DPF Ash value 79g, options?

[Vedubber]

I was playing around with VCDS, and decided to check my DPF status after using the van for a good 3 hour long motorway journey. The van has no faults and the soot levels are very good.
I did notice that the oil Ash level is at 79.08g.
Van is on 150,000 miles.

Now I understand this is on the upper limit, but as said the van drives perfectly fine.

Do we think to just leave well alone for the moment, or would it be better to get a clean done now before things get too far.
Am I right in thinking a forced regen at this point isn’t really going to do much to the ash volume?

 

[manfrotto]

If you check with VCDS or other tool it should say what the ash load limit is as per:


My CXHA says 110g, so if yours is the same, you are OK for a while.

 

[Vedubber]

If you check with VCDS or other tool it should say what the ash load limit is as per:
View attachment 312506

My CXHA says 110g, so if yours is the same, you are OK for a while.

Yes my load limit is also 110g on this engine

 

[manfrotto]

Yes my load limit is also 110g on this engine

Which means you have another 50,000 to 60,000 miles before you get to the limit.
I would just keep monitoring it, but do nothing in the meantime

 

[Vedubber]

Which means you have another 50,000 to 60,000 miles before you get to the limit.
I would just keep monitoring it, but do nothing in the meantime

I like the sound of that. I’ve never had a DPF get to these levels before, and I am definitely more of a ‘prevention is better than cure’ person.

I’ll stick with it for now. As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

 

[Paynewright]

What would be the recommended cleaning process? DPF removal, chemical soak and a backflush?

 

[Vedubber]

What would be the recommended cleaning process? DPF removal, chemical soak and a backflush?

Seems yes, taking it somewhere to have a full chemical clean and power flush; or a kiln dry and flush.

 

[DXX]

Not sure I’d wait until the DPF ash load has reached the limit. I’m certainly no DPF expert but surely the more clogged the DPF is with ash the less area there is for soot and the more frequent the re-generations. Additional fuel cost and engine degradation through over fuelling during re-gens’.
Obviously DPF re-generation monitoring would register any changes in re-gen’ inverval and duration.

 

[Paynewright]

Not sure I’d wait until the DPF ash load has reached the limit. I’m certainly no DPF expert but surely the more clogged the DPF is with ash the less area there is for soot and the more frequent the re-generations. Additional fuel cost and engine degradation through over fuelling during re-gens’.
Obviously DPF re-generation monitoring would register any changes in re-gen’ inverval and duration.

I’d rather deal with it when its convenient to me as opposed to it happening at the worse possible moment. I know things fail on all mechanical objects without warning but where there is data / information / insight I’ll take action.

I’m also of the opinion that emissions systems on 2010+ diesel vehicles need additional maintenance / spend to keep them efficient and reliable. My van is approaching 50K miles so am planning an egr swap in the next 12-18 months.