Interesting Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Experience

[Goose55]

I've been wanting to post about this for some time. Had a interesting, recent DPF experience with my 2019 3500, which has almost 31K on it now. I live in a rural area, and on a 110 mile trip to north Phoenix, my instrument cluster suddenly messaged before me: "DPF Full. See Dealership." When that happened I was only about 40 miles into the 110 mile destination, so I continued to drive normally. No dealerships were nearby. I reached my appointment and afterwards, as I was nearing where my dealership is, the DPF cleared. It's been more than a month now and that message, "DPF Full. See Dealership," has never reoccurred.

Anyone else had an experience like this, where you got that message: "DPF Full. See Dealership," the DPF cleared and that message did not reoccur?

Does it mean that the life of the DPF is nearing it's end??

 

[Burla]

I've been wanting to post about this for some time. Had a interesting, recent DPF experience with my 2019 3500, which has almost 31K on it now. I live in a rural area, and on a 110 mile trip to north Phoenix, my instrument cluster suddenly messaged before me: "DPF Full. See Dealership." When that happened I was only about 40 miles into the 110 mile destination, so I continued to drive normally. No dealerships were nearby. I reached my appointment and afterwards, as I was nearing where my dealership is, the DPF cleared. It's been more than a month now and that message, "DPF Full. See Dealership," has never reoccurred.

Anyone else had an experience like this, where you got that message: "DPF Full. See Dealership," the DPF cleared and that message did not reoccur?

Does it mean that the life of the DPF is nearing it's end??

It is a maintenance item, not unlike an oil filter, just a little more expensive. Probably a sensor is reading g the flow, a guess on my part, and it is reading a lot of restriction. There are ways to clean this item, search the YouTubers.

 

[Goose55]

It is a maintenance item, not unlike an oil filter, just a little more expensive. Probably a sensor is reading g the flow, a guess on my part, and it is reading a lot of restriction. There are ways to clean this item, search the YouTubers.

Thank you. You say there are ways to clean it. But what way is best? A new Cummins DPF is $2K plus installation

 

[Burla]

Its a little early for you, not a lot of freeway miles? It looks like you can regenerate as well. I got rid of my cummins and it was pre DPF, so I have not performed this.

Disassemby and Cleaning DPF Yourself in Great Detail - Ford GM Ram

Cleaning your own DPF may seem like a daunting task, but once you understand the pieces and know how to disassemble them, it's not so scary. I show how to d...

youtu.be

 

[Burla]

see additive here

How to clean your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) without removal - with JLM DPF Cleaner

#dpfcleaning #dieselfilter If the dreaded DPF warning light is flashing on your dashboard - don't despair, there's a good chance you don't need to remove you...

youtu.be

 

[Goose55]

Its a little early for you, not a lot of freeway miles? It looks like you can regenerate as well. I got rid of my cummins and it was pre DPF, so I have not performed this.

Disassemby and Cleaning DPF Yourself in Great Detail - Ford GM Ram

Cleaning your own DPF may seem like a daunting task, but once you understand the pieces and know how to disassemble them, it's not so scary. I show how to d...

youtu.be

I'm older and we don't have medical specialists here, so I drive most of my highway miles to see specialists, 180 miles round trip. Sometimes I have more than one trip a month; sometimes I don't go for two months or so. Some folk ask me "What do you tow?" And I say "Nothing. I just use it to go to the Post Office." When I was a kid I liked muscle cars and now that I'm old I like muscle trucks

So, yeah, not a lot of freeway miles. I wonder if that JLM DPF Cleaner really works, and/ or could it harm the engine?

 

[Goose55]

Its a little early for you, not a lot of freeway miles? It looks like you can regenerate as well. I got rid of my cummins and it was pre DPF, so I have not performed this.

Disassemby and Cleaning DPF Yourself in Great Detail - Ford GM Ram

Cleaning your own DPF may seem like a daunting task, but once you understand the pieces and know how to disassemble them, it's not so scary. I show how to d...

youtu.be

I watched most of that vid. How many folk would be capable of that? Searching for someone who is AND could do it right would take a lot of effort.

Seems to me that since the dealership mechanics are most familiar with all this, that it's another job for them. I guess when my DPF DOES need replacement, they would also be sure to clean any other components.

 

[Burla]

I'm older and we don't have medical specialists here, so I drive most of my highway miles to see specialists, 180 miles round trip. Sometimes I have more than one trip a month; sometimes I don't go for two months or so. Some folk ask me "What do you tow?" And I say "Nothing. I just use it to go to the Post Office." When I was a kid I liked muscle cars and now that I'm old I like muscle trucks

So, yeah, not a lot of freeway miles. I wonder if that JLM DPF Cleaner really works, and/ or could it harm the engine?

So that is why it failed early or is gummed up, a lot of short trips bad for all the goodies in exhaust.

Research Fuel Borne Catalysts which is what are in DPF cleaners, "from what I hear" they are both safe and they work. Check youtubes, I have seen garages run these and it clears the code, it would be best used on one of your long trips.

 

[Burla]

I watched most of that vid. How many folk would be capable of that? Searching for someone who is AND could do it right would take a lot of effort.

Seems to me that since the dealership mechanics are most familiar with all this, that it's another job for them. I guess when my DPF DOES need replacement, they would also be sure to clean any other components.

well, it's your truck now, I'd say probably over 50% of Cummins owners would not buy these trucks if they new everything, EGR coolers and dpf for a start. If you don't fix it you can lose your engine bud, no joke. DPF can take out your turbo, 25k later you would be pissed.

 

[Burla]

Yes, a blocked or failing Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) can indeed lead to turbocharger failure, primarily due to increased back pressure and exhaust gas temperatures, potentially causing damage to the turbo's internal components.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• How a Blocked DPF Affects the Turbo:
  • Increased Back Pressure: A clogged DPF restricts the flow of exhaust gases, leading to a buildup of pressure behind the turbocharger.
    
    
  • Higher Exhaust Gas Temperatures: This back pressure forces the exhaust gases to work harder, resulting in higher temperatures, which can damage the turbo's internal components.
    
    
  • Oil Degradation: The high temperatures can cause the oil to degrade and carbonize, leading to reduced lubrication and potential bearing failure.
    
    
  • Exhaust Gas Leaks: In extreme cases, the back pressure can force exhaust gases through seals and clearances within the turbocharger, leading to oil leaks and further damage.
    
• Signs of DPF-Related Turbo Failure:
  • Discoloration of turbocharger core: Evidence of heat transfer from the turbine side to the core assembly.
    
    
  • Carbon build-up: Carbon deposits within the VNT mechanism and lever arms, indicating a blocked DPF.
    
    
  • Oil leaks: Oil leaks into the compressor housing due to exhaust gas forcing its way through the seals.
    
    
  • Reduced turbo efficiency: The turbo may struggle to provide sufficient boost pressure due to the DPF restriction.
    
    
  • Fault codes: Exhaust pressure control, EGR, DPF regeneration, and/or turbo boost control related codes may be triggered.
    
• Preventing DPF-Related Turbo Failure:
  • Regular DPF Maintenance: Ensure the DPF is properly maintained and regenerated to prevent excessive soot buildup.
    
    
  • High-Quality Fuel and Oil: Use good quality fuel and oil to prevent varnish buildup and ensure proper lubrication.
    
    
  • Identify and Address DPF Issues: If you suspect a DPF problem, have it inspected and addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the turbocharger.

 

[Burla]

Good luck ram brother, that's about all I got on this issue.

Taking it to dealer not a bad strategy.

 

[Burla]

I'd ask what they want for EGR cleaning, if dpf is clogged perhaps the same issue truck being used for shorter trips gonna effect EGR as well. Look up Dave's mechanic YouTube and EGR cleaning and EGR deletes.

 

[Goose55]

see additive here

How to clean your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) without removal - with JLM DPF Cleaner

#dpfcleaning #dieselfilter If the dreaded DPF warning light is flashing on your dashboard - don't despair, there's a good chance you don't need to remove you...

youtu.be

I heard that fellow say he tried all kinds of cleaners--even ones that burned his skin, to no avail. And if that same cleaner is diluted in diesel fuel, how could it work? He said only a 2000 psi pressure washer will work.

I've been looking to find reviews on the JLM Cleaner. Since you posted that product, I assume you have had had success with it, or know of success stories?

 

[Burla]

No, I just posted that for the process, I have no experience, just showing how they work. Check amazon reviews, I'm sure good ones rise to the top and clear codes. My Cummins = no dpf, not even def or EGR cooler. I had HO>

 

[crash68]

Anyone else had an experience like this, where you got that message: "DPF Full. See Dealership," the DPF cleared and that message did not reoccur?

Does it mean that the life of the DPF is nearing it's end??

Given that it sounds like the "DPF Full" message popped up sorta suddenly and out of the blue, I would suspect that the DPF pressure sensor may have glitched or might be flaky.
As for the life of the DPF, if you were closer to 300K miles it could be coming to end of life. Not to say that a DPF can go bad before then but there's more likely something else causing an early DPF failure.

 

[Burla]

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) failure can occur prematurely due to various factors, including short trips, high idle times, issues with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, incorrect oil usage, and even faulty fuel injectors or turbochargers, leading to soot buildup and blockage.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the common causes:

1. Driving Habits:

• Short Trips and Low-Speed Driving:
  These conditions prevent the engine from reaching the necessary temperatures for efficient DPF regeneration, leading to soot buildup and potential blockage.
• High Idle Times:
  Extended idling causes increased soot production, which can overwhelm the DPF and lead to premature clogging.
  

2. System Issues:

• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Problems:
  A malfunctioning EGR valve can lead to incomplete combustion and increased soot production, contributing to DPF clogging.
  
  
• Faulty Fuel Injectors:
  Leaky or malfunctioning fuel injectors can cause excessive fuel to enter the combustion chamber, leading to increased soot and DPF blockage.
  
  
• Turbocharger Failure:
  A failing turbocharger can cause oil leakage, which can contaminate the DPF and lead to blockage.
  
  
• DPF Sensor Failure:
  Faulty sensors can misread soot levels, triggering unnecessary or ineffective regeneration cycles, ultimately causing the DPF to clog.
  

3. Maintenance Issues:

• Incorrect Oil Usage:
  Using the wrong type of engine oil, especially oils with high ash content, can lead to DPF issues.
  
  
• Poor Servicing:
  Neglecting regular maintenance, such as oil changes and filter replacements, can contribute to soot buildup and DPF problems.
  
  
• Low-Quality Fuel:
  Using poor quality fuel can lead to incomplete combustion and increased soot production, potentially damaging the DPF.
  

4. Other Factors:

• Age and Mileage:
  As vehicles age and accumulate mileage, DPFs are more prone to failure due to wear and tear.
  
  
• Performance Modifications:
  Modifying a vehicle's performance can strain the DPF and potentially lead to premature failure.
  
  
• Intercooler Pipes/Hoses:
  Leaks or damage to intercooler pipes/hoses can cause oil to enter the DPF, leading to blockage.
  
  
• Residues in the Exhaust Gas Recirculation System:
  Carbon dust inside the exhaust gasses clogs up the EGR system, reducing the movement of EGR valve, which can lead to a DPF becoming clogged.

 

[Grams]

Goose55… I agree with those who mention that short trips will load-up your DPF …and that 100 miles on the Interstate will help to clear it.

ALSO: if you’re not already… then start using your Exhaust Brake REGULARLY / All the time…. That wil help keep your turbo actuators clean also.

 

[Goose55]

Goose55… I agree with those who mention that short trips will load-up your DPF …and that 100 miles on the Interstate will help to clear it.

ALSO: if you’re not already… then start using your Exhaust Brake REGULARLY / All the time…. That wil help keep your turbo actuators clean also.

Thanks, Grams.

I do use the exhaust brake often, especially when I'm just going around town. I also gear down in the low speed limit areas, to keep the RPM up. If the engine is not up to operating temp, if I stop at Circle K, I leave it on high idle rather than shutting it down.

 

[18CrewDually]

A competent person with a good scan tool or atleast Alfaobd, needs to check DPF load % and verify. From there I'd probably do a stationary regen cleaning. Once done the percentage should be way down and you'll be good to go.

 

[Goose55]

So that is why it failed early or is gummed up, a lot of short trips bad for all the goodies in exhaust.

Research Fuel Borne Catalysts which is what are in DPF cleaners, "from what I hear" they are both safe and they work. Check youtubes, I have seen garages run these and it clears the code, it would be best used on one of your long trips.

I found this company that formulates it. They have 3 different products: CDTi https://cdti.com/products/fuel-borne-catalysts/