the Amarok is a reduction in the water level without signs of a leak. Then, a catastrophic engine failure occurs due to the hydraulic wedge, which is caused by the high volume of infiltrated water.
Avoiding Hydraulic Chock on Volkswagen Amarok
This Volkswagen Amarok EGR failure does not present any error or fault code (DTC), and is not detectable by any electronic analysis. Other vehicles may only have electronic failures in the EGR, which may generate various related DTC codes.
In the case of Volkswagen Amaroks, the solution we offer is our KIT BY PASS, which physically replaces the EGR system, preventing future problems.
Solution for Hydraulic Shim
In fact, if you suspect that your vehicle is showing symptoms of hydraulic wedge, it is essential to seek specialized technical assistance immediately. Ignoring the problem can lead to serious consequences, and it may be necessary to rebuild the engine, due to damage to the pistons, connecting rods or even the engine crankshaft.
The hydraulic wedge is a problem that cannot be neglected, as it can cause irreversible damage to your vehicle's engine. Invest in preventative maintenance, such as EGR solution, in addition to being aware of possible leaks and using quality fuels, are certainly essential measures to prevent this unwanted scenario.
Strike Brasil
Before you suspect a hydraulic shim, do not hesitate to seek professional help to perform the EGR solution in one of the company's units. Strike Brasil and guarantee the durability and better performance of your vehicle.
A Strike Brasil, without a doubt, is the largest automotive performance company in all of Latin America, and has been working increasingly to reach higher levels and expand its operations. We currently develop our own products e services, through studies, research and exclusive technology, guaranteeing the uniqueness of each one of them.
Furthermore, we have more than 50 units spread across Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Guatemala, as well as Texas in the United States and we have already surpassed the mark of 20 thousand reprogramming services performed. Then Click here and speak to our customer service team and answer all your questions about our services.
