DPF Cleaning Off The Truck?
The purpose of this topic is to discuss the DPF's used on our Light Duty Diesel trucks, and hopefully to educate and prepare owners (myself included) for the eventual replacement or off-vehicle cleaning of them.
I'm by no means an authority on this topic, which is why I'm trying to learn as much as I can about them. On a topic in another forum, this subject was touched on, but I think a new topic in this forum would be a more appropriate place for this discussion.
Some of the things I've read in my research of this subject are below. I think this is all factual, but if you know different, feel free to speak up:
1- Unlike the DPF's used on Heavy Duty Diesel trucks, as far as I can tell the DPF's used on LD Diesel trucks since 2008 are not designed to be serviceable (cleaned) off the truck. If the DPF is not functioning as it should, it gets replaced by the OEM service departments, and they aren't cheap.
2- Our DPF's are expected to last X number of miles. I've heard numbers like 100K-150K miles, but I have no confirmation of this. I've also read that the type of miles (grocery getter vs. loaded heavy) make a difference, as does the amount of idling the engine does. The DPF's are part of the emissions reduction system, and are covered by a warranty that has it's own terms as far as how many years/miles it is covered. The purpose of this topic isn't really to discuss warranty terms. I think we can all agree that up to a point in time they are covered, after that point they are not.
3- For a few years, LD Diesel trucks (like mine) had DPF's, but did not use DEF. Starting in 2011 as far as I know, all Diesel powered trucks in the US have DPF's and use DEF. The use of DEF appears to mean fewer regen's for the same number of miles when compared to the non-DEF Diesels. This may be due to the fact that the DEF Diesels rely less on EGR to reduce oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust than the non-DEF Diesels. I would think that would mean that the DPF behind a DEF Diesel would last longer than a DPF in a truck that does not use DEF. I don't think that means a DEF Diesel will NEVER need to have the DPF cleaned, however. HD Diesel trucks also use DEF, and are cleaning the DPF's when needed.
4- The exhaust component that has the DPF in it on my truck also includes a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) section ahead of it. No provision was made in it's design to allow the separation of the DPF from the DOC for off-vehicle cleaning. I believe all of the LD Diesel DPF's are of similar design, though the catalyst section since 2011 appears to be multiple catalysts, one of which reacts with the DEF and causes a reduction in the Oxides of Nitrogen in the exhaust. In all systems, the DPF's purpose is to filter the soot particulates from the exhaust.
5- The "Cleaning" process that happens while the truck is running is not really a cleaning, it's a regeneration accomplished by raising the internal temperature inside the DPF until the soot ignites and burns off. The only way to "clean" the DPF is to take it off the truck, and use a machine designed to clean DPF's.
6- In the HD Diesel truck world, miles accumulate much quicker than the vast majority of LD Diesels, so DPF cleaning is becoming more common on HD trucks, and the number of facilities that can clean DPF's are becoming more numerous.
7- I've recently learned that there are a few companies that are making it possible to clean the LD DPF's by separating the DPF section from the catalyst section by cutting, and welding flanges on at the joint so they can be reassembled using a gasket. The DPF section can then be cleaned just like the HD DPF's.
Well, now you know what I think I know about this, but what I don't know is what don't I know? :B
On the "RVing in Mexico and South America" forum in a topic discussing the availability of ULSD in Mexico and the effects of LSD on DPF's and regens, forum member Tequila posted:
Another member asked a question about the suitability of the replacement parts available from the above sources, and I answered with what I believe can be assumed from their website.
I would like to hear what other LD Diesel truck owners know, or have experienced with their trucks DPF's, particularly if they have had their DPF cleaned, or know of anyone who has.
Please don't hijack this with discussions about deletes and tuners. :D
:):)
I'm by no means an authority on this topic, which is why I'm trying to learn as much as I can about them. On a topic in another forum, this subject was touched on, but I think a new topic in this forum would be a more appropriate place for this discussion.
Some of the things I've read in my research of this subject are below. I think this is all factual, but if you know different, feel free to speak up:
1- Unlike the DPF's used on Heavy Duty Diesel trucks, as far as I can tell the DPF's used on LD Diesel trucks since 2008 are not designed to be serviceable (cleaned) off the truck. If the DPF is not functioning as it should, it gets replaced by the OEM service departments, and they aren't cheap.
2- Our DPF's are expected to last X number of miles. I've heard numbers like 100K-150K miles, but I have no confirmation of this. I've also read that the type of miles (grocery getter vs. loaded heavy) make a difference, as does the amount of idling the engine does. The DPF's are part of the emissions reduction system, and are covered by a warranty that has it's own terms as far as how many years/miles it is covered. The purpose of this topic isn't really to discuss warranty terms. I think we can all agree that up to a point in time they are covered, after that point they are not.
3- For a few years, LD Diesel trucks (like mine) had DPF's, but did not use DEF. Starting in 2011 as far as I know, all Diesel powered trucks in the US have DPF's and use DEF. The use of DEF appears to mean fewer regen's for the same number of miles when compared to the non-DEF Diesels. This may be due to the fact that the DEF Diesels rely less on EGR to reduce oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust than the non-DEF Diesels. I would think that would mean that the DPF behind a DEF Diesel would last longer than a DPF in a truck that does not use DEF. I don't think that means a DEF Diesel will NEVER need to have the DPF cleaned, however. HD Diesel trucks also use DEF, and are cleaning the DPF's when needed.
4- The exhaust component that has the DPF in it on my truck also includes a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) section ahead of it. No provision was made in it's design to allow the separation of the DPF from the DOC for off-vehicle cleaning. I believe all of the LD Diesel DPF's are of similar design, though the catalyst section since 2011 appears to be multiple catalysts, one of which reacts with the DEF and causes a reduction in the Oxides of Nitrogen in the exhaust. In all systems, the DPF's purpose is to filter the soot particulates from the exhaust.
5- The "Cleaning" process that happens while the truck is running is not really a cleaning, it's a regeneration accomplished by raising the internal temperature inside the DPF until the soot ignites and burns off. The only way to "clean" the DPF is to take it off the truck, and use a machine designed to clean DPF's.
6- In the HD Diesel truck world, miles accumulate much quicker than the vast majority of LD Diesels, so DPF cleaning is becoming more common on HD trucks, and the number of facilities that can clean DPF's are becoming more numerous.
7- I've recently learned that there are a few companies that are making it possible to clean the LD DPF's by separating the DPF section from the catalyst section by cutting, and welding flanges on at the joint so they can be reassembled using a gasket. The DPF section can then be cleaned just like the HD DPF's.
Well, now you know what I think I know about this, but what I don't know is what don't I know? :B
On the "RVing in Mexico and South America" forum in a topic discussing the availability of ULSD in Mexico and the effects of LSD on DPF's and regens, forum member Tequila posted:
Tequila wrote:
It would be interesting to hear from Dodge & Ford owners how frequent regens are. In the meantime there is a company in my area that can clean them apparently. They also sell replacement ones that can be cleaned easily.
http://reflowsolutions.com/
Same one is also available at http://www.bcdiesel.ca/en/dpf-service-kits
They run about $1500 Can or $1200 US. A lot cheaper than $5000 and cleanable. Once you've purchased the unit from Canada, it looks like CDS is their authorized US agent to clean them http://cleandieselspecialists.com/
Ed it may be worth phoning these guys and talking to them. They can probably confirm a lot of your info.
Here is what they say on their website:
Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) Service Kit gives Light Duty Diesel owners the option to clean their DPF instead of replacing it with a pricey OEM dealer unit. Most light duty Diesel Particulate Filters are not designed to be serviced like the more common heavy-duty diesel industry cartridge style DPFs. With the sealed light duty DPFs once the problematic onboard self-cleaning system (regen) is unable to thoroughly self-clean a clogged filter it quickly becomes the primary source of poor fuel economy, costly breakdowns and diesel engine failure.
Re-Flow Solutions unique flanged DPF design offers a long-term solution to reoccurring regeneration and problematic plugged DPFs. Installing serviceable DPF will allow easy removal of the DPF's core which can then be cleaned and serviced. Using Re-flow's latest industry cleaning technologies and equipment we are able to restore a DPF to like new condition potentially saving the consumer thousands of dollars in factory replacement costs, repairs and downtime. Read More about DPF Cleaning at www.ReFlowSolutions.com
Diesel engines left to idle for long periods of time or driven for only short distances will quickly plug a Diesel Particulate Filter. Poor maintenance, bad fuel, oil or coolant in the exhaust are also common causes of increasing regeneration cycles and clogged DPF’s.
Due to the high cost of the precious metals required to manufacture Diesel Particulate Filters a non-serviceable plugged DPF becomes high value scrap metal and the reason a factory replacement costs on averages $2000-$5000. Don’t scrap your precious metals... clean them with Re-Flow Solutions!
Initial Purchase is Half The Cost of Factory Replacements
Improved Reliability & Fuel Economy
Reduced Regeneration Cycles
Environmentally Friendly Waste Disposal
Wide Steal Flange Design
Easy Bolt-in Installation, No Fabrication Required
Utilizes Factory Sensor Locations
Manufactured Parts Stay on Vehicle
DPF Can Now Be Serviced For Life of The Vehicle
Another member asked a question about the suitability of the replacement parts available from the above sources, and I answered with what I believe can be assumed from their website.
NRALIFR wrote:moisheh wrote:
I wonder if that DPF is EPA or Carb approved? No sense in spending $$ for a DPF if it does not work as well as the OEM unit. BUT if it does work that may be a low cost solution.
Moisheh
The DPF's for Light Duty trucks (Modular DPF's) are refurbished OEM units that have been modified to be serviceable. Clue: there is a $300 core charge on them.
Tequila, I'm glad you posted that info, as I had recently found all that myself and had intended to post them on an appropriate topic or start my own. Like most 2008-2010 light duty Diesel trucks, mine has a DPF, but does not use DEF. If/When I'm faced with either replacing or cleaning my DPF, I'm going to give cleaning it a try. The cost is about $800, plus about $250 for the service kit (adds flanges and gaskets so it can be taken apart) plus the labor cost of removing and replacing the DPF.
DPF cleaning is done routinely on heavy-duty Diesel trucks and that includes the 2011 and up trucks that use DEF. The big trucks have an advantage: their DPF's are designed to be serviced, meaning they can removed and separated easily from the catalyst section. Ours are designed to be replaced, probably to save manufacturing cost. The OEM fix for a Light Duty Diesel DPF that needs cleaning is to replace the DPF and catalyst as an assembly.
I've talked to the local shop that has one of the Enviromotive DPF cleaning machines, and they told me that they have cleaned a few Light Duty Diesel DPF's. They also said that if you aren't going to hang on to the truck for a long time, you don't HAVE to buy the service kit. They can separate the DPF from the catalyst, clean the DPF, then weld it back together. You probably won't be able to do that more that once though.
If your truck has a DPF, it will eventually need to be removed and cleaned, or replaced. If your truck has some warranty left, you may be in luck. If not, you'll probably be wondering if there is a cheaper alternative to replacing the entire thing.
:):)
I would like to hear what other LD Diesel truck owners know, or have experienced with their trucks DPF's, particularly if they have had their DPF cleaned, or know of anyone who has.
Please don't hijack this with discussions about deletes and tuners. :D
:):)
