Looking forward to some of your test results. We all like real world data!

 

Had two regen events since the last post (I have done quite a bit of driving the last week and a half). I have found the displays for distances driven for the current and previous two regens. The 1st attached photo shows a regen in progress.
Pros:
I have seen progress since using the fuel treatment
Distance Traveled since last DPF regen: 481.6 mi
Distance Traveled between the last and 2nd to last DPF regen: 380 mi
Distance Traveled between the 2nd to last and 3rd to last DPF regen: 220.8 mi (This was before the fuel tank replacement)

Cons:
The regen status indication on forscan lite did not change to active during regen
Was less than 10 min from work when the regen began. I have found that the regen starts when DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL gets to 100%. I was focused on DPF_REGEN_PCT. So this is a learning I'll apply to future posts.

What I hope to gain for next post:
DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL only dropped to 37% at the end of regen. At the end of the regen prior to the last (the one that happened after 380 mi), the DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL went to 41%. I'll see of that will go lower by making sure that I am not close to home or work before a regen starts. This way I can make sure to remain at at steady speed during process and not have to stop early.
Additionally I have read of a way to pause the auto regen filter so that I can continue to drive home or work (if I'm close) without the regen starting. I am hesitant because I don't want to forget to re-enable it.

The 2nd attached photo is of when the regen stopped

 

Thanks for the info.

I have ForScan, but don't use it for ReGen stuff. I've used ForScan to turn on the DPF status on the instrument cluster.

From what I've seen, I can't figure out how/why ReGen works the way it does. On more than one occasion, when the DPF was at 100%, the ReGen would start and lower it to 65%, then it would go back to 100% and restart the process. Sometimes I've seen it go down to 55%, then start again. Occasionally it empties the DPF to 0%, but not very often.

 

This is one of the reasons why I started this thread. to get a better understanding of when regen happens. From what I have observed prior to this post, fuel type has some impact. When running b20 for lubricity I noticed more frequent regens. Driving habits also have an impact. I have noticed that highway and or loaded driving increases rgen distance.
I have a basic instrument cluster so I hope I am able to add DPF status with Forscan.

Also debating about going back to b20 for research sake

 

This is the latest round of screenshots.
Photo 1: I used ForScan to allow me to disable the auto regen feature which is good for pausing regens until you are able to get to a place to do a complete regen. The truck will warn you that it's off each time you turn it on.
Photo 2: I was reassured that the warning for a regen from the truck coincides with 100% soot percentage (DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL)
Photo 3: The regen event prior was incomplete so I believe this is why the distance between this regen was 20 miles less than the previous one. This screenshot was taken at the beginning of the regen event and I was able to do a complete regen during highway driving.
Photo 4: explanation in the photo caption
Photo 5: explanation in the photo caption

 

I recently tuned my truck using EZ Lynk (emissions intact) and have been monitoring my gauges like crazy now (something new to look at I guess). I have a couple questions about the parameters themselves. What is the difference between the DPF Open Loop (OL) and Closed Loop (CL)? Secondly, what positions are the EGT sensors in? I have EGT 1 and EGT 2 on my screen. I chose the DPF OL and EGT 1 and 2 because they give me an idea of when I am in Regen, and seemed to be the highest numbers. I figured if I am keeping the highest numbers in check, my rig is running fine. Thanks for any information!

 

I have been trying to figure out what open and closed loop parameters mean. I am still researching but I have a general understanding of what they mean.

closed loop model: determines the soot loading state of the DPF based on the pressure drop and volumetric flow signals
open loop model: determines the DPF load based on engine operation or vehicle operation

The closed loop model uses feed back from physical sensors mounted in the exhaust stream to calculate soot load based on changes in (for example) flow and pressure. These have not been used as a primary means of calculating soot load because the pulsating nature of combustion creates dynamic the readings from the sensors.
The open loop model uses an algorithm that uses engine speed, fuel consumption, air flow, and ect to calculate how much soot is produced. This is a primary method to calculate soot load because the inputs are known and less variable (for example, fuel consumption, air flow and engine speed over a period of time can be relatively constant).

I am continuing to look into these parameters. Any help and direction is appreciated.

RHE

 

2019-04-24-1020

These screenshots were taken during a trip from Charleston, SC to Clemson, SC to Orlando, FL then back to Charleston, SC. I was towing a 6500 lbs camper the entire time. I expected to extend the distances between regens since the engine was working harder and the EGTs were above 700 F or at least 370 C (I have read that 350 C is needed for passive regen) but this did not happen. I got about 100 miles less between regens. During one fill up I mistakenly pumped in bio diesel and got even less distance between regens. This confirms what I have read concerning the adverse affects of biodiesel on regen periods but to be certain I would have to repeat this "experiment" but I am not sure I want to do so. I refilled with #2 ULSD as soon as I could.
1 - I assume that speed may have contributed to the higher calculated soot load by the truck's soot load algorithm. During the next trip I will slow down a little.
2 - The energy density of bio diesel may be bit lower that #2 diesel which contributes to more fuel used and more calculated soot produced. I didn't notice a significant drop in fuel mileage that would suggest this so I will have to look into this as a contributing factor. The added lubricity of bio fuels are a result of more lubricants in the fuel and lubricants can produce soot. To factor this into the calculation the truck would have to know bio fuel is being used. This is possible because engines that can run regular and also E85 have sensors that detect E85 and the engine self adjusts to run the fuel. I will have to verify whether or not the 6.7 has the capability to differentiate bio diesel and #2 ULSD. When I find out I will refer to this post.

 

2019-06-02

My next main goals include shortening regen time and increasing mileage between regens when towing. I read in the 2011-2016 forum that FBCs can help. After some research I decided to try this and will be adding Better Diesel FBC to my additives.

 

My next main goals include shortening regen time and increasing mileage between regens when towing. I read in the 2011-2016 forum that FBCs can help. After some research I decided to try this and will be adding Better Diesel FBC to my additives.

I have started reading up on Fuel Born Catalysts (FBC) since you brought it up. I know there are a bunch of fuel additives to run out there, but the more I look I find that none of them claim the lower the temp that soot will burn up. I understand that they are not making that claim because that's not the point of their product. I am also finding that it is mainly used on large trucks, as in Semis, I can't find any real world results on pick-ups like I can for the big rigs.

Do you plan on running the FBC exclusively? Or will you stack it with another additive. Personally I use Archoil, but could I stack this to get the added benefit of the lower EGT range for soot burn off? Or do you (or anyone) believe this is too much dilution and not enough fuel. Thanks for any insight!

 

I follow your thread but haven’t commented. I noticed an error in your thinking process which I wanted to point out. Your regen cycles mile interval will decrease when towing. You had a good point about higher EGTs but you did not account for the extra soot levels because of your engine working harder. For example, look at a deleted truck that puffs black smoke. You stomp on the go peddle and the amount of smoke drastically increases. Keep up the good work. 👍

 

I should also mention my last few experiences with regens since I’ve done some long drives. My last 2 1000km drives I went into regen every 800km on the nose. My first regen process only lasted 24km (12min) 100% to zero. A day later, On my way back, my next regen cycle lasted 58km (29min) 100-0. I’m starting to think that the DPF % screen doesn’t accurately portray how full the filter is. In my situation, because I do mostly all highway driving right now, my DPF % screen hits 100% and starts a regen cycle at exactly 800km. Exactly!!! I know this is the factory preset distance for an active regen to kick in but you would think that the filter would fill up faster or slower due to certain driving conditions like wind and grades but nope, 800km and it regens. I must state that my drives are over 800km long with maybe one fuel stop and 2 towns to slow down through so I get a good test period. This has been tested about 10 times now and exactly 800km an active regen starts. There are more factors involved than just the actual filter being “100%” full. See where I’m going with this. I have forscan but have not monitored the soot levels while doing these trips. Just giving you my experience so you can adjust or skew your data or perspective as needed. Thanks man.

This is all good info and I will take it to the drawing board.
1. Harder working engine = more soot production. Still I hoped that the passive regen would have more of an impact but cant argue with data. I am curiuos about what the addition of an FBC will do.
2. I am curiuos. Do you use additives? Are your drives loaded or empty?

 

I should also mention my last few experiences with regens since I’ve done some long drives. My last 2 1000km drives I went into regen every 800km on the nose. My first regen process only lasted 24km (12min) 100% to zero. A day later, On my way back, my next regen cycle lasted 58km (29min) 100-0. I’m starting to think that the DPF % screen doesn’t accurately portray how full the filter is. In my situation, because I do mostly all highway driving right now, my DPF % screen hits 100% and starts a regen cycle at exactly 800km. Exactly!!! I know this is the factory preset distance for an active regen to kick in but you would think that the filter would fill up faster or slower due to certain driving conditions like wind and grades but nope, 800km and it regens. I must state that my drives are over 800km long with maybe one fuel stop and 2 towns to slow down through so I get a good test period. This has been tested about 10 times now and exactly 800km an active regen starts. There are more factors involved than just the actual filter being “100%” full. See where I’m going with this. I have forscan but have not monitored the soot levels while doing these trips. Just giving you my experience so you can adjust or skew your data or perspective as needed. Thanks man.

 

Delete the truck and you won't have to worry about all the regen non-sense!

 

100% on the dash is no where near a completely full filter and you wouldn't want it to be. If that were the case, your exhaust would basically be clogged everytime a regen started. That would be very good for performance. I've heard it a few different ways, but I think you're only at maybe a third of the filter capacity when a regen is triggered.

Deleting is not a viable option for everyone @rcg270.

 

I don’t want to hijack OPs thread but just wanted to do a quick reply to this. You are correct. 100% just activated regen. The truck can get up to 300% which is completely full. I’ve only seen a truck at 240% at the dealership.

If I was planning on keeping my truck for long term 7yr+, I would delete in a heartbeat. I mile my trucks out in about 4yrs so deleting is pointless for me. My last Dodge was deleted from day 1 and every oils change was clean oil draining out of the plug. Not black like a stock truck. Used to freak out the quick lube places. Lol

 

This is great information however I believe the truck is going to regen on a mileage count. I have not payed attention but mine will once a tank regardless of what I have been doing


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

My drives are are empty drives. No trailer and very minimal payload. I do not use additives either. The mileage max is definitely what is causing these regens in my long haul situations. In winter (-20 to -35C) I turned auto regen off for my 8 1600km trips to see if the truck would give me a DPF warning and it never did. I did that 1600km trip straight 4 times and broke it up into 2 days the remaining 4 times. However, when I reached my destination, the next morning I would turn auto regen back on and within a couple hundred km, an active regen would kick in. Again, no dash warning or OCR prompt came up. The DPF screen always read 0% in the winter due to the cold. Other users have reported the same 0 reading. I came to the conclusion that passive regeneration was helping due to the amount of KMs travelled and absolutely no warnings. When I drive in the summer, I will get the dash prompts when my filter supposedly reaches 100% but like stated in my previous post, I believe the DPF % screen is just trying to match my mileage count rather than how full the filter actually is. I also assume fords theory on the mileage count max for regens is it’s basically easier to clean a half full filter than one that’s completely full. They are trying to save a normal operator from themselves.

 

I should also mention that when I am working in the northern Canadian oilfield, I usually disable auto regen because I go for weeks where I do not have access to roads that I can travel the minimum 48km/hr. Once the truck automatically did a stationary regen in my driveway a few minutes after I hit the command start. Wow, does that blow a lot of white vapour out the exhaust. Completely filled my entire street/bay. I was surprised it did a stationary regen when it did because there was no way that the truck was up to normal operating temperature yet. It was -35 and the truck only ran for about 5-10min before it started. Again, the night before when I parked it, no dash warning for the DPF system came on the display.

 

Thanks for the reply. I began looking at additives to address lubricity and cetane numbers and keeping the fuel system clean. My daily commute is mixed with about 65% moderate city driving. I believe the additives have helped because my manual calculations before were in high 200s to mid 300s. And it is correct that the factory high limit is 500 miles. Like @TeddyD I intend to use the auto regen selector to extend my mileage beyond 500 but since my commute is not as ideal I will do a little more testing. Again many thanks for the replies!

 

So I've been wondering and searching on this....what happens to the ash that is created during a regen? May be off base, but I liken a regen to a self cleaning oven. Stuff turns to ash basically. So is this expelled out the exhaust or does it accumulate and one day the DPF will plug and need replacement? If the latter, what is the mileage or time interval with a replacement?

 

I have been looking into this also and will report what I find.

 

The very fine white ash is blown out the exhaust. It looks like a cloud of white smoke coming from the tail pipe. In -20Cish weather, you can really see it but in warmer climates, it’s only noticeable by smell.

DPF filters do require maintenance and manual cleaning at some high mileage interval. There is a spray you can buy that you open up a small access port in the exhaust and spray it towards the DPF filter. I’m not sure what ford charges for a full DPF cleaning service but I know, with my previous Dodge, it was $1000CAD service. I’m not exactly sure what the dealer cleaning process actually entails.

 

2019-06-24

I have began using BetterDiesels FBC along with my OptiLube blend. I am on my second full tank and have had 3 regens. The first regen was uneventful and began at 400 miles. The second began at 524 miles because I disabled the autoregen. The third was a little different. I usually don't monitor the mileage between regens until after they are complete. I have always monitored DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL until it reaches 100%. I was caught off guard this time because it began at 83% with the mileage at 497.1 miles.
Additional goals:
monitor change in DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL values at time regens begin
monitor time it takes to complete regens (currently greater than 25 minutes)

 

Why so many regens? Are you doing a lot of city/stop and go driving?

 

There where 3 regens in about 1500 miles. This has become normal and seems ok to me. I did make a mistake and say this happened over only two tanks. I think this is where the confusion lies.

 

I use enerburn/FBC and summer+
The truck only regens at software mandated 500 mi intervals. %load on screen is usually only 40-80%. Regen itself only takes about 8 minutes/ miles. (To 0%)
This is with mixed driving (city/hwy/ towing 10K and empty). 2012 CCLB SRW 3.55 axle.
One trick I use is to lock out 6th gear if not on freeway to keep RPM up at 2000 like the static regen This shortens the time on the back roads.

 

Thanks. I did read some of your prior posts in which you mentioned this. I'll have to try locking out 6th gear.

 

2019-07-06

I think the additive combo is working effectively. I have been able to reach the max mileage between regens at a lower soot % than before. It still took about 28 miles and 38 minutes for the regen to complete. The time could have been shorter but I ran into traffic which slowed me down. Hopefully after some additional tank fulls this distance and time will decrease.

 

I pulled the trigger on an order of the Better Diesel FBC. Doing my own not so scientific study to get a baseline while I wait for the stuff to come in. I happened to fueled up and went directly into a Regen, so I will record miles and time between Regen's. I will be stacking it with the Archoil Fuel Additive I currently use. My current set up is with an S&B airbox and Calibrated Power tunes, running on the hot tune. Mileage according the vehicle calculator is fairly steady at 16.3 MPG, which is a slight improvement over what I was seeing stock.

 

@revrdr600ho I'm interested in hearing how a tuned truck does with an FBC. Keep me posted.

 

2019-07-27-2300

This will be a longer post than usual. Most of the info will be duplicated in the screenshots, but some additional information is included in some of the sections in the body of the post. Each section and its corresponding screenshot will have the same name.
These sections are from a 5200 mile round trip. It covers elevations from below sea level to 14000 feet above sea level. I tried to use as little bio-diesel as possible. The fuel mileage averaged 11.5 mpg.
From what I can gather, it seems the FBC has prompted positive change. I will go into that more in a later post so as not to bore everyone with any more information. Plus I need to look at the data I have a little closer before I come to any conclusions or make any claims.
One unusual thing I noticed is that once the truck displays 0% on the instrument cluster, regen continues for about 10 to 15 minutes. I verified this via instant fuel mileage on the instrument cluster, EGTs on the ForScan app, and the point at which the distance between regens resets on the ForScan app. Because of the number of attachments, I will have to submit 3 separate posts.

2019.07.13.0942.01 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite_001
This shows the beginning of the trip. DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL is 64%, DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL is 41%, DPF_SOOT_OL is 5, and DPF_SOOT_INF is 4 (this is a closed loop calculation so it is supposed to rely on inline sensor data). I highlight these because I began to noticed a difference in how these PID values change before regens.

2019.07.13.0942.02 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite_002
DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL peaked at 48% (while the DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL continued to rise). DPF_SOOT_INF stayed at 4 (while the DPF_SOOT_OL continued to rise). At this point DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL began to fluctuate.

2019.07.13.0942.03 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite_003
After a while DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL and DPF_SOOT_INF began to drop before reaching the mileage limit of 497.1 or the DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL of 100%. Regen began at the mileage limit. This screenshot shows that right before the regen starts DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL already dropped from 41% to 28% and DPF_SOOT_INF dropped from 4 to 2.

I highlight this for a couple of reasons.
1. The closed loop calculations show evidence of passive regen. EGTs were between 601 F and 830 F during this period of time which was appox 1.9 hrs. I looked back at the live data that I haven't deleted and have't seen any evidence of passive regen based off the closed loop values (went back as fare as March) so I don't know when this began.
2. This illustrates the difference between the open loop and closed loop calculations. Since the open loop calculations are estimations based on how hard the engine is working, they continued to increase until regen began. It only sees what the inputs are and estimates the rate of soot accumulation. The closed loop calculations began to decrease before regen because they are based off pressure and soot sensors in the exhaust stream.

Notes: This run includes approx 260 miles not towing

2019.07.13.2337.01 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite_004
This screenshot shows a run that included 100% towing and was under relatively ideal conditions: burning ULSD #2 without any bio additive; highway miles; relatively flat land.

2019.07.13.2337.02 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite_005
This regen lasted about 28 min. This regen was included so the values of the closed loop calculations at the beginning and ending of this regen can be compared to later ones.

Notes: This run recorded another 1.8 hrs of driving. During this time DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL went from 9% to 12% and DPF_SOOT_INF stayed at 1.

 

2019-07-27-2305

2019.07.14.1143.01 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite_006
This is a continuation of the previous run (2019.07.13.2337.02 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite). DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL is now 16% and DPF_SOOT_INF is still 1 (it did creep up to 2 but eventually went back down).

Notes: During this run I had to fill up and had to use a bio-diesel blend. The open loop calculations will eventually force a premature regen. At this point I am still trusting the truck to do it's “thing.” With a little more data I will feel more confident disabling auto regens when using bio-diesel blends. Since I have just started observing the closed loop calculations, I am not ready to make the leap to manual control of regens. Plus since this was a family vacation, I didn't want to get bogged down in mulling over this data. The wife would have had a fit.

2019.07.14.1806.01 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite_007
As previously mentioned this run included a tank of bio-diesel. From my notes it was approx 75% bio-diesel blend (I'm not sure which percentage of bio it was; ie B20, B10, or B5). As a result the DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL calculation reach 100% and triggered regen after 304 miles. Notice that the DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL went down to 14% (a 2% drop) and DPF_SOOT_INF remained at 1 from the previous screenshot. The closed loop calculations indicate passive regen happens even when using bio-diesel.

Notes: After this regen completed closed loop calculations went down to 2% (DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL) and 0 (DPF_SOOT_INF). This regen event lasted 24 minutes.

2019.07.15.0215.01 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite_008
The next regen event reached 346.1 miles before 100% was reached on the DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL. The concentration of bio-diesel was lower in the fuel used during this regen event.

Notes: After this regen completed closed loop calculations went down to 1% (DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL) and 0 (DPF_SOOT_INF). This regen took 28 minutes to complete.

2019.07.15.1456.01 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite_009
This screenshot is after about 1600 miles of traveling and includes a travel interval of about 150 miles. I began to notice that the closed loop calculations really began to show the effects of passive regen. Over the approx 150 miles this run covers, they went from 2% to 3% (DPF_SOOT_PCT_CL) and stayed at 0 (DPF_SOOT_INF).

Notes: At this point, I was between Lincoln, NE and N. Platte, NE. At this point, I was averaging 11.179 mpg.
DPF_SOOT_PCT_OL went from 33% to 66%. DPF_SOOT_OL went from 3 to 6.
In the Midwest, it was very difficult to find pumps without bio-diesel.

2019.07.15.2148.01 – RegenTest.Screenshot.FORScanLite_010
This screenshot is a continuation of the previous screenshot and shows the beginning of a regen. The closed loop calculations barely moved. The mileage between regens went from 346.1 to 317.3 miles on this run because (the last fill up was with bio-diesel). The regen lasted 32 minutes.