F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by watkinsk »

Thanks Dana. I certainly don't have a problem now as my rig has only 30K miles and almost all of those are highway. However, stuff does happen so I am glad to know there are solutions. I just hope there is a business along the front range of Colorado that does the "bake" method.
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by dfredendall »

I now have a brand new catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Truck has 180,000 miles on it and was having issues, but no check engine or wrench lights appeared. Extreme exhaust gas temps existed, (up to 1400/1500 degs. one time on my gauge) and the real indicator of the problem was the all too frequent Regens to "clean the exhaust filter" (DPF). It was doing a regen every 100-150 miles whether towing or empty. Took it to same shop who baked the DPF in Sept. 2015 at 150,000 miles. Their testing showed high exhaust gas back pressures at 20+ psi. Normal should be 4.5 psi. "Could be plugged catalytic converter and/or DPF, or faulty Bias Sensor" they said on initial test. The Bias Sensor checks turbo boost vs exhaust back pressure, and is what sends the wrench light I had seen before. They determined the catalytic converter guts came apart plugging the DPF. One big cork in the exhaust. The increased back pressure sent signal to "clean". The muffler seems to be OK since the DPF caught it all. The truck runs much better, quieter, cooler, with better throttle and turbo response. The truck runs with less throttle because the load is less. My wallet is considerably lighter. :?
We head to Jackson next week and are anxious to really test it. Should be like a new truck. My reading indicates that it is not unusual to have to replace both components at around 200/225K miles. So I am ahead of the curve. Lucky me, but the timing of this was best before Summer travels. Do not need highway breakdowns.
Dana & Cindy Fredendall
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by jtaylor1920 »

I'm glad you got it fixed and you'll have to let us know how the tow to Jackson goes. I must admit I was having fun shopping for your new truck with your checkbook :d
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by dfredendall »

Cindy was really hoping for a new truck too. She was disappointed when it was repaired. We hunted inventories all over California, Arizona and Nevada for what we would like. Found nothing. Everything is 4X4, which we do not need nor want. Most have a 3.42 or 3.55 gear ratio. I think it is too high for heavy towing. Anyway, we will keep the '08 a while longer. By the way, it regened after 100 miles yesterday. :? Not sure why. Will have to monitor things. Exhaust temps are appropriate.
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by Mike Clay »

I have a 373 gear ratio. I'm in the high 17k range with my gross trailer rating at 19,025 pounds which I never want to get to. :shock: I have no trouble towing but would not do it without disc brakes on the trailer.
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by dfredendall »

I agree Mike. I do not think gears higher than 3.73 are what we need for towing. Update DOF;
We towed to Jackson today. Still regening every 125-150 miles. Exhaust temps remained 800-900 during regen and duration was for 12-15 miles. The temps and duration are right. It ran effortlessly. I called my Diesel shop from the road and gave an update after I got another wrench light on the dash. I ran the entire 465 miles with my scan tool connected. No codes appeared with the wrench light. Exhaust temps before and after the catalytic converter were consistent with my dash gauge. I could not monitor exhaust back pressure with the scanner. I made an appt. with the shop after Jackson Rally. They want to recheck Bias and delta sensors. May have to get a new muffler to have a totally free flow, new exhaust. Cheaper than a new truck... so far.
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by BMullins46 »

It's only money Dana. $85K for a new F350 dually.
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by dfredendall »

Diagnosis $$$$pensive. Turns out we got the wrench light after pulling Tehachapi summit (4000' elev) to and from Jackson Rally because engine oil temp was 30 degs hotter than coolant. The computer captured the data. The specs only allow 15 deg max difference. All that was attributed to a clogged/restricted engine oil cooler that circulates coolant and oil in parallel passages to keep oil/water temps equal. Ford has known issues (esp. 6.0 & 6.4) with gold Ford coolant calcifying/sludging plus sand residue from casting the engine block migrates into the oil cooler block restricting coolant flow. They knowingly do not flush engine blocks adequately in mfg. "Where is the cooler?" you ask. In the abyss of the engine valley under the twin turbos. Cab off to get to it all. Finished with no additional surprises. We repeat the Tehachapi run in two weeks as we head out for our Summer on the road. Not enough time to find and set up a new truck. Sorry Bill. Gotta "Baby" this one long as I can. I'm taking the Title Cert with me. Bill, do you want to race for pinks?
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by Don Wilson »

So Dana am I correct in understanding that you have already replaced the cooler? Did they also flush out the rest of cooling system?

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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by dfredendall »

Don, I have 5 gallons of new coolant. I hope it came with a flush. Invoice does not specify "flush". That is a great question. I'll call the shop and ask. I changed coolant about 60,000 miles ago. Both shops I have worked with recommend changing coolant at 60,000. By doing that you keep the cavitation additive current and sludge factor low. Ford Gold sludges.Shop #1 said Caterpillar has a gold coolant that works, but shop #2 said it rusted his 55 gallon steel drum due to chemical reactions. He now uses coolant he gets from Vulcan. I have no specifics on it, but he said it does not eat his new 55 gallon drum. I read that GM Duramax used Dex-Cool extended life non-silicate (orange) coolant, supposed to last 100,000 miles.
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by watkinsk »

Dana, I do know that on my 2012 F350 I am supposed to have the coolant checked every 15K miles for the efficacy of the additives. They literally do a litmus paper test and then add the rust inhibitors as required. The coolant is not required to be changed at that time....although it may be cheaper to just drain the coolant and add fresh coolant:) This little dealer check costs about $80. Dont know if GM or Dodge require this check.

ONe other thing to check when/if you go to mortgage your house to purchase another truck :):). When looking at the Ford, GM, Dodge, check the estimated maintenance cost AND check where the DEF fill tube is. On the Ford it is near the diesel filler (I like) whereas in 2012 for the GM you had to lift the hood to add DEF. Other than that you will be amazed at how much better the new trucks are than those prior to 2010.

When it comes time to make the truck switch, stick with all of us except the Chevy and Dodge owners. Ford owners are known for giving totally unbiased advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by jtaylor1920 »

I'm not sure about the 2017 GM trucks, but the 2016's are still under the hood. Since Oregon still doesn't allow us to pump our own fuel I'm ok with it not being near the diesel filler tube. I'm worried enough about them pumping gas into the truck much less pumping diesel or gas into the DEF tank. Also, I only need to add DEF about every 2500 miles and it's not too bad to fill. Admittedly, it would be easier on the side, but it wasn't a deal breaker for me. By the way, each of the big 3 are making nice trucks these days and I don't think you can go wrong getting nice a GMC :d
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by dfredendall »

I called the shop that replaced the oil cooler. They flushed the entire cooling system making sure no calcified sludge was there before replacing the coolant. 60 miles so far. Running cooler on EGT and overall.
I like all the new trucks, except their cost. Gee, I got 180,000+ miles on 70s vintage Suburbans with 350 cu.in. engines. I hope to make another trip around the world with this diesel truck. It is still in good overall shape. It has been very little expense until now because I have done all the maintenance work myself. Any truck that gets your Cardinal to a campout and home again is a good one.
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Re: F-350 Diesel Particulate Filter

Post by jacknife »

I have had 2 class 8 trucks that needed the DPF cleaned after 200,00 . The Cummins shop charged $400 for this service which mainly involved baking then blowing it out. It should be somewhat cheaper for a pick up truck .
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