Doser valve issues

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by bradi, Oct 25, 2014.

  1. bradi

    bradi Bobtail Member

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    Jul 3, 2011
    Kingsville, Ontario
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    I have replaced 4 doser valves this year on my 2011 d13 volvo and I think I have found the problem. I found a huge build up of crystallized DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) in my exhaust pipe less then 6 weeks after I had the valve replaced and pipe cleaned. After some research I discovered that the exhaust temp is not hot enough to completely atomize the DEF. As a result the DEF is crystallizing, building up and plugging the exhaust pipe. Volvos fix is an insulated wrap around the pipe several inches down wind of doser valve. The idea here is to help maintain more heat. Personally, I don't think this wrap is enough. I have ordered (via ebay) exhaust pipe wrap and intend to insulate more of the pipe in effort to maintain more heat.

    Whats happining; the pipe plugs up to a point that the truck throughs a doser valve code. The mechanics at the dealer replace the valve cleans the pipe clears the code then hands me a $900.00 bill. when in fact there is nothing wrong with the valve. This is just pure speculation on my part as I am not a mechanic. I plan to wrap the pipe and drive it for another 6 weeks then take it apart and check it again.
     
    themadmon, KB3MMX, Stump and 3 others Thank this.
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  3. leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

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    Mo Via Blackpool,Lancs.
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    A dealer just swapping parts and sticking it to ye? Say it aint so....lol
    I would be trying to get some money back myself, that isn't right at all.
    Exhaust wrap does indeed retain heat inside the exhaust downpipes etc, but have no idea if it's enough to sort the DEF out or not..

    Martin
     
  4. driverdriver

    driverdriver Road Train Member

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    Use the search box on here type in
    Rawzee in the results click on the discussion about the
    Cummings 871 some very detailed info
    About cleaning and troubleshooting erg
    and def systems I think you will find worth your time to read it
     
    Zay1528 and KINGevolution Thank this.
  5. leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

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    Hmmm, the OP has a D13 Volvo motor, so doubtful it will be the same really.
    Hell, I could tell them how to cure a S60 issue too, but it is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard isnt it.

    Martin
     
  6. driverdriver

    driverdriver Road Train Member

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    Yes but the egr and def system are I would think pretty much the same (not a mechanic) the cleaning and troubleshooting discribed in the thread could quite possibly lead him the right direction it's very informative. Very detailed as well
     
  7. Stump

    Stump Heavy Load Member

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    Modesto CA
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    That at thread by Rawzee was more about DPF systems on Cummins engine, not the SCR/DPF system like the 2011 and above engines, like his. 08-10 systems have a Diesel dosser valve only. 2011 and above have both a diesel and DEF dosser valve, his problem is with the DEF valve. That thread is a great read either way. I'am having same type of issue with my 2011 cummins, but it looks like a voltage issue with the sensors, but I might try what the original poster is trying with the wrap.
     
    driverdriver Thanks this.
  8. bradi

    bradi Bobtail Member

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    Jul 3, 2011
    Kingsville, Ontario
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    Stump, I had voltage issues with sensors as well.....a real nightmare. The problem was a ground bolt where ground wires come together on the frame. The bolt was painted over from the factory. I used a screw driver and chipped the paint off then used a wire wheel to clean it all up. Further, I added an extra ground wire from alternator to frame. I also load test and clean battery terminals every other oil change. I replace my batteries every 18 months whether they need it or not. That cured my sensor problems. Too much or too little voltage to sensors will cause premature failures.
     
  9. Stump

    Stump Heavy Load Member

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    Thanks for the info! Now i'am terrified of this truck! I wish the EPA would stay out of my business, and my bank account!!
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
  10. bradi

    bradi Bobtail Member

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    Jul 3, 2011
    Kingsville, Ontario
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    Stump, here is a copy of a conversation I had here on the Volvo forum back in 2011. Also, clean battery switch connections (located above batteries). A bad connection here will cause under-voltage and charging problems.

    [​IMG] Originally Posted by bradi [​IMG]
    2011 Volvo d13 12 sp auto purchased Jan 2011. 20 times in shop (all sensor failures), towed 3 times, 22 weeks down time, behind 2 payments.
    My previous truck was a 98 Volvo 12 with 1.5 million miles basically trouble free (other than normal maintenance). I mailed a letter to Volvo a month ago explaining my problem. So far they have ignored me...no return letter no phone call nothing...

    Last August I reported that my purchase of a new 2011 Volvo (last Jan) was the worse mistake that I ever made. Towed 4 times, broke down 20 times all sensor failures.
    Well, I finally found the problem with this truck...Volvo dealer failed to find the problem and it looked like they would never find it. After many hours of internet research I stumbled across information on Freightliner having similar problems. Ground bolts on frame painted over and resulting in bad ground. I removed my ground wires on frame and sure enough a thick coat of paint over the frame ground bolt and threads. I cleaned everything up to bare metal reinstalled and coated the area with fluid film for protection. This was 7 weeks ago and I haven't had a sensor problem since.
    Kevin R is absolutely right when he mentioned that too many dealers just want to through new parts on trucks rather than simple diagnosis of repeat or system failures that are chronic in nature. $18,000 in warrentee work direct loss to Volvo manufacturing and $20,000 loss for me in down time. It's a terrible shame.
     
    KB3MMX and driverdriver Thank this.
  11. driverdriver

    driverdriver Road Train Member

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    Yeah when I posted I kinda thought I remember that cause I read it a while back but, I was thinking it might help to come up with a solution. I was just trying help
     
    Stump Thanks this.
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