Overdrive

October 2011

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When to clean The system has a microprocessor that provides warning of troubles or the need for routine maintenance. "The warning lights recognize the miles, fuel used and other factors," says Detroit Diesel Engine and Component Marketing Manager Brad Williamson. The processor knows the difference between a gradual accumulation of ash and a rapid buildup of soot due to low exhaust temperatures. Yet most experts believe you shouldn't wait for a warning light. They advise a more pro-active approach that anticipates the need for cleaning. "Dashboard warning lights simply indicate when regeneration is required or occurring," says Paccar Parts Business Development Manager Larry White, "but they are not an indicator of a required DPF cleaning." In addition to observing the published service interval, other ways to determine it's time to clean should also be considered: "A driver needs to also pay attention to an increase in the frequency of active regeneration cycles, loss of power, and a decrease in fuel economy," he says. Bob Giguere, a product support manager at Inland Power Group of the WheelTime Network, recommends first determining your duty cycle. "Is the truck used for long-haul, regional or local pickup and delivery service?" he says. "Does it idle eight hours a day? Each situation needs to be treated differently. Under ideal conditions, in over-the-road service, you can go 300,000 miles, but with a lot of idling, or local service, you'll see shorter intervals." He believes it is often practical to follow manufacturers' recommended intervals for DPFs operated under favorable conditions. What's favorable? Giguere says the amount of oil consumed and engine hours are key factors. A primary reason for clogging is ash from oil the engine consumes, and idling engines use more oil because the piston rings work less effectively. They depend in part on the higher cylinder pressures created under load to work at their best. Idling also means poor combustion of fuel and more soot, potentially fouling the DPF. Navistar Customer Service Organization rep Mark Ehlers says you should use the interval "published in the operation and maintenance manuals. It's a best practice to recheck in later manuals, with the dealer, or via the engine maker's website to see if they have published an update later." (Continued on Page 74) My IntelliRoute® TND™ makes searching for destinations easy! "Now before arriving at a stop, the TND™ will count down the address numbers so I don't have to look at buildings or houses while driving. The new expanded search feature also makes it much easier to find places. My TND™ always gets me to where I need to be." $29999* Geoff Morris Company driver and IntelliRoute® TND™ owner $39999* To read more trucker stories and tell your own, visit us at www.randmcnally.com/truckerstories IntelliRoute and Rand McNally are registered trademarks, and TND is a trademark of Rand McNally. U.S. Patent No. 7,580,791. © 2011 *USD. Does not include applicable taxes. Circle 201 on Reader Service Card or visit overdrive.hotims.com 40 OVERDRIVE OCTOBER 2011 TRUCK DATA DPF cleaning

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