Forum Discussion
ShinerBock
Jul 13, 2015Explorer
ACZL wrote:
Sadly, it's not problems w/ any of the big 3's engines. Rather the DEF system is going to be the Achilles heel going forward. Semis are no different. Can thank our tree huggers for this.
Actually the emissions systems on the trucks are not added just to save the environment and this is a very common misconception. Emission devices like DPFs are there to save your lungs. Diesel particulate matter is very carcinogenic (causes cancer) and has been proven to cause a wide array of respiratory issues. You may not see any immediate negative effects of breathing in black diesel soot, but the very fine particles attach themselves to your throat and lungs causing long term effects. Not only that, but it also costs the taxpayer and those with health insurance dearly since they(we) are the ones picking up the tab for those affected by particulate matter. Remember that the next time you see someone "rolling coal" around you. He not only is increasing your chances of lung cancer, but he is also costing you money by making you pay for those affected through higher health insurance payments or tax money going to elderly Medicare patients. ALl that just so he can look cool.
Also, the DEF system is actually the saving grace for the new diesels. Without the SCR/DEF system, these engines would have to rely solely on the EGR system to removes NOx. The EGR lowers NOx by introducing cooled exhaust gas back into the intake lowering combustions temps which is not ideal for a diesel to run at its peak efficiency and optimum performance which lowers the life of a diesels engine. Cooler combustion temps also creates more soot/particulate matter clogging DPF often. With the SCR/DEF system, the engine does not need to utilise the EGR as much to lower NOx since the SCR removes it by turning it into nitrogen and water vapor. This allows for diesel engine makers to increase the combustion temps and not having to dump cooler exhaust gases into the intake all the time which increases power and efficiency. The SCR/DEF systems are actually the saviour to modern diesels rather than the "achilles heel" that many mistake it for.
About Travel Trailer Group
44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 21, 2025