How to cleanse the diesel particulate filter?

The soot filter is designed to trap soot particles that are contained in the exhaust gases. The filter is able to reduce the soot content in the exhaust of a diesel car by 80 – 90 per cent. Serial installation of filters on diesel cars began in 2001, and their installation became mandatory in 2009. After the introduction of the EURO 6 standard, the use of particulate filters became relevant for petrol engines as well.

 In the course of vehicle operation, the particulate filter inevitably becomes clogged, despite the presence of a self-cleaning mode. For this reason, the service life of the particulate filter directly depends on a number of factors and the individual operating conditions of the vehicle. If the car is operated in urban areas with short journeys at low speeds, constantly warmed up in winter and long idling in traffic jams, then the particulate filter will clog faster.

There are three ways to deal with clogged particulate filters:

• First – replacing the filter with a new one.
• Second – physical removal of the particulate filter with software removal of it from the control unit.
• Third – washing with your own hands from an aerosol can, foam cleaner, without removing it from the car.
• Fourth – washing with special equipment.

Let's look at the pros and cons of each method.

The first method allows you to solve the problem with clogging of the filter in the shortest possible time, but the price of a new filter is quite high, so this method is not available to everyone. The high price of particulate filters has led to the following ways of solving problems with clogging of the particulate filter.

The second method is guaranteed to eliminate the possibility of the problem in the future. Average fuel consumption will drop slightly, while slightly increasing the dynamic performance of the car, which many people will like. Also for motors with particulate filters, specialised oils are recommended, which have a high cost. Removing this part will allow the engine to be filled with regular synthetic oil.

While there are clear advantages to this method, it should not be considered the best option for solving the particulate filter problem, because the soot in the exhaust gases is very harmful to human health and the environment.

The third method consists in the procedure of cleaning by yourself, using a special liquid and is carried out as follows:

- the particulate filter is removed from the car and its inlet or outlet is closed;

- the liquid used for cleaning is poured inside so that the entire volume is filled;

- the product to be rinsed is kept in this condition for ten hours, being periodically shaken;

- after this time has elapsed, rinse with warm water;

- the filter is placed on the car and driven some distance, at high engine speeds to dry and evaluate the results of washing.

The main and only advantage of this method is the price. However, the whole process takes a long time, the washing process produces a lot of contaminated water that needs to be disposed of, although more often than not it just ends up in the ground, i.e. the environment will suffer. The quality of such flushing is very questionable.

The fourth way, is a reasonable compromise between price and quality, which is to wash the particulate filter on special equipment. The advantages of this method include:

The fourth method is a reasonable compromise between price and quality.

• Preservation of the exhaust system design and engine settings.
• 100% guarantee of absence of any negative consequences of such operation for the car.
• Maintaining the normative indicators of exhaust gases, so there will be no problems when crossing borders.
• Cleaning the particulate filter does not violate the warranty.
• The procedure is environmentally friendly for humans and the environment.

The disadvantages of this method include the fact that it does not provide a complete restoration of the filter to the state of a new one, so this procedure should be carried out with a certain periodicity, which depends on the conditions of use of the car.

The MSG Equipment range includes the MS900 particulate filter flushing stand. It features advanced design solutions to maximise filter cleaning efficiency.