REDUCE IDLING Even at low engine speeds particulates are emitted by your engine, so keeping your engine ticking over when you're parked or not moving can clog your filter quicker, because DPF regeneration cannot occur at idle.
The easiest and cheapest method of DPF filter cleaning is by driving the vehicle for a long-distance at high revs per minute. Doing this increases the heat of the exhaust and burns the soot blocking the DPF filter. It's best to drive on a motorway or A road where you can keep the vehicle at a consistent speed.
If this happens, just carry on driving, keeping your engine speed above 2,000 revolutions per minute and shifting down if necessary. The filter-cleaning process will start - and we recommend you don't stop the journey or switch off the engine until it's finished.
The ravages of idling can result in significant mechanical degradation and excessive fuel consumption. Many crucial components of the engine, such as the Engine Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) filter, can be damaged while the vehicle is idle.
So what's the answer? Your DPF regenerates because of excessive exhaust soot overwhelming the DPF. Exhaust soot is the product of incomplete combustion, the soot is actually partially burned fuel. Soot creates back pressure and the regeneration is triggered and your headaches begin.
So it is advised that drivers regularly give their diesel vehicle a good 30 to 50 minute run at sustained speed on a motorway or A-road to help clear the filter.
Diesel high idle keeps the oil pressure up to ensure that it's properly circulating and lubricating the engine. It's important for the oil pressure to be kept up to ensure that it's properly circulating and lubricating the engine. High idle can help with this.
Idling the engine is a protection for the engine. If the truck has come straight off the road it might have been doing heavy work. Heavy work builds up heat in the engine, of course, and that heat hangs around in all the heavy metal stuff. The pistons, the block, crankshaft and head, etc.
A typical large-scale diesel generator set can run continuously for 24 hours or more, with refueling typically required after 8-12 hours of continuous operation. However, the actual running time will depend on the size of the generator set, the load it is supplying, and the fuel tank capacity.
You should consult the handbook for your vehicle for more specific guidance on how you should drive to initiate regeneration of the DPF and clear the warning light. Nevertheless, a general rule of thumb to follow is that you should run the engine at least 40 mph and at least 2500 rpm.
To make sure that the regeneration takes place, most manufacturers suggest that every few hundred miles, the car is driven for a period of more than 15 minutes at a consistent speed of more than 40mph. Doing this should kick-start regeneration and clear the filter.
Most DPFs will automatically clear as they're used but on rare occasions, in specific circumstances, they may get blocked and require manual cleaning. In normal use, a DPF cleans or regenerates itself by reaching a sufficient temperature to burn off the excess soot.
Allow Time to Warm Up the Engine
In order to start a diesel engine and keep it running in cold weather, you must make sure you allow plenty of time for your engine to warm up. If you do not let your engine warm up before driving, you will make it work harder than necessary, which will lead to problems later on.
To summarize, all engines with a cooling system need a cool down after long sustained full load. This means everyone towing or running fully loaded. Once you shut the engine off, the engine cooling system will continue to get hotter before it cools down.
Idling uses up to ½ gallon of fuel per hour (although it varies depending on the type and size of the engine). It may not seem like much, but idling for a few minutes everyday can cost you several dollars per week.
Myth: Diesel engines need to warm up at idle for 5 to 10 minutes or more especially on cold days before driving them. Fact: This is one of the most common myths about diesel engines. Most engine manufacturers recommend that newer diesel engines idle for no more than 3 minutes before driving.
Idling a diesel engine does not save you money on fuel. Matter of fact, depending on the size of your fleet, you could be wasting thousands of dollars every month. The average heavy duty diesel engine burns around . 8 gallons of fuel per hour.
Idle the engine at 900 RPM to 1200 RPM.
This ensures the oil has sufficient pressure to reach the top of the heads in the engine.
Alter your driving habits
Do your research and find out how many miles you need to drive, and at what speed, to initiate the regeneration process and allow it sufficient time to complete. This will prevent any build-up of soot and particulates in the filter and extends the life-expectancy of your DPF.
Active regeneration will be initiated every 300 miles or so depending on how you use your car and will take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. But it's a problem if your journey's too short and the regeneration doesn't finish.
A blocked DPF or obstructed exhaust will force your engine to work harder to expel exhaust gases, reducing available power and increasing fuel consumption.