Signs that you will have DPF and emission problems?

I would say if it says year model 2007 or newer,it will give you potential problems,thanks to California for creating this mess

 

Does the ECM keep track of Manual Regens?
Normally they shouldn't require a lot of them.

Daycab/Local Work might change that a bit.

 

Anything with 200,000 miles or more are going to need repair/maintenance. And the dealers will NOT do it correctly, they do just enough to make it legal the day you drive it off the lot. Try to get a FACTORY/DEALER (not aftermarket you have to pay for) warranty for at least a year that includes ALL after-treatment parts and labor IN WRITING do not take anyone's word for it. If they don't believe in their equipment why should you?

 

IF it has a DPF it will give you trouble. In all seriousness, it is a crap shoot on a used truck, all it takes is one leak in the EGR cooler to put antifreeze in the EGR system which will cause soot to stick to everything, plugging up the system and causing long term problems. Good advice above, check on the number of manual regens if possible, look for sensor replacements as these should be done when the DPF is baked (cleaned), see how many times the EGR cooler has been changed, if it has been more than once you may have a continuing problem.

Stay away from the International Maxxforce motor at all costs, the Cummins ISX is ok but check the EGR cooler they are known for failures, the DD is an ok motor but is known for sensor failures, but at least they are cheap and easy to fix, the EGR cooler gets expensive, especially if you have to fix down stream problems.

 

The potential for problems with DPF /DEF trucks is almost guaranteed.Especially with anything over 200k as previously mentioned. You should be able to get an ecm printout from the dealer and see if the truck was run hot, low coolant warning codes (potential EGR problems). If the filter was replaced it usually meant there was a crack found in it and that could be due to improper or overly hot regens. I was told at the local KW dealer to replace a DPF ceramic filter with parts and labor was close to $4k .
Warranties help with the cost of repairs,but it does not change the fact that the truck will be making frequent trips to the dealer and losing money . I don't envy you having to have a current emission compliant truck to operate in CA.If the truck will be idling a lot or in stop and go traffic it is horrible for these engines and they will constantly be trying to regen . You can't look at trucks after 2008 as you look at non DPF/ DEF trucks as they ask the engine to be an engine to move the truck and a Soot Furnace.Do not believe what the dealer sales people tell you ,they have to say whatever they have to say to move that iron off their lot. The mechanics and service managers are limited to what they say as they could get in hot water telling a customer or potential customer what they Really think about the issues with current emissions equipped trucks .Talk to towing companies and they will tell you they tow in way more newer trucks due to emissions /engine related issues than they tow in pre 2008 trucks .
Also go to independent diesel repair shops and ask their opinion ,you will get a way different answer on the topic of newer trucks than you will from a dealer trying to sell them.

 

I have a 2011 Prostar International with 477k on it and it had to have the DPF filter replaced 100k or so ago. The new filter that Cummins makes has bigger holes and does a better job with less, the cummins tech said the redesign filter should cut the emission problems down drastically. In 100k I have had none and the truck has ran strong.

Hope this helps somewhat.

 

Idle time is worse then mileage. High idle time causes way more wear and tear then driving because the engine isn't hot enough to passive regen. And as everyone else said after 200k they start needing more repairs. Once the dpf is cleaned and the def doser is cleaned they should be good. But that really needs to be done every 100k to keep it going.

 

Also if it is a Cummins they used to state in the owners manual that every 250k the DPF needs removed and cleaned.

 

Sadly, the biggest sign that you will have DPF/emissions issues is that you bought a truck so equipped in the first place. I've got a fleet of trucks with assorted varieties of Cummins ISX, from 450 to 525 hp, and it's a never ending issue. There is not one week out of the year that I've been here that we have not had an emissions-equipped truck in the shop for an emissions issue. Cummins' EGR coolers are a recurring theme, with some trucks on their second in under 200K miles.

Makes me really appreciate the lone Cat powered truck...a '94 T800 with a 4CK 3406!