Greetings all,

I have been watching this forum closely for a year now. Great information. Question. I'm curious - Is there hard published documentation that there should not be black soot in the tailpipes? From Ford, the dpf manufacturer, International, diesel magazine articles?

If I had a dealer Diesel mechanic tell me that soot was normal and there is nothing wrong, what could I either produce or tell him to read to explain otherwise. Specific documentation.

And, please do not take offense, but not printed messages from a forum.
I know one of the TSB's mentions "abnormal sediment in tailpipe", but there appears to be different opinions as to what is "abnormal".

I have been told the dpf is not cracked and I have done business with this particular dealer for many years now. I have a lot of respect for and trust this dealership. The truck is ten months old (Job2, F250, 4x2, LWB, supercab, SRW) 6000 miles - half towing, quarter highway, quarter city. Black soot showing up in tailpipe. I have never known there to be an active regen. Software was recently been updated so hopefully I can at least monitor/know if truck goes into regen. No performance issues yet, no blowing smoke, etc. and mileage has been consistent and on par with what I have read. Was told to return if further problems develop or I don't see any regen messages within a reasonable number of miles.

I am, however, curious as to where I might find some published information regarding the "cleanliness", if you will, of the new engines - specifically, cleaner tailpipes than previous generations. If push ever came to shove, I would rather work with my dealer and be part of the solution rather than "fuss" with them and both of us end up mad at each other.

Thanks in advance. I have gotten some helpful information the past year from this forum.

 

I have a little bit black soot on my tailpipes and my dpf is not cracked. I also do not have a mileage issue, black smoke coming out, diesel exhaust smell or any of the other issues that are mentioned. I do have 25,000 miles on my truck though which is what I suspect has caused it. Just plain and simple heat and cool of a pipe that gets hot and then cold over and over with road grime.

 

That's a darn good question!

 

Hey man great post, I am curious to see what people say. I have black in my tail pipe but have yet to throw a CEL or have any issues with a smoking tail pipe. Never have even had a mechanical issue. I am in no rush to have it checked out but will do it the next week I am available to drop the truck off. Esp since I plan on running the banks exhaust system.

Nick

 

Here is a pic of my pipes 2 minutes ago

13,000 miles

NO SOOT

 

The amount of soot allowed through the exhaust is set by EPA regulations. Talk to your local emission testing station to find out if they are testing diesels yet in your area. If so, have them test it. If it fails to pass emissions, take the failed test to your dealer - they'll have no choice but to resolve the problem.

IMHO, the biggest risk that owners face is if your tailpipes start sooting up while the truck is still under warranty, but you don't resolve the problem. Then, in a few years when your state starts testing diesels as part of an annual emmission program (and your warranty has expired), you'll be on the hook for a multi-thousand dollar replacement - that could have been avoided.

Even if my DPF goes bad and I'm intending to remove it, I'll still want it replaced under warranty so I'll have a good, used take-off that I can put back on the truck if needed.

 

Ford Motor Company - Press Release - FORD SUPER DUTY TO LEAD DIESEL REVOLUTION WITH CLEANEST, QUIETEST POWER STROKE ENGINE EVER

2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch exhaust particulate filter

See How a Diesel Particulate Filter Works (Video) - The AirZone Blog

Diesel particulate filter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) : Diesel particulate filters - The AA

try those

 

Great Post, I have the exact same problem and question. Lets hope someone has an answer! gene

 

Mine are a little darker than that. I still think mine was caused by road grime though. I don't wash my truck very often.....

 

Well bull! I just went out to my truck, got my camera out to take a picture of my tailpipes and the darn battery is dead in my camera. I put it on charge and I will get a picture tomorrow. I washed my truck a couple of days ago and cleaned the inside of the tips really good with an acid/water mixture and a stiff brush. I drove about 40 miles and they are totally black! They sorta look like the stacks I had on my 2000 7.3

 

Here's a video (thought it would be better than a picture) of my tips. Like I said above, I cleaned the tips about 2 or 3 days ago. I am also attaching a video that I tried to get of the truck smoking. It's hard to see, but at about 5 seconds you can see it.
soot.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
smoke.flv - Video - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

 

Just arrived home from the mountains on Sunday checked the tail pipes and have heavy soot also greasy soot type film on the lower rocker panel above the tail pipe. I have an appointment Tuesday the 16 to have all checked. Mileage has been normal and not showing a check engine light. Will be interested to see additional posts on this.

 

Your video explains it all. You should not have soot in the tailpipe. My job #1 truck is 20 months old with 34000 kms on it . The inside of the tailpipe is the same color gray metal color as the outside on the pipe. I strongly suspect your DPF is not doing the job. The DPF is quite expensive so i would have it checked out while you have the Ford warranty in effect.