SERVICE & MAINTENANCE: FLOWMAX DPF
What You Need to Know About Advanced DPF Cleaning
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o you had a DPF Delete Kit installed, are shopping for one, or have thought about it and decided it’s not for you or your business. No matter the choice, you are not alone in the stress and feelings of isolation or desperation. Regardless of what configuration your diesel emissions system is in today, you will find valuable and relevant facts and information from those who are at the front lines of diesel emissions – enforcement, diagnostics, and maintenance. Should the following information challenge what you have heard before, it could indicate that it is time to source a more specialized emissions solutions provider. Those selling DPF Delete Kits state they have the best solution for your problem. Although they and others may think your problem is chronic emissions system failure, it is in fact a lack of access to technically sound and credible information. The trucking industry found this out early on when placing faith in those who had their logos on their engines and equipment. It did not mean they had the necessary expertise for successful failure analysis, specialized mainten-
ance strategies, or the best DPF Cleaning practices. The delete industry is no different and equally self serving. Often illusive, success does happen under the correct maintenance and support conditions. Although people say “DPF Failure” and often jump to just shooting the messenger, the truth is that a DPF does not “fail.” Failed engine parts and unaddressed coolant/oil contamination, can all cause progressive damage to emissions components. Because of this, deleting or tampering while also taking on real legal risks just because of a faulty injector or failing turbo makes no practical sense at all. Accepting that the engine and its systems must all be maintained and functioning in perfect condition at all times is a hard sell, which we acknowledge. We also recognize that this very demanding goal is the essential first step towards diesel emissions success. Emissions delete companies also play language games to make it appear they are operating legally with minimal risk to the customer. The truth is that any changes to ECM programming, even fuel mapping, is in contravention of the
law and subject to penalties under the Environmental Protection Act. Penalties can range from $420, a repair order, removal of plates, or in the most extreme repeat offence cases – a $50,000 fine and/or jail time. The marketing of “offroad only” means nothing during a roadside inspection and any tunes marketed as “compliant” are simply not. Passing a Drive Clean test and being system compliant are two different things, as compliance does not only relate to exhaust opacity but the Engine/Emissions
system configuration as verified. We provide expertise and solutions, NOT judgements. So, for those who have deleted and want to know how to get back in compliance, are thinking about deleting, or wish to get the upper hand on DPF failure prevention, we encourage you to contact us with your inquiries and for all your DPF Cleaning and parts sales needs. For more information call 613.342.9222, email info@flowmaxdpf.com or visit www.FlowMaxDPF.com.
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SERVICE & MAINTENANCE: COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGIES USA
Diesel Fuel Gelling
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iesel fuel gelling is a phenomenon that happens when the paraffin in diesel solidifies because of a drop in temperature. There are two important temperature points that come into play during gelling. First is the cloud point which is the point in temperature where paraffin wax finally begins to precipitate in the fuel. It is during the cloud point when the fuel starts to finally become cloudy. This usually happens at around 32 degrees. Next is the pour point or gel point. This is the stage where so much wax has already precipitated that the fuel no longer flows. This happens at around 15 degrees below cloud point. You’ll see a lot of tips on how to fix gelled diesel fuel. The easiest way of doing this is to take it to a shop and let it thaw by having it heated. The problem is a heated facility is not always available. For those who are into DIY, there are many ingenious tips on how to solve the gelled diesel fuel problem. The main idea is to warm the fuel tank. Some people advice putting a propane torpedo heater under the tank and putting bales of hay around the truck to retain the heat. Putting a tarp over the engine as it is being heated is another option. 14 February 2018
The second most recommended option of dealing with gelled fuel is to use an additive. Not only are they cost-effective and recommended; you can easily use them on your own as well. Often the problem isn’t only gelled fuel but also gelled fuel lines, fuel filters, and injector rails. Applying a quality fuel additive/conditioner such as CleanBoost® Sno-Cat™ can solve the problem. CleanBoost Sno-Cat is designed to work with #1 and #2 Diesel Fuels as well as B5 and B20 Bio-Diesels to reduce pour points and stop Gelling in cold weather climates. CleanBoost Sno-Cat is a unique blend of polymers combined with our CleanBoost Fuel Treatment formula to help lower the cold filter plug point of harder to treat diesel fuels. When winter hits, you may not have the time to thaw your equipment fuel lines and change out fuel filters. To prevent gelling or the formation of crystals, CleanBoost Sno-Cat has been specially formulated to provide maximum flow/pouring capabilities in diesel and biodiesel fuels. The advanced formulation provides superior performance to help prevent filter plugging in cold temperatures and to eliminate the problems associated with water present
in fuel. When dealing with a plugged system follow the following steps: 1. Pour Sno-Cat™ into the fuel tank. A good ratio is roughly an ounce to every 10 gallons of fuel remaining in the gelled tank. Using this much is usually not needed if you only want to prevent your fuel from gelling. However, this case is considered a more severe one because your fuel has already gelled. Take note that you need to have at least 2-4 ounces of the product left for the next step. 2. Remove the frozen diesel fuel filter and pour Sno-Cat™ directly on the filter element, see photo. Do the same to the filter housing as well. You will now start to hear the filter lines crack as the product starts to thaw these components. 3. Replace the filter element and housing and prime the diesel fuel system as recommended by the manufacturer. Wait for 30 minutes for Sno-Cat™ to work around the injector rails then start the engine afterwards. Using a fuel additive is a very easy answer to the question about how to fix gelled diesel fuel. At the end of the day, however, always remember that preventing the gelling of your fuel in the first
place is much more important and useful. You can easily do this by using winter blends and priming your fuel beforehand with a fuel conditioner like Sno-Cat™. Combustion is a private company based in Sandy, Utah that is a pioneer in proactive diesel maintenance solutions. Combustion is a leading developer and manufacturer of efficiency-improving fuel additives, engine oils, specialty chemicals and lubricants and mission critical filtration systems for a wide range of industries, including transportation, mining, power generation, construction, motorsports and oil and gas. For more information, visit www.combustionusa.com.
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