How To Know When Is The Right Time To Replace DPF

There’s plenty of discussion about diesel fitted with DPF. A DPF is an exhaust filter that is fitted to the majority of diesel vehicles.

It is used to remove harmful gases, such as hydrocarbons from fuel and lubricants, as well as water and sulfates that attach themselves to soot, forming dangerous particles that are generated by exhaust fumes from diesel engines.

The harmful gases can develop due to several causes – poor or incorrect maintenance, low-quality fuel, and poor driving habits resulting in poor combustion. The particles are absorbed by the DPF filter and can then be cleaned or regenerated via high-temperature burnings.

Problems may arise in the event that regeneration has not been completed and the filter becomes blocked. Diesel particulate filters have been described as costly, complicated components that require to be replaced. This isn’t true.

If you are properly maintained and monitored the possibility of replacement is reduced. A DPF fault in an engine’s computer doesn’t necessarily mean that the DPF is blocked.

What are the symptoms of DPF blockage?

You may notice the following symptoms when you suspect that your DPF is blocked.

• Surging/poor performance.
• Excessive fuel consumption. Smoke Excessive – Blue, White, and Black Displayed Engine or DPF Emissions lights. Difficulty starting engine Engine is running rough.
• Unsuccessful attempts at regeneration

What are the definitions of regeneration?

The vehicle’s embedded computer algorithms run periodic renewals (burns). This is a process in which the system increases the temperature of the exhaust, and then ‘burns off’ any particles that have built up within the filter. If a component is unable to function properly It could cause a surge in the number of regenerations, or even stop them altogether until the problem is fixed.

The exhaust will then emit excessive black smoke, as the result of regeneration. It’s normal, and is not dangerous. If smoke is constantly blowing does it mean an underlying problem requires immediate attention.

How can you reduce the chance of DPF blockage or failure?

• Make sure that your mechanic is aware of how to work with diesels.
• Avoid Missing services and incorrect oil.
• Beware of driving with a defect in your car (dash warning light).
• Avoid poor quality diesel fuel.

Modify your vehicle with care I deal with DPF driving behaviors – decrease idle (increase the rpm at a lower speed than load) and then lowering the gear, particularly when crawling.

Talk to your mechanic about any modifications to your car such as more raucous whistles, hissing sounds or a jerking sensation while driving.

Your DPF may not regenerate because of unusual driving habits. Even if your mechanic recommends that you do them, don’t use “on-vehicle intake/induction cleansings”. They can damage DPF’s and other important components. Diesel Help Australia can provide an explanation to your mechanic on why you should not employ this method. DPF faults can be caused by malfunctioning components

However, they do not always need replacement. A well-maintained DPF is capable of 200,000 + kms before removal to ensure proper replacement or cleaning. How much will it cost to replace or clean the DPF. Be conscious that DPF work must be performed by a qualified, experienced mechanic who has the right equipment to reset and refit the DPF.

Once the initial problem has been identified, the DPF must be taken off and either cleaned using a recommended cleaner or be cleaned by a DPF cleaning company. A reputable DPF cleaning company should have at minimum five years of cleaning experience.

They can also determine if the DPF is actually damaged internally. A mechanic may test the DPF on the vehicle to determine if it’s blocked, and they can at the same time test your egt sensors.
They cannot confirm if the DPF is collapsed or melted internally, causing the blockage. The average cost of cleaning a passenger car is $600 A lot of vehicles are fitted with DPFs. Manufacturers alter their designs often, making it difficult to determine which DPF brand is compatible with a specific car model.
DPFs are not required to reveal the name of the company that manufactures DPF is, since they are thought to be the most tightly controlled element of the motor vehicle’s emissions.