Cummins engineers and manufactures some of the most technologically advanced diesel engines in the industry today, each equipped with a Cummins DPF, or diesel particulate filter, that minimizes diesel emissions, regenerates soot, boosts fuel economy, and improves overall engine performance.
Just like you need to change your engine’s oil, DPF maintenance is part and parcel of engine maintenance. Here are a few high-level things you need to know.
Minimize Idling Time
One of the most important things you can do to prevent premature soot and ash accumulation in your engine’s Cummins DPF filter is reduce idling time.
Low engine loads – such as those experienced while idling – allow soot and ash to accumulate in the aftertreatment system’s diesel particulate filter (DPF) – but do not reach temperatures high enough to sustain regeneration.
This causes soot and ash to clog up the filter much more quickly than would occur under normal and higher loads.
In addition, some Cummins engines are compatible with INSITE engine software, which enables you to set Idle Shutdown times to prevent your engine from idling for too long.
DPF Cleaning: Engine Load and Use
Just like your engine needs its oil changed and must be periodically calibrated, so too must your engine’s DPF be serviced from time to time with DPF cleaning services.
There are two processes through which soot accumulation is burned off, keeping the DPF cleaner and the engine operating at high performance: active and passive regeneration.
Both active and passive regeneration burn off excess soot, clearing the DPF and harnessing additional energy.
But burning soot produces ash, which cannot be regenerated (burned away). As ash accumulates, the filter will need to be cleaned to clear it.
How frequently you will need to clean your Cummins DPF will depend on the engine, DPF filter specs, and engine load.
For instance, for the Cummins ISX15, Cummins recommends having the DPF filter serviced (and cleaned) every 200,000 miles, 6,750 hours, or 24 months. These recommendations hold for light, normal, and severe duty, keeping consideration easy.
It’s best to keep to the manufacturer’s original recommendations. If you have questions about service or maintenance intervals with respect to engine and duty, contact your Cummins representative for more information.
Where to Get a Replacement Cummins DPF
Even with routine maintenance and cleaning, a DPF won’t last forever. Just like oil and air filters, DPF filters need to be replaced eventually, although they last a lot longer.
If you’re looking for a Cummins DPF, visit Filter Service and Supply at FilterServiceandSupply.com.
Their collection of Skyline diesel particulate filters meet or exceed OEM specifications for DPF filters and serve as exact-fit replacement parts, thanks to their Exact-FitTM design.
They offer excellent value, extended service lifespans, and are designed and manufactured in the United States. They are also covered by 3-year warranties (unlimited miles) and Filter Service and Supply offers free shipping in the United States.
For more information on their Cummins DPF replacements, visit their website or get in touch with them directly at 760-455-0263.
