There’s a lot of talk about ‘DPF fitted diesel’. An exhaust filter that is installed on the majority of diesel vehicles of late models is known as DPF. It’s used to remove harmful gases like hydrocarbons and lubricants from fuels and lubricants and water as well as sulfates, which attach to soot and form harmful particles from exhaust fumes from diesel engines.
These harmful gases may result from a number of contributing factors: improper or inadequate servicing, low-quality fuel, or poor driving habits which lead to poor combustion. These particles are captured by the DPF filter, and then cleaned or regenerated via high-temperature burnings.
Problems occur due to the failure of regeneration or the filter gets clogged. Diesel particulate filters are often described as costly, complicated components that require to be replaced. This isn’t true. If you’re properly maintained and monitored, a replacement can be avoided.
When a DPF error occurs in the engine’s computer If a DPF fault is detected, it DOES not necessarily mean that it means that the DPF is blocked.
What are the signs of blocked DPF
The following symptoms could be present when your DPF is blocked or requires maintenance.
- Surging/poor performance.
- Excessive fuel consumption.
- Smoking excessively blue, black, or white.
- Engine and/or DPF emission lights are displayed.
- It is difficult to start the engine.
- Engine running rough.
- Inability to regenerate.
What are Regenerations?
The computer-integrated algorithms of the vehicle perform periodic regenerations (burns) which is a procedure that increases the temperature in the exhaust and ‘burns away the soot and particles collected in the filter. If a component fails to function correctly, it can increase the frequency of regenerations or stop them altogether until the issue is resolved. Smoke that is black and excessively emitted in the exhaust following regeneration. This isn’t harmful. It’s an indication of something wrong when smoke blows constantly.
How can you reduce the risk of DPF blockage or failure?
Make sure your mechanic is experienced and well-versed in diesel engines. Avoid missing or incorrect oils
Beware of driving while you have a fault in your car (dash warning light). Do not use diesel that is of poor quality. Modify your car with the care I address DPF driving habits – reduce idle (increase rpm below load), drop down the gear, particularly when crawling. The mechanic you hire should be able to identify any changes in your vehicle, for example, louder whistles or hissing noises when driving. These changes could cause your DPF to stop regenerating.
You should avoid using “on car intake/induction cleaners” even the recommendation of your mechanic these products. They could cause damage to DPFs or other components that are important. Diesel Help Australia can be contacted by your mechanic to explain why this is not recommended. Failures of component components that contribute to DPF faults do not necessarily indicate that the DPF needs to be replaced. Maintained DPFs can cover 200,000+ km before they require to be taken out for proper cleaning or replacement.
How much does it cost to pay for a DPF to be replaced or cleaned?
First, a warning: DPF work MUST be carried out by an experienced certified mechanic who has the correct equipment to refit and reset the DPF. Once the initial fault has been confirmed, the DPF needs to be removed.
An excellent DPF cleaning service must have at least five years of experience in cleaning. It is also possible to determine whether the DPF is actually damaged internally.
A mechanic may examine the DPF on the vehicle to determine if it’s blocked. It is impossible to discern whether the DPF has become melted or collapsed inside, causing the blockage. A passenger vehicle’s average cost of cleaning is approximately $600. DPF-equipped vehicles are available in a variety of configurations.
Manufacturers change their designs quite regularly, so it is difficult to determine which brand of DPF is used on any one car brand. Since the DPF is the most tightly regulated component of motor vehicles, it will not disclose who the DPF manufacturer might be.