There is plenty of discussion about ‘DPF fitted diesel’. A DPF (exhaust filter) is a fitting that can be fitted to the majority of diesel vehicles.
It is used to remove harmful gases, including hydrocarbons from the lubricants and fuels, as well as water and sulfates that attach themselves to soot and form dangerous particles that are generated by exhaust fumes from diesel engines.
These harmful gases can be caused by a variety of factors, including inadequate maintenance or fuel quality, as well as poor driving habits that lead to poor combustion.
This filter, known as the DPF filter, is designed to trap these particles. It can then be regenerated through intense heat burning at high temperatures. Problems can occur when the regeneration process has not been completed and the filter becomes blocked.
Diesel particulate filter has been described as a complex and expensive component that needs to be replaced but in my experience is not true.
If monitored and diagnosed correctly, a replacement can be avoided.
DPF errors aren’t always an indication that the DPF is blocked.
What are the symptoms of obstruction of DPF?
There are a few signs that your DPF is getting blocked.
- Surging/poor performance.
- Excessive fuel consumption.
- Smoke Excessive – White, blue, black.
- Display of engine and/or DPF emissions light.
- It is difficult to start the engine.
- The engine runs rough.
- Unfeasible attempts to regenerate
What are regenerations?
The vehicle’s computer-embedded algorithms run regular renewals (burns). This procedure increases the temperature of the exhaust and ‘burns out’ the particles and soot inside the filter. When another component is failing to operate correctly It could cause an increase in the number of regenerations or even cease entirely until the issue is fixed. Excessive black smoke is emitted from the exhaust after regeneration. It’s normal and is not dangerous. Only smoke that blows continuously could indicate a problem. How can you minimize the risk of DPF failure/blockage Ensure that your mechanic is knowledgeable and experienced in diesel motors.
- Avoid Incorrect oils and missing services. Beware of driving with an issue in your vehicle (dash warning light). Do not use diesel that is of poor quality. Modify your car with care. I address DPF driving behaviors – decrease idle (increase rpm below load) and then lower the gear, particularly when crawling. Talk to your mechanic about any changes to your vehicle such as louder whistles, hissing sounds,s or jerking feelings while driving. This could result in the DPF not being regenerated.
Make use of ‘on-car intake/induction cleans’ only if are a mechanic. They could cause damage to DPFs and other important components. Diesel Help Australia can help you explain why you shouldn’t employ this method. DPF problems aren’t always the result of components failing.
A maintained DPF is capable of more than 200,000 miles before it is removed to ensure proper replacement or cleaning. What is the cost to pay for a DPF to be replaced or cleaned? A disclaimer first: DPF repairs must be made by a competent mechanic who has the right tools to reset or refit the DPF. After the initial problem has been identified, the DPF must be removed.
The best DPF cleaning companies should have a minimum of five years of cleaning success. They also can determine whether the DPF is in fact damaged inside the house.
A mechanic can examine the DPF on the vehicle to determine if it’s blocked. They are unable to confirm whether or not the DPF has melted or collapsed internally causing the blockage. A passenger vehicle’s average cost of cleaning is approximately $600.
Many vehicles are equipped with DPFs. Manufacturers change their designs quite regularly, so it is difficult to determine which brand of DPF is used on any one car brand. DPFs aren’t required to disclose who the manufacturer of DPF is, as they are considered the most controlled component of the motor vehicle’s emissions.