DPF Maintenance

How a Diesel Particulate Filter works?

Treat the problem, not the symptoms

A typical DPF is constructed so that the exhaust gases enter a cell, which is plugged at the far end. The gasses are able to escape through the sidewall of these cells, leaving behind solid particulate matter in the form of residual soot and ash.

Through the regeneration process the soot is regularly burnt off and turned into ash. Over time these ash levels build up and eventually (typically over 60K – 80k miles+) the filter becomes blocked.

Some filters can become blocked much sooner if regeneration fails and ash bridging occurs, blocking off the cells prematurely.

The only way to clear the ash (and any excess soot that cannot be burnt off through regeneration) is to remove the DPF from the vehicle and clean the DPF cells in the opposite way to the exhaust flow.

DPF MAINTENANCE

Passive DPF regeneration is designed to take place automatically on main roads at higher speeds, when the exhaust temperatures are high

Passive Regeneration

When the ECU calculates soot loading in the DPF to be typically 45%+ the dashboard DPF symbols lights up Carry out and active regeneration as per owners manual

Active Regeneration

To help clear excess soot from the DPF, chemical additives are available. These normally work by reducing the regeneration temperature and only clear soot, not the ash

Assisted Regeneration

If the diagnostic checks show no mechanical, or electronic failure, then a forced regeneration will need to be carried out to try and reduce soot levels within the DPF

Forced Regeneration

Continued and increasing frequency active regenerations may be down to urban driving style, or a vehicle fault. A full test and diagnosis is required to eliminate any potential mechanical or electronic problems

Professional Diagnosis

Soot is combustible and can be burnt off, leaving ash as a by product. Ash, by definition is incombustible and must be removed from the DPF through an off-vehicle cleaning process

Soot -v- Ash

Excessive regeneration attempts is indicative of other problems Always refer to a garage or professional mechanic Oil dilution will occur during regeneration, which may increase oil change frequency

Owner Beware

If soot levels are excessively high, or there is high ash content then forced regeneration will not work Continued attempts may cause damage to the engine, if the backpressure is too high

Garage Tip

Passive regeneration requires no specific action from owner, other than trying to build into their journey plans some regular higher speed extra-urban journeys Ask for low-sulphur oil during routine servicing

Owner Action

To help clear excess soot from the DPF, chemical additives are available. These normally work by reducing the regeneration temperature and only clear soot, not the ash

OFF VEHICLE CLEANING

DPF Specialists combine detailed diagnostic with assisted regeneration. This has a much better chance of clearing soot, rather than shop brought DIY miracle cures

Professional Solutions

Professional off-vehicle cleaning is a highly sophisticated process that safely cleans and restores the DPF filter by aqueous backwashing, drying and testing, combined with advanced diagnostics

Cleaning Process

If the DPF soot levels are excessively high and/or the vehicle mileage is +80,000 then its highly likely that’s the ash levels are high too. The best solution is for the a professional clean off-vehicle.

Garage Tips

Off-vehicle cleaning is 98%+ successful in restoring the filter to virtually new condition Professional off-vehicle cleaning centres typically guarantee the clean for 12 months guarantee

Cleaning Success

Emissions from forced regenerations are harmful and must be completed away from public areas Static regeneration’s could be in violation of the Clean Air Act

Garage Beware

It’s highly likely a blocked DPF can be fully cleaned and restored However, if the DPF has a damaged or broken core, then the filter must be replaced

Replacement DPF

DPFXPERT:
Customized solution for your DPF Needs