Greenest Britest
Page 91
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• BRITEST has brought out one of the first do-it-yourself exhaust gas analysers for garage forecourts. Two versions are available: the Green Machine for petrol engines and the Black Machine for diesels.
With the engine up to normal operating temperature, a probe is inserted into the exhaust, and the result given by lights. A green light indicates correct combustion, amber is borderline and red requires attention.
The gasses are checked by the refraction of an infra-red light beam which is not temperature sensitive. Petrol exhaust is checked for carbon monoxide while the diesel version measures opacity and sulphide levels. Results from the 200 petrol machines so far installed at garages show that 38% of cars tested needed attention and a further 25% were borderline. Most drivers who did the check had the necessary adjustments made immediately at the garage. The machines operate by inserting a token which the public buys from the forecourt kiosk, although some garages are supplying them free and relying on the income from engine tuning. The machines have adjustable trip levels in case forthcoming legislation sets different figures.
The machines cost £3,500 (exVAT) or it can be leased for about £20 a week. For more information circle turbo number 60.