Since their inception, diesel engines have been used to move heavy loads that other engines just couldn’t handle. They are powerful, efficient, and vital to the operation of so many machines that make our modern lives possible. However, they also happen to produce the most air pollution of any kind of combustion engine. This has led to the introduction of diesel particulate filters, which are designed to capture most of the pollution given off by diesel engines. This is a great thing, but it does come with its own responsibilities. Namely, the need to regularly clean the filter. Let’s take a look at how the diesel particulate filter works, and why you need to clean it.
The Diesel Particulate Filter
The diesel particulate filter is a device installed in the exhaust pipe of a vehicle. There are several different varieties of particulate filters, but the most common is comprised of cordierite, which is a type of ceramic. Just like other air filters, the diesel particulate filter works by capturing particles that flow through the exhaust pipe while allowing heat and airflow to pass through it.
Cleaning the Diesel Particulate Filter
Over time, the diesel particulate filter becomes clogged due to the constant buildup of particulates coming off the engine. This can cause a great many problems for the engine itself, up to and including forcing exhaust back up into the engine. This can cause a lot of damage to multiple parts of the engine, including the actuator, fuel injectors, and even the engine oil. For this reason, it is of paramount importance that the diesel particulate filter is kept clean and functioning.
Most vehicles do this by going through a regeneration cycle. A computer present in the vehicle will inject more fuel into the engine to raise the temperature of the system. This causes the particulates to burn off of the filter, leaving it clean. However, this system is not perfect, and not all vehicles have them. If you aren’t sure whether or not your vehicle is using a regeneration cycle, call Roznovak. We provide diesel particulate filter cleaning services throughout Austin, TX.
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