A blocked DPF prevents exhaust gas passing through the exhaust system at the required rate. As a result, back pressure and exhaust gas temperatures increase within the turbine housing.
Increased exhaust gas temperature and back pressure can affect the turbocharger in a number of ways, including problems with efficiencies, oil leaks, carbonisation of oil within the turbo and exhaust gas leaks from the turbo.
Cause of Blocked DPF'S
There are several different reasons a DPF becomes blocked
- Soot: solid particle build up and/or soot cake
- Ashes accumulate in a DPF during prolonged use
- Motor Oil Contamination resulting from a leaky engine intake system
It will be difficult to spot a turbocharger that has suffered from DPF problems.
The best advice is to send in your turbo to a Turbo Care where we can check for:
- Discolouration of parts
- Carbon build up
- Oil leaks etc.
Prevention of Blocked DPF Turbo Failure
It is essential to identify the failure mode and determine whether a DPF related issue is the root cause.
If the entire rotor assembly is ok, and there are some signs of overheating towards the turbine side of the core assembly then the failure is likely to be caused by excessive exhaust gas temperatures.
High amounts of carbon build-up within the VNT mechanism and lever arms indicate a blocked DPF, and the driver may experience turbo lag or over boost of the turbo.
