Should You Clean Or Replace Your DPF And EGR? Ultimate Guide

Although heavy-duty truck components aren’t going to last forever, their lifespan can certainly be increased through proper maintenance and cleaning. This is especially true for your diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. They’re components whose effectiveness is influenced by how often they’re cleaned and maintained. Your objectives are finding a means to extend the life of machine components and reduce the cost of replacement parts. It might be challenging to decide whether to clean, replace, or remove a DPF or even an exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR). Let's examine DPFs and EGRs to determine the most efficient solutions. 

Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) Explained

A DPF is an exhaust component used on diesel trucks that gathers soot to maintain clean air. It lowers hazardous emissions by capturing particles in a mesh net. If you fully understand your DPF, you likely had it cleaned previously. You should be aware that a DPF loses ten percent of its "cleaning efficiency" with each cleaning. By the third cleaning, your DPF's efficiency is at least 70% and may even be as low as 50%.

This implies that while cleaning the component will initially save you money, it will eventually need to be replaced. For this reason, think twice before buying reconditioned components for medium-duty trucks. A used DPF will lag since it has previously undergone cleaning, meaning the efficiency of your restored item has already been decreased.

The DPF isn't the only after-treatment system that may be cleaned to extend its life before requiring a replacement. Another element that works closely with the DPF is your EGR system.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Systems Explained

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems reduce the amount of NOx provided by your diesel engine. This system works by redirecting spent exhaust fumes through a cooler, and then back into your air intake. This influx of cooled exhaust gases drops your engine’s combustion temperature, which in turn drops your NOx output as NOx production increases with heat. This process is facilitated by an EGR valve. Although this valve is durable and resilient, over time it may fail. It’s not uncommon for an EGR valve to get stuck in place, therefore letting your exhaust recirculate unpredictably. This particular component is not easily repaired and, as such, is often replaced. 

Can I Delete My DPF and EGR Systems? 

Removing your DPF and EGR systems is illegal across most of North America. Many are motivated to remove these systems because they have less than satisfactory reputations for making your engine less efficient and more damage prone. However, although your EGR valve and other components come in constant contact with unfiltered exhaust gases, there’s no evidence that points towards your after-treatment systems making your truck less efficient. We highly recommend leaving your DPF and EGR systems in place so they can work as your manufacturer intended them to. 

Final Words

Maintaining, repairing, and cleaning DPF and EGR systems can seem complex, but a trained professional makes it easy. If you’re dealing with a clogged DPF or a malfunctioning EGR system, be sure to bring your truck in for service right away.