Regeneration Characteristics

[Dale_Lakin]

Thought this might help some 6.4 owners understand their engine better.


TSB
07-4-11 6.4L DIESEL - REGENERATION FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Publication Date: February 20, 2007

FORD: 2008 F-Super Duty


ISSUE:
2008 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with the 6.4L diesel engine are equipped with an oxidation catalytic converter (OC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF). The function and operation of these parts may cause some customers to perceive an issue with their vehicle.

ACTION:
Review the Operating Characteristics with the customer.

OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS

Diesel particulates in the exhaust are trapped by the DPF. Regeneration is the process by which exhaust temperatures are increased so the particulates are combusted.

The frequency and length of regeneration will fluctuate as both are determined by the drive cycle. For most drive conditions, regeneration frequency will vary from 100 - 600 miles (161 - 804 Km) between occurrence and last from 10 to 40 minutes. The first regeneration does not require 100 miles (161 Km) and may occur at any time. The length of regeneration is usually reduced if a constant speed above 30 MPH (48 Km/h) is maintained.

The following is a list of normal operation while the vehicle is in regeneration, and do not require repair. If you are not sure if the vehicle is in regeneration, IDS can be used to monitor the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) PID.

Engine idle speed can be 1100 to 1200 RPM in park/neutral with foot off brake.
High idle speed drops to within 50 RPM of normal idle when the brake pedal is touched, PRNDL is actuated, or clutch is actuated.
White smoke in cold ambients is normal and the amount will be increased during regeneration.
Powertrain power is limited to 325 horsepower (HP).
Engine responsiveness may be slightly different than normal operation.
During initiation of regeneration, exhaust smell may be noticed - especially on new vehicles.
Powertrain sound will be different including air induction noise (including flutter on deceleration or engine shut down), exhaust noise, and changes in engine radiated noise.
During regeneration, exhaust temperatures are elevated.
The following is also normal and may be observed by a technician using a diagnostic tool. It is not likely that a customer would be aware of these:

The throttle body is only active during the regeneration process and during shutdown.
EGR is not operating during regeneration.

 

[big_rooster]

another way to tell is, if the guy next to slows way down and swerves out of the way because yer exhaust is on fire

 

[whatabudro]

Thanks for chiming in Dale. Come around more often!

 

[Dale_Lakin]

pm sent.

 

[powerboatr]

thanks dale good to hear frm you again
I really like the part about regen every 100-600 miles "Engine responsiveness may be slightly different than normal operation"folks who tow are going to love that, imagine lossing power to regen while climbing a hill or trying to get back up to speed.

 

[Dale_Lakin]

thanks dale good to hear frm you again
I really like the part about regen every 100-600 miles "Engine responsiveness may be slightly different than normal operation"folks who tow are going to love that, imagine lossing power to regen while climbing a hill or trying to get back up to speed.

yes that will be the case with all diesels and regen though not something ford specific...not that that helps any but at least the blue oval won't be the only one...

 

[Tail_Gunner]

So let's tally the score to this point:

1 The engine looses power on it own at regular intervals to give it's emissions devices an enema. All without the driver being able to intervene or override this function.

2 Flames come out the tailpipe and set things on fire. -mad

3 The cost of this wondrous(?) beast has skyrocketed because of a "lawyer feeding frenzy" between IH and Ford.

4 The cab and front end have to be removed from the frame to do anything much more than checking the oil.

Cost of new glow plug: $14.96
Cost to remove and reinstall cab & front end: $2,000
Cost of rebuilding your old 7.3: PRICELESS!!!

Ford can keep their 6.4. I'm going to keep my trailer gruntin', soot belchin', tire smokin' 7.3 until the wheels fall off and then some.

 

[HTRDDSL]

I ordered an 08, But the more I read about the DPF the more I think I should have ordered the V10. I have an 02 7.3 with only 73000 kilometers on it and now I'm wondering if I should cancel my order and lose the deposit.

What sold me on the 6.4 is how quiet and smooth it was. But so was the V10 I just sold. They still have some nice 07 King Ranch and Harley Davidsons with the 6.0 left. My 02 runs perfect and has since I first bought it.