Pros And Cons Of DPF System
Diesel particular filters or DPFs have become the solution of choice for many manufacturers to handle soot and the ash that results from burning diesel. They are basically a filter in the exhaust that captures soot and stores it for processing during the DPF burn.
We’re all about performance and we’re aware that any restriction can affect the performance that an engine can provide. What can we do about the DPF? What exactly is it? And how to treat it?
The DPF can be eliminated out of the exhaust and software. This is the simplest solution to all the issues that arise from having an DPF. I am not going to go into all the legalities of getting rid of the emission-related device. I’m just saying this is the best solution.
One good thing for the DPF is that it can reduce the amount of soot that gets into the atmosphere. Some would say a benefit for the environment. It’s a vague and ambiguous statement. It is necessary for a DPF to regenerate or burn off the soot periodically. The way this is achieved is by making the DPF sufficiently hot to burn off soot so it can pass through the filter. The way to do this is that the ECU injects fuel to generate additional heat in the filter that burns off. In this way, it consumes more fuel (not green), and an amount of this extra fuel gets into the engine sump diluting the engine oil which can be the cause of additional oil and filters being changed.
Similar to the catalytic converters when introduced and lead was removed from the fuel since it could contaminate the converter. Vehicles that have DPFs require special oils that are low in sulfate ash and sulphur, as well as phosphorus and sulfur, low Saps. The use of incorrect oil blocks the DPF and prevents regeneration making it essential to replace the DPF. One downside of DPF is the cost to replace it.
There is a belief that the oil requirement for the DPF causes internal wear rates of the engine higher than if an ordinary oil was utilized. We’ll have to debate that one day.
A major issue that we come across the most with DPFs is when there is a boost leak. The leak can result in an increase in soot and smoke in the exhaust system and block the DPF very quickly. Once the boost leak is solved, a DPF cleaning will most likely be necessary. It is possible to do a DPF cleaning while having the dpf parts stay on the car. After the DPF clean is done it is possible to perform a regen. If it is required to perform a forced regen it is required after the regen. How do you know? When the fuel is injected in order to get the DPF sufficient hot to enable regen, this extra fuel will dilute the engine oil.
forced regen
What is a forcible regen anyway? A forced regen is employing a scanner tool to initiate a burning while the vehicle is stationary. Most often, a forced regen will make use of higher temperatures, and the regen tool will be monitoring the pressures within the DPF while performing the procedure. Certain tools are required to carry out a forced regen so your average mechanic may not be able to perform this. Be aware that it is not necessary to go to the dealer. We recommend a variety of fully equipped workshops. They have the equipment to perform an forced regen.
In the most extreme instances, an forced regen may not be feasible because of the volume of soot that is loaded. The next step in the process is an off-car wash. Our on car cleaning tool involves two steps. The cleaner is injected in the DPF and it processes the soot for a certain time. Cleaner is then removed out of the system. This leaves the DPF prepared for a regen. The equipment for cleaning on cars is not as common for an establishment to have. We also offer assistance car DPF cleaning.
This is an overview of the DPF and a few of the advantages and disadvantages related to its use.