Tag: engine

Start the motorcycle season without contamination – prepare your motorcycle with Tec4 Moto Power

Posted on by Lotte

Start the motorcycle season without contamination – prepare your motorcycle with Tec4 Moto Power

With a new motorcycle season approaching, many motorcyclists prepare their bikes for the road after winter storage. What’s often overlooked is that fuel can deteriorate during storage. This contamination builds up on key components in the engine – most notably fuel lines, fuel injectors, inlet and exhaust valves.

This contamination has a detrimental effect on engine efficiency resulting in lost performance, poor throttle response, increased emissions and reduced fuel economy.

Fuel degradation after winter storage

During extended periods of inactivity, the composition of gasoline changes. Oxidation and natural degradation can cause contamination to form and accumulate in the fuel system. This can lead to:

less smooth throttle response;

irregular idling;

increased fuel consumption.

This is a common problem, especially with motorcycles, which are often used seasonally.

The solution: Tec4 Moto Power

Tec4 Moto Power is a highly concentrated, technically advanced formulation designed to effectively remove this contamination.

Tec4 Moto Power cleans your motorcycle’s entire fuel system, including the tank, carburetors, and injection system. By dissolving tar, varnish, and resin deposits, it frees stuck valves and piston rings and restores the engine’s original injection pattern.

Immediate benefits Tec4 Moto Power

  • Cleans fuel system components and provides anti wear protection
  • Restores injector spray pattern
  • Frees sticking valves and piston rings
  • Improves engine performance and throttle response
  • Reduces harmful exhaust emissions
  • Improves fuel economy
  • Ideal for season starts and preventative service

Ready for a smooth start

Good preparation prevents disappointment on the first few kilometers of the season. By preventatively cleaning the fuel system, you’ll start the motorcycle season with a bike that performs as intended.

FAQ – LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition)

Posted on by Lotte

1. What is LSPI?

LSPI stands for Low-Speed Pre-Ignition. It is an uncontrolled ignition of the air-fuel mixture before the spark plug fires. LSPI mainly occurs in modern turbocharged, gasoline direct-injection engines under low engine speed and high load conditions.

2. When does LSPI typically occur?

LSPI usually occurs during:

  • Acceleration at low RPM in a high gear
  • High engine load combined with turbo boost
  • Low-speed driving with sudden throttle input

3. Why is LSPI dangerous?

LSPI causes extremely high and sudden pressure peaks in the combustion chamber. These pressure spikes can lead to:

  • Cracked or damaged pistons
  • Broken piston rings
  • Damage to cylinder walls
  • Severe engine damage in extreme cases

4. What causes LSPI?

LSPI is caused by a combination of factors, including:

  • Fuel quality and octane rating
  • Ethanol-blended fuels
  • Engine oil composition and additive chemistry
  • Carbon deposits in the combustion chamber
  • High compression ratios and turbocharging

5. Does ethanol increase the risk of LSPI?

Ethanol itself is not the direct cause, but ethanol-blended fuels can influence combustion behavior and deposit formation, which may increase LSPI sensitivity under certain operating conditions.

6. Does engine oil play a role in LSPI?

Yes. Engine oil chemistry is a critical factor. Certain oil additives and degraded oil can increase the risk of LSPI. Modern engines require oils specifically formulated to reduce LSPI events.

7. How can LSPI be prevented?

LSPI risk can be reduced by:

  • Using high-quality engine oil with LSPI protection
  • Changing oil at correct service intervals
  • Avoiding high load at very low RPM
  • Using fuel with sufficient octane rating
  • Keeping the engine and fuel system clean
  • Using Tec4 Long Life Oil System Cleaner

FAQ – Wet Belt and Service

Posted on by Lotte

FAQ – Wet Belt and Service

In modern engines, the wet timing belt plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and efficient engine operation. Despite its reliability, there are still many misconceptions about how it works and how long it lasts. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the wet timing belt and proper service.

1. What is a wet belt?

A wet timing belt is a belt that operates in direct contact with engine oil. This design reduces noise, improves lubrication, and provides a small fuel-saving benefit of approximately 1%.

2. Are wet belts weaker than dry timing belts?

No. Wet timing belts are specifically designed for long-term operation in oil and are just as strong as dry timing belts.

3. Can non-specified oil dissolve or damage the belt?

No. Using an oil other than the specified type will not damage the belt, provided the oil is of good quality.

4. What can shorten the lifespan of a wet belt?

The service life of a wet timing belt can be reduced by:

  • Acidification of engine oil (fuel dilution, such as Bio-ethanol E10)
  • Carbon deposits from combustion
  • Low oil levels, causing excessively high oil temperatures
  • Aged or contaminated engine oil

5. How do bio-ethanol and carbon deposits affect the belt?

Bio-ethanol can increase the oil’s pH level and, in combination with carbon deposits, form substances that accumulate in critical areas such as piston ring and oil scraper ring grooves. This can result in increased oil consumption and a shortened belt lifespan.

6. What is flushing and why is it important?

Flushing is the process of cleaning the oil system with Tec4 Oil System Cleaner before adding new oil. This removes old oil, carbon residues, and contaminants that could damage the timing belt.

7. What does Tec4 Long Life Oil System Cleaner do?

Adding Tec4 Long Life Oil System Cleaner to fresh oil helps prevent oil acidification, protects the timing belt and other engine components, and keeps the oil in optimal condition for longer. This significantly extends the service life of the wet timing belt and protects the engine.

8. How can I optimize the lifespan of my wet belt?

  • Change engine oil at least once per year or every 15,000 km
  • Clean the oil system with Tec4 Oil System Cleaner before adding new oil
  • Add Tec4 Long Life Oil System Cleaner to the new oil
  • Use high-quality engine oil and preferably E5 fuel
  • Avoid short trips under 10 km and regularly take longer trips (50 km+)
  • Check the oil pump pickup strainer in cases of low oil level or oil pressure issues
  • Inspect cylinder walls with a videoscope when necessary

9. Does the type of oil affect the lifespan of the belt?

No. The oil type itself does not affect the lifespan of wet timing belts, provided it is high-quality oil and changed regularly.

10. Can a wet timing belt reach its specified mileage?

Yes. With correct service procedures and proper control of oil level, oil condition, and carbon deposits, a wet timing belt can reach its specified service interval.

FAQ: Ethanol in Fuel and the Importance of Fuel System Cleaners

Posted on by Lotte

FAQ: Ethanol in Fuel and the Importance of Fuel System Cleaners

Ethanol in gasoline, such as E5 and E10, has become increasingly common in modern fuels. While ethanol is more environmentally friendly, insufficient maintenance can negatively affect engine performance, engine oil, and wet timing belts. In this FAQ, we explain how ethanol works, the potential risks, and how products such as Tec4 Petrol System Cleaner and Tec4 Long Life Oil System Cleaner help protect your engine optimally.

1. What is ethanol in fuel?

Ethanol is an alcohol-based additive blended into gasoline to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve combustion. In Europe, it is commonly available as E5 (5% ethanol) or E10 (10% ethanol). One of ethanol’s key properties is that it is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.

2. Why is ethanol added to gasoline?

  • Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
  • Contributes to lower CO₂ emissions
  • Improves combustion efficiency

3. What is the difference between E5 and E10 fuel?

  • E5: Contains up to 5% ethanol and is generally safe for older vehicles
  • E10: Contains up to 10% ethanol and is suitable for most modern vehicles, but may affect older engine components more quickly

4. Does ethanol affect engine oil and wet timing belts?

Yes. Ethanol can:

  • Slightly acidify engine oil, increasing pH levels
  • Combine with carbon deposits to form harmful residues
  • Damage the coating of wet timing belts and shorten their service life

5. Which vehicles can safely use E10 fuel?

Most modern vehicles are designed to run on E10 fuel. Older vehicles or classic cars are often better suited for E5 fuel. Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations.

6. How can ethanol-related damage be minimized?

  • Prefer E5 fuel for older vehicles
  • Maintain the correct engine oil level
  • Change engine oil regularly
  • Flush the oil system and add Tec4 Long Life Oil System Cleaner
  • Add a fuel system cleaner to the tank at every service interval

7. Why are fuel system cleaners important when using ethanol?

One of ethanol’s most important characteristics is its hygroscopic nature—it attracts moisture from the air. This can lead to:

  • Water accumulation in the fuel
  • Increased risk of corrosion
  • Accelerated fuel degradation

Moisture in the fuel system disrupts combustion and increases the likelihood of engine faults.

Tec4 Petrol System Cleaner helps to:

  • Improve combustion and reduce emissions
  • Restore optimal engine performance
  • Clean the entire gasoline fuel system
  • Remove water and moisture from the fuel tank

8. Are short trips problematic when using ethanol fuel?

Yes. Short trips prevent the engine oil from reaching full operating temperature, meaning ethanol cannot fully evaporate. This increases oil acidification and deposit formation, which can damage components such as wet belts.

9. Can ethanol shorten engine lifespan?

Ethanol itself is not inherently harmful. However, without proper maintenance, the combination of ethanol-related deposits and oil acidification can lead to premature wear of engine components.

10. Conclusion

Ethanol-blended gasoline is safe for most modern vehicles, but proper service remains essential. Regular oil changes, oil system flushing with Tec4 Oil System Cleaner, and the use of Tec4 Petrol System Cleaner help to:

  • Limit the negative effects of ethanol
  • Protect the engine and wet timing belt
  • Keep the fuel system clean
  • Reduce moisture-related contamination
  • Maintain optimal power output and fuel efficiency

New oil doesn’t automatically mean a clean start

Posted on by Lotte

In engine maintenance/servicing, an oil change is often seen as the solution for a variety of complaints: rough running, increased wear, or contamination. In practice, however, new engine oil often doesn’t have the desired effect.


The cause? Residual contamination in the lubrication system.

Without prior cleaning/flushing, a large amount of old oil, sludge, and deposits remain in the engine. New oil mixes with this immediately, largely negating the benefit of changing the oil.

What is left behind after a standard oil change?

When draining engine oil, only a portion of the contamination is removed. In practice, the following remains:

increased deposits of tar, varnish, carbon particles, and sludge in the lubrication system and piston grooves.

This contamination is often invisible, but it does directly affect lubrication and engine performance.

New oil mixes with old contamination

When new oil is added to a contaminated system:

  • it mixes immediately with the remaining old oil
  • it absorbs the left over contamination and sludge
  • it loses its lubrication and cleaning effects faster

The result is that the new oil becomes contaminated more quickly, degrades more quickly and cannot optimally perform its protective function.

Limited effect on wear and performance:

When contamination remains in the lubrication system, the following can occur:

  • reduced oil flow
  • higher internal friction
  • increased wear of moving parts
  • greater risk of system failures

An oil change without flushing does not address the cause, but only part of the symptom.

Cleaning before an oil change: the correct order

Professional oil system cleaning/flushing before changing the oil ensures that:

  • deposits and contamination is flushed and drained
  • oil channels are clear again
  • new oil can actually do its job

Only in a clean system can fresh engine oil provide optimum lubrication, cooling and protection.

Want to know more about the necessity of flushing? Read here

Preventive service instead of reactive repairs

For workshops, this represents a significant shift:
don’t wait until problems arise, but offer preventive service.

Flushing before oil changes:

  • extends the life of engine components
  • reduces the risk of consequential damage/repairs
  • increases vehicle reliability

New engine oil is only effective in a clean engine.
Without prior cleaning, contamination and deposits remain, significantly limiting the benefits of an oil change.

A clean car starts with a clean engine

Cleaning the Lubrication System Before an Oil Change: Necessity or Unnecessary Luxury?

Posted on by Lotte

Cleaning the Lubrication System Before an Oil Change: Necessity or Unnecessary Luxury?

An oil change is one of the most commonly performed maintenance tasks in workshops. Yet it is often forgotten that new engine oil can only perform well in a clean lubrication system. Contaminated oil channels mean that even the best engine oil cannot perform optimally.

How contamination in the lubrication system develops

Even engine oil has its limits. During vehicle use, the following occurs:

  • Carbon deposits
  • Sludge formation
  • Aged oil residues

These contaminants accumulate in:

  • Oil channels
  • Hydraulic lifters
  • Turbo oil supply systems

This buildup happens especially with long service intervals, short trips, and start-stop systems.

Why new engine oil alone is not enough

With a standard oil change, almost always a residue of old oil remains in the system. Additionally, deposits are not removed and can mix with the new oil again. This can lead to:

  • Reduced lubrication
  • Uneven oil circulation
  • Increased wear

New oil in a contaminated system = suboptimal result.

Modern vehicles are more sensitive than ever

Modern engines:

  • Have tighter tolerances
  • Use thinner oils
  • Work with turbochargers and start-stop technologies

Because of this, even slight contamination can noticeably impact:

  • Engine operation
  • Noise
  • Lifespan of components

When is flushing the lubrication system a necessity?

According to the article, lubrication system cleaning before an oil change is recommended in the following situations:
✔ During every preventive maintenance service
✔ For vehicles with start-stop or hybrid drivetrains
✔ With long maintenance intervals
✔ When there are irregular engine running conditions or ticking noises

Flushing before an oil change is not a luxury, but modern maintenance.

Tec4 Oil System Cleaner

The Tec4 Oil System Cleaner Nano-Tec is a professional product designed to:

  • Clean the entire lubrication system before an oil change
  • Remove sludge and deposits
  • Not harm seals
  • Optimize the performance of the new oil

Directions for use:

  • Add one bottle Tec4 Oil System Cleaner to the old oil
  • Let the car run stationary for 30 minutes
  • Change the oil and oil filter and add Tec4 Long Life Oil System Cleaner to the new oil

Benefits for the Workshop
✔️ Improved engine performance
✔️ Fewer wear-related issues
✔️ Additional service without extra labor hours
✔️ More value per oil change

Conclusion
An oil change without prior cleaning leaves contamination behind.
By cleaning the lubrication system preventively:

  • new oil performs optimally
  • the engine’s service life is extended
  • you provide customers with demonstrably better maintenance

Would you like to know how to structurally implement lubrication system cleaning in your workshop?
Contact Tec4 for technical advice.