Pros And Cons Of DPF System
Diesel specific filters, also known as DPFs are now the method that many companies prefer for dealing with soot as well as ash when diesel is burnt. The basic concept is that they act as filters in the exhaust that collects soot before storing it until it is processed during a DPF burn.
We are all about performance and we’re aware that any restriction will reduce the performance for an engine. What can we do about the DPF? What exactly 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 problems caused by having a DPF. I’m not going to detail the legalities of getting rid of an emission-related device. I am simply saying that is the best solution.
One benefit of one benefit of a DPF is reducing soot getting into the air. One might say it is a benefit for the environment. However, that’s a general claim at best. It is vital that a DPF regenerate or remove the soot on a regular basis. How to do this is to make the DPF heated enough to melt off the soot so it is able to pass through the filter. Another method of doing this is that the ECU injects fuel in addition to create the additional heat in the dpf filter to melt away the soot. This obviously requires more fuel (not environmentally friendly) Also, some of this extra fuel is absorbed into your engine’s sump, which diluents the engine’s oil. This could cause additional oil and filter changes.
DPFs require specific oils
Similar to how catalytic converters work were first introduced and lead was eliminated from the fuel as it could contaminate the converter. Cars with DPFs require specific oils that are low in sulfate ashand sulphur, sulfur and phosphorus (low saps). Incorrect oil can block the DPF and hinder its regeneration making it essential to replace the DPF. One negative aspect for DPF is the price to replace.
Some claim that the oil requirement of the DPF makes the internal wear rates for the engine more than if an ordinary oil was used. We will debate that another day.
- The main issue we have on DPFs is when there is a boost leak. The leak can result in additional soot in the exhaust system and block the DPF pretty quickly. Once the boost leak is fixed a DPF cleaning will most likely be required. We can do an DPF cleaning while having the DPF still mounted to the car. After the DPF clean is complete, a regen can occur. When it’s necessary to do a forced regen an oil change to the engine is required after the regen. Do you remember to do this before you inject fuel in order to make the DPF hot enough to regen, this extra fuel will cause the engine oil to be diluted.
- What is a compelled regen? A forced regen is using a scan tool in order to control a burn when you are stationary. A forced regen is typically going to utilize higher temperatures, and the regen tool monitors the pressures within the DPF when it is in use. Certain tools are required to conduct a forced re-generation which means that your standard mechanic might not be able to perform this. But be aware there is no requirement to work with the dealer. We like a number of equipped workshops that have the equipment to perform an forced regen.
In extreme cases, forced regens will not be possible because of the volume of soot load. The next step of the process is to perform an on-car cleaning. Our car cleaning tool is a process that is two steps. A cleaner is injected into the DPF and is able to process the soot for a certain time. The cleaner is then purged out of the system, leaving the DPF in good condition for a regen. The on car cleaning equipment isn’t the most common thing for the workshop to own. We are also able to assist car DPF cleaning.
This is just an overview of DPF and some of the pros and cons regarding its usage.