Group: System Maintenance

How do I know when my DPF needs to be cleaned?

Other than a dashboard indicator light, the most common indicators that a DPF needs to be serviced are reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption, frequent regenerations within a short time period and elevated exhaust temperatures.

Can a poorly maintained DPF damage my engine?

Yes. As a DPF loads with Diesel Particulate Matter (PM) and ash during normal operation, exhaust flow is restricted creating higher backpressure and temperatures. This can cause several conditions that often lead to expensive engine damage. Some of the engine failure modes caused by a restricted DPF are: Uncontrolled detonation. Burned valves. Cylinder head gasket failure. Turbo Failure EGR system failure Fuel contamination of the engine oil.

Can I run without a DPF?

It is illegal to tamper with or remove an emissions control device. If the DPF is removed your vehicle will not pass an opacity SAE J1667 Snap-Acceleration Smoke Test Procedure used for roadside inspections in most States. In Ontario diesel trucks are subjected to a more comprehensive and accurate exhaust gas analysis to meet emissions standards. Your truck will not pass the emissions test with the DPF removed. The fines vary for each province and state. In Ontario the fine is approximately $500 and in some states fines can be thousands of dollars per offence. If you run in California, it’s important to know that fines can run as high as $10,000 per day per offence.