Over the past few decades, the Environmental Protection Agency has implemented emissions regulations for heavy-duty diesel engines. The EPA’s regulations apply to both on-highway and vocational trucks. These standards are positive and have lowered emissions. However, the engine aftertreatment systems (EATS) now mandatory in all new vehicles bring their own set of unique challenges. When it comes to overall efficiency and total cost of ownership, proper aftertreatment maintenance is crucial.
The Eats (Engine Aftertreatment Systems) Trade-Off
The latest category of heavy-duty engine oils were specifically designed to protect this latest generation of engines, but oil technology has not advanced far enough when it comes to optimizing and protecting the aftertreatment system, especially with regards to the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Consequently, fleet owners and operations managers have been forced to make a trade-off—one that requires more fuel.
How DPFs Increase Fuel Consumption
DPF Regeneration Cycles
Once enough soot and ash accumulate, the engine initiates a process where extremely high temperatures
burn off the collected particles to regenerate the DPF. Regen cycles can be passive or active and both require additional fuel to run, decreasing fuel economy.
What’s Actually Happening?
DPFs play a crucial role in cleaning diesel exhaust before it hits the tailpipe, reducing emissions of
particulate matter (PM). As fuel burns, the DPF collects and stores up to 98% of incombustible particles in
the form of ash and soot.
Ash Clogging in the DPF
Soot burns off through regeneration, but ash remains in the DPF. Engine lubricants contain metallic
additives, such as anti-wear and detergents, which clog the DPF and create backpressure. On top of
regeneration cycles, this backpressure puts additional strain on the engine, causing a significant
increase in fuel consumption.
Aftertreatment Maintenance Solution
Delo 600 ADF with OMNIMAX™ Technology solves the issue
of ash buildup in the diesel particulate filter while providing outstanding engine protection. By producing 60% less ash compared to today’s low-ash engine oils, Delo 600 ADF drastically reduces the rate of DPF clogging to increase fuel economy retention by up to 3%, and keep your vehicles running stronger, longer.
Available Here!
Contact the Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth parts team for details and pricing. Also, be sure to sign up for our Parts & Service monthly sales emails.