Diesel Particulate Filter cleaning solutions
My diesel SUV has just returned from the shop with a new DPF as the new one plugged up at 42,000 miles. This filter is plumbed right off the turbos and requires that a lot of the car is disassembled ...
Forum Discussion
OP here, thank you all for your feedback. I just returned from an 1,800 mile road trip with the SUV. Performance and fuel economy are good so, along with the repair, I'm assuming my DPF is clear. I also notice that the exhaust note is a little more pronounced. Since Mercedes deems not to share any DPF health information with their owners, these are the only parameters I have to judge whether my DPF is clogged.
I've done additional research on the subject. One third of Europe's cars are diesel and an entire industry has grown up around DPF clogging and remedies. I guess not so much in the USA as most of our diesels are trucks. I agree with the comments that a solvent based cleaner wouldn't work as it would flash off during the combustion process. There are many DPF cleaners in Europe that use Cerium Oxide as the active ingredient. This chemical serves as a catalyst and causes DPF soot to burn off at a lower temperature and keep the filter clean. All the chemical makers report it to be effective for city driving.
I've decided to give it a try and have ordered 5 cans of Liqui Moly DPF Protector from Amazon. This will be enough for a half year of driving. I've also committed to an hour's worth of 70+ MPH driving every other week. I will report back as to my thoughts.
I've done additional research on the subject. One third of Europe's cars are diesel and an entire industry has grown up around DPF clogging and remedies. I guess not so much in the USA as most of our diesels are trucks. I agree with the comments that a solvent based cleaner wouldn't work as it would flash off during the combustion process. There are many DPF cleaners in Europe that use Cerium Oxide as the active ingredient. This chemical serves as a catalyst and causes DPF soot to burn off at a lower temperature and keep the filter clean. All the chemical makers report it to be effective for city driving.
I've decided to give it a try and have ordered 5 cans of Liqui Moly DPF Protector from Amazon. This will be enough for a half year of driving. I've also committed to an hour's worth of 70+ MPH driving every other week. I will report back as to my thoughts.
