A faulty DPF can damage a turbocharger

Unfortunately, it is true. A clogged, inoperative DPF / FAP particulate filter or catalyst is deadly for your turbo. The situation might also be reversed and a defective turbo can lead to clogging of the particulate filter.

Incorrect operation of one element will lead to problems with another. A clogged particulate filter causes a significant increase in the mechanical load of the turbocharger. Problems with DPF are often accompanied by dilution of engine oil with fuel, and the turbocharger requires good lubrication of components. A motor with a damaged turbocharger emits more soot, which clogs the gap in the monolith of the particulate filter.

Nowadays, when the moto world has mastered the fashion for “downsizing” and being eco, it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet cars without turbocharging or complicated exhaust filter systems. Diesel’s without DPF / FAP / SRC, or high-pressure naturally aspirated engines falls to the past. As it  happens – additional components may generate additional difficulties and unexpected costs. The durability of the turbocharger and the diesel particulate filter is related. The failure of one of the components will cause a second fault.

A properly operating DPF / FAP captures up to 90% of solid particles, which causes its rapid filling. To avoid frequent replacement, the system must allow the device to be regenerated. In order for the soot to burn out, it is necessary to increase the temperature inside the monolith, for example by an additional fuel injection, or a special substance that  might be applied to reduce the degree of filter heating required to eliminate carbon deposits (cerium oxide) . Unfortunately, even such a self-cleaning process carried out properly is not effective for 100%. Inside the cartridge there is still ash which did not burn. As a result of its accumulation, the DPF gets clogged. It is also the case that the regeneration is not carried out well – it is simply interrupted, or it does not start because of various factors. Then the amount of sludge increases and reduces the filter throughput.

During active regeneration, a fuel dose is supplied to the inside of the filter to help warm it. If the process is interrupted, the unburned fuel will flow to the engine oil, increasing its volume and reducing the density. Therefore, in some cases, an increase in the oil level can be observed. You should replace it immediately and go for a diagnostics check to determine the cause of the situation. The increase in back pressure is a deadly factor for the turbocharger. It occurs when the DPF is completely clogged and the gas can not get through it to the exhaust.

Effects:

• violation of turbine sealants by gases
• blowing oil out of the rotor shaft bearings, charring of its residue
• deterioration of lubrication
• mechanical damage inside the turbine (blades, bearings, roller).

How to avoid failure? First of all, eliminate any symptoms of the DPD / FAP obstruction, make sure that the automatic regeneration of the diesel particulate filter runs correctly and is not interrupted. Also, do not ignore the lights and pop-up messages on the on- board computer. You can not delay solving these types of problems. You need to act quickly so that this failure will not lead to more.