Pros And Cons Of DPF System

Diesel specific filters or DPFs have become the solution of choice for many manufactures to deal with soot and the ash that results from burning diesel. In essence, they’re a filter in the exhaust that captures soot and stores it for processing during a DPF burn.

We’re all about performance and we are all aware that any restriction can affect the efficiency that an engine can provide. So what can we do to fix the DPF? What is it and how do we take care of it?

The DPF is able to be eliminated out of the exhaust and software. This is a simple solution to the problems created by having the DPF. I will not detail details of the legalities involved in removing the device that is a source of emissions. I’m simply saying that is the simple solution.

• One of the benefits of the DPF is the fact that it helps reduce soot getting into the air. Many would consider it a benefit to the environment. It’s a vague statement at best. It is essential for a DPF to regenerate or burn off the soot regularly. How to do this is to make the dpf filter enough to burn off soot so it will pass through the filter. Another method of doing this is that the ECU injects fuel to generate the addition heating in the filter that causes it to melt away the soot. This obviously requires more fuel (not bad for the environment) Also, some of this fuel enters the sump of the engine which dilutes the engine oil . This could result in additional oil and filter replacements.

Similar to catalytic converters were introduced and lead had to be removed from fuel because it could harm the converter. Cars equipped with DPFs require special oils that are lower in sulfate and ash, as well as phosphorus and sulfur (low Saps). If the oil is not properly used, it will block the DPF and stop regeneration, making it mandatory to replace the DPF. One negative aspect of DPF is its cost to replace it.

Some claim that the requirement for oil in the DPF creates internal wear rates of the engine higher than when a normal oil was utilized. We’ll discuss that another day.

One of the biggest issues we face on DPFs is the case of a boost leak. A boost leak will cause an increase in soot and smoke in the exhaust system and block the DPF in a short time. After the leak has been remedied, the DPF cleaning is almost always going to be necessary. You can conduct a DPF clean while keeping the DPF still fitted to the vehicle. Once the DPF clean is complete, the possibility of a regen could arise. When it is necessary to conduct a regen that is forced, an engine oil change will be required following the regen. How do you know? When the fuel is injected in order to make the DPF sufficient hot to enable regen it. This fuel added will cause the engine oil to be diluted.

• What is a forced regen? Forcing a regen is a using a scan tool in order to start a fire 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 when it is in use. Special tools are required for the forced regen therefore your typical mechanic might not be equipped to handle this. Be aware that you don’t have to go to the dealer. We are a fan of a few well-equipped workshops , and they do have facilities to conduct an forced regen.
• In more extreme cases forced regens won’t be feasible due to the quantity of soot loading. The next step of the process is to perform an off-car wash. Our car cleaning tool is a two step process. A cleaner is injected into the DPF and then processes the soot within a specific time. Cleaner is then removed from the system which leaves the DPF ready for a forced regen. The car-specific cleaning equipment is not as common for an establishment to have. We can also assist cleaning your car DPF cleaning.
• This is just an overview of the DPF and some of the advantages and disadvantages regarding its application.