I recently purchased a pre-owned 2012 Ford F550 6.7L Diesel powered, with a boom service body attached. I'm in the billboard business, and have to use the truck 'running on idle' for several hours at a time, while installing sign vinyl's.

My dash indicator is showing "Engine Exhaust, 95%". Is there a clog in the exhaust, or is this an indicator of the DEF fluid level? Under my working conditions for the truck, how can I insure correct operation and service for the exhaust system?

Thank you, Jim B.

 

Welcome to FTE! Sounds like a regen is close to happening.

bruce...

 

That is your DPF filter status. Your truck should regen soon and then it will drop back down showing it has been cleaned out. Nothing to worry about

 

Jim,

you should definitely have a high idle setup if you idle that much. This will keep the idle at about 1200 rpms so long as you are in Park and the emergency brake us set. If lift is P.O driven this is probably already in place. However, it may only kick in when you call for power on the lift, backing down to 600 rpms when lift is stationary in the air etc. It is much better for engine if it runs at 1200 all the time. This will minimize the soot buildup in egr valve and diesel particulate filter, and prevent cold stacking.

that said, all that does is minimize the accumulation of soot - will take longer to reach 100% full which starts a regen process as soon as you start driving again. With a 550, you should be able to manually start a regen. This raises the idle speed also, but dumps raw fuel onto the exhaust so your exhast temps rise to about 1,150 degrees and you have a mini-soot-incinerator for about 30 minutes. Thus you can have the regen done when using the lift on site. Caution however, the 1150 degrees is not a good idea in a dry grass area unless you want a fire.