11/23/2020
Did you miss Maintenance Matters yesterday morning? Homer Hogg has you covered with his favorite caller question from the episode.
Question:
Why does my engine diesel particulate filter (DPF) system require frequent regenerations and cleanings? I must idle the vehicle at night because I do not have an APU.
Answer:
The engine needs the heat of combustion in order to heat up the exhaust to a temperature high enough to initiate a DPF regeneration. If the engine has high idle times or is operated in the city or in any mode where the engine cannot get and hold enough heat to clean the DPF, the light will come on and a regen will be required. This will require the operator to change the way the vehicle is operated or stop and perform a regen. If that does not work, the vehicle will need to come in for service, which will likely include removing and cleaning or replacing the DPF filter or filters. If there is a mechanical defect such as a loose intake clamp or clogged air filter, the amount of black soot will increase in the exhaust requiring frequent regens and frequent DPF cleaning.
Have more maintenance questions? Tune into Maintenance Matters, the first and third Thursday of the month at 8 a.m. ET on the Dave Nemo Show, Road Dog Trucking Radio, SiriusXM channel 146.
