Lately, there has plenty of discussion regarding the EPA emissions requirements for on-highway diesel engines. The use of a pollution control device called a diesel particulate filter or DPF is one way to reduce diesel engine pollution emitted from buses, heavy-duty trucks, tractor-trailer rigs and on-highway trucks. 
What is a Diesel Particulate Filter?
Diesel Particulate Filter or DPF for short, is a filter designed to remove particulate and soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. All on-highway diesel engines sold as 2007 model or newer must have a Diesel Particulate Filter installed.
How does the DPF function?
Every on-highway truck that has a DPF installed also has regeneration light on the dashboard. As long as the truck is going faster than 20 mph when the filter gets full, the engine will do an automatic regeneration and burn off the collected particulate. What is left in the filter is a small amount of soot or ash, similar to the ash in a fireplace. If the truck sits at idle for long periods then the light on the dash will come on, alerting the driver to perform a manual regeneration.
The more ash collected in the filter, the less time required between regeneration intervals. As the diesel particulate filter becomes clogged, the diesel engine will begin losing power. Warning lights will alert the driver and if the driver does not get the filter cleaned the engine will shut off completely.
How much is a new Diesel Particulate Filter?
The cost for a new Diesel Particulate Filter varies between $5,000 and $10,000.
Can a DPF be cleaned?
Yes. A DPF is a filter and all filters eventually clog. A diesel particulate filter traps all of the particulate matter (PM) or NOx before exhausted out into the atmosphere. The engine goes through a regeneration process that essentially burns the collected particulate matter at a temperature of about 1500° F. Avoid expensive DPF replacement costs by cleaning your diesel particulate filter. Regular DPF cleaning extends the life of your filter and keeps your diesel engine running at peak performance power.
How often should a DPF be cleaned?
Cleaning a Diesel Particulate Filter depends on the engine manufacturer’s recommendations. Volvo, Cummins, Caterpillar, GMC and Detroit Diesel all have different recommendations for cleaning the DPF used with their diesel engines. Please click here to see our brochure for details.
What are some engine conditions that probably mean it is time for a DPF cleaning?
• Turbo failure
• Excessive regenerations
• Sluggish power
Click here for more information on DPF cleaning and additional truck repair and truck maintenance or send an email to schedule a DPF cleaning appointment.
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Ring Power’s Full Service Truck Repair facilities are located throughout north and central Florida in St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Perry, Lake City, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, Daytona Beach, Brooksville, Orlando, Tampa, and Palm Bay. Our services include repairs, or maintenance on all makes of buses, RVs, on-highway trucks, tractor trailer rigs and all types of diesel engines.