[gadawg31]

Ok, I am really new to the diesel world and have been searching for some answers to regeneration. I found out that my truck does not require DEF, but I can't seem to find any answer on whether or not my truck goes into a regen mode. I have had several people tell me different answers, so now I am hoping there may be a guru on here that can validate one of the answers. Does my truck regen or not? I get really bad mileage and I have been told that it is based on how often my truck regens and whether not it has had the DPF delete. Thoughts?

JD

 

[wingnut60]

That truck, if not modified, will have the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) that requires periodic regenerations (extra fuel injected into rear cylinders) that will raise the temperature in the filter high enough to burn off soot deposits. The regen process does require extra fuel during the cycle--how much for each cycle is widely variable, based on forum reports.
Bad fuel mileage is a common complaint on the 6.4 models--what are you getting, and what did you expect, and why did you expect that mileage?
Do you know if your truck is still equipped with the DPF?
Joe

 

[gadawg31]

Wingnut60, from what I can tell it is still stock with all of its mufflers. The last two time I calculated mpg's it was 9.6 & then 10.4. My buddy has the same truck and he said he averages around 13-15mpg. I am mainly just trying to educate myself a little better and each time I research info, I seem to get conflicting information. This question being the most varying answers. I was told yesterday by a supposed Ford tech that my truck did not regen. Thanks for clarifying that it does. So I guess my next question would be, if it does regen and I have all of my filters, what could I expect if I do this DPF delete and also take out catalytic converter. Would this money spent yield any promising return? Thanks.
JD

 

[Rickie]

If your truck is stock, it regenerates DPM in the DPF by adding fuel to the exhaust stream to increase exhaust gas temperature. The DPFs for the 6.4L are non-catalyzed and need help to regen.
From what I can gather, the regen interval is somewhere around 200 miles which was Ford's answer to prevent spontaneous combustion of DPM in the DPF when it became overloaded. The original interval was greater but lots of folks decided that they knew better than the truck and ignored regen reminders. The result for many was a vehicle fire that started in the DPF and involved the whole truck.
Anyway, fuel burner regen cycle requires fuel, dramatically reducing fuel mileage. The 6.4L engine is not bad, it's limited by it's archaic emissions system.

 

[gadawg31]

Rickie, thanks for the info. I hope I solved it all a couple of weeks ago. I was finally able to complete the DPF/CAT delete and it seems to run so much better. I have even seen an increase in my mpg's. I used RPI diesel and bought the full exhaust from down pipe back and the Gearbox Z DPF-R 4.0 programmer. I was looking at a lot of power, just fuel economy. So far so good, hopefully it will prolong the life a little more.

JD

 

[mikemass]

JD - You have the exact same set up as me. You are going to be very happy with the Gearbox Z. I just recently upgraded to the Electron. Exact same Economy Tune as the 4.0 Plus, but has the windshield mounted display unit. It's very cool to be able to read the trucks vitals while driving.

 

[fatboytx]

So I guess my next question would be, if it does regen and I have all of my filters, what could I expect if I do this DPF delete and also take out catalytic converter. Would this money spent yield any promising return? Thanks.
JD

It most definitely does an active regen. You'd have a plugged DPF in no time at all if it didn't get cleaned out periodically. Passive regen simply isn't sufficient and your truck will need to do an active regen. Even so ... DPFs become clogged and get replaced.

The rewards are going to be a very modest improvement in fuel economy but a big improvement in reliability. If your only getting 9-13 mpg right now I suggest that you have something else you can change to really improve your fuel economy. You didn't say if you had a lift kit, big wheels/tires, snow plow ... heavy foot ... ? I can easily get 15mpg running around in mixed hwy/city with a crew, long bed, 2WD, empty in hot weather. My best highway was 19mpg, empty at 1500 rpm, still air, 70 degrees, no traffic, mostly flat freeway with fuel additive.