Pros And Cons Of DPF System
Diesel particular filters or DPFs have become the solution of choice for a variety of manufacturers to handle soot and the ash that results from burning diesel. Basically, they are a filter in the exhaust that absorbs soot and stores it for processing during a DPF burn.
It is all about performance and we’re all aware that any restriction will reduce the efficiency that an engine can provide. What can we do about the DPF? What is it and how to maintain it?
The DPF can be removed from the exhaust and the software. This is a simple solution to all the issues caused by having a DPF. I will not explain the legal stuff of removing an emission-related device. I’m simply saying this is the easiest solution.
One advantage of the DPF is that it can reduce the amount of soot that gets into the atmosphere. It is, according to some, a positive benefit for the environment. This is a hazy statement at best. It is essential to renew a DPF or burn off soot frequently. The method for achieving this is by making the DPF hot enough to burn off the soot so it can pass through the filter. Another method of doing this is when the ECU injects additional fuel to generate additional heat that the filter needs that burns off. It is a waste of fuel (not bad for the environment) Also, some of this extra fuel gets into the engine sump diluting the engine oil . This could result in additional oil and filter changes.
Like catalytic converters were introduced and lead had to be taken out of fuel since it could contaminate the converter. Vehicles that have DPFs require special oils that are low in sulfate hand sulphur, sulfur, and phosphorus (low Saps). Incorrect oil blocks the DPF and stops regeneration, making it essential to replace the DPF. The most obnoxious aspect for DPF is the price to replace.
Some believe that the requirement to use oil for the DPF causes the internal wear rate of the engine greater than if normal oil was utilized. We’ll discuss that another day.
A major issue that we come across with DPFs is the case of a boost leak. The leak can result in additional soot in the exhaust and block the DPF pretty quickly. Once the boost leak is fixed a dpf filter cleaning will most likely be required. It is possible to do a DPF clean even with the DPF still installed on the car. Once the DPF cleaning is completed the possibility of a regen could arise. Whenever it is necessary to perform a forced regen an engine oil change will be required following the regen. What is the reason, you should remember prior to when extra fuel is injected in order to make the DPF warm enough to start the regen it, the extra fuel will dilute the engine oil.
forced regen
What exactly is a forced regen? It is using a scan tool to initiate a burning while your vehicle remains stationary. In most cases, a forced burn will make use of higher temperatures, and the regen tool will monitor how much pressure is in the DPF when it is in use. Special tools are required for the forced regen so your average mechanic may not be able to perform this. But it is not necessary to work with a dealer. We like a number of equipped workshops that have the technology to carry out the forced regen.
- In extreme situations, the forced regen won’t be feasible due to the quantity of soot in the car. The next step in the process is to perform an on-car cleaning. Our on car cleaning tool involves two steps. The cleaner is injected in the DPF and is able to process the soot for a certain amount of time. The cleaner is then removed out of the system. This leaves the DPF prepared for a regen. The car-specific cleaning equipment isn’t as common in an establishment to have. We can also assist on car DPF cleaning.
This is an overview of DPF and a few of the pros and cons that are associated with its application.