whats up with the cascadia?

Volvo will self regenerate when idling, especially if it detects the SCR isn't working well due to crystallized DEF.

I'm surprised the rest don't have the system set up to do that.

 

Does idling still effect these trucks if you use a higher idle?

 

Agreed 100%

Major reason why SCR trucks are better is lower use of EGR flow because the NoX emissions are neutralized by the urea.

This also allows higher engine timing for better fuel mileage and better passive regen from the DEF/Urea.

First gen EGR and first gen DPF trucks are the most problem laden, usually with much higher failure of EGR coolers due to the higher flow to control NoX.

Another long term problem with the first gen motors is the higher EGR flow causes faster upper cylinder and ring wear from the high levels of abrasive soot introduced.

I'd look for a 11+ truck that has been maintained with regular DPF cleanings and yearly DEF filter changes in addition to the regular PM list.

 

Remember.....

The DPF catches all the crap coming out of the motor.

Remember the pre emissions trucks and how they would cold smoke during long idle periods?

That cold smoke is all collected in the DPF filter ...and will need a regen to cook out.

Idling is definitely bad and some sort of APU or idle reduction device will really save the truck in the long run.

What amazes me is how the gov't is so quick to mandate everything but so slow to mandate idle reduction device from the factory to solve this problem.

 

I personally think Volvo takes the cake with their emissions systems. Our Pete 579s have Cummins motors and theyre relatively problem free, same with our MaxxForce powered Prostars (new International motors use a Cummins aftertreatment system, and it's the only thing that functions properly on these trucks...). The Detroits have been troublesome and require more stringent maintenance or you'll surely run into problems.

 

I think Volvo would eliminate the EGR if the EPA didn't require them. Volvo already reduces the EGR cycle to almost nothing while rolling because NOX allows the soot to be oxidized at a lower temperature. That's why EPA 10 Volvo engines don't run on road regenerations. Reduced EGR cycles results in less soot as well.

On the other hand the MaxxForce EGR only approach failed miserably because EGR throws more soot into the exhaust and plugs the DPF. That's why MaxxForce engines are always regenerating and having maintenance issues because of it.

 

The newer MaxxForce-powered trucks are now using an aftertreatment system that uses DEF however I'm not sure what year they began that (our 2015 and 2014 model year trucks take DEF, possibly the 13's as well). It's entirely manufactured by Cummins though and has really helped the reliability of the engines. They are however still plagued by numerous other issues on top of being probably the most gutless class 8 engine on the market IMO.

 

Call Crete Carrier in Lincoln and ask to talk to their o/o manager. I bought a 2011 Cascadia with 2year warranty, 500k miles. Very Happy with it.

 

Im wondering how weather conditions factor into the def filters.
If you run only in fair conditions,where motor is always running hot..compared to a east coast truck,with cold temps and cold engine operation,at start up.