and be sure to check oil with fill ups. I guess if level increases before 5000 miles you still need to change it.
maintenance for diesel
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
Kiggy has it about right! The DPF will trap the soot to be burned and out the pipe it goes as harmless ash.
Tips are to avoid extended idling. short frquent stops and not getting the truck up to normal operating temps.
Cold motor produces more soot.
So how can you help?
Try lower gears and tow/haul mode if regening in the city. This will produce higher rpms and higher EGT's so you can ensure that the injected fuel on the exhaust stroke goes to the DPF.
Also learn your trucks average regen cycle. May or may not be helpful in knowing when it may occur. Not an exact sience.
Let me add this as well. On occasion I true think it is better to stop a regen if it has just started and you are at your destination. This to me is much better than wandering around trying to get it done. Just know that as soon as you are up to operating temps it will start again.
This is somewhat helpful for me as I know to plan it.
Having said all this, I really have no issues with the regen process. I generally just ignore and drive the truck. maybe It is all habit by now I do not know.
What I do know is I dont make oil.
Tips are to avoid extended idling. short frquent stops and not getting the truck up to normal operating temps.
Cold motor produces more soot.
So how can you help?
Try lower gears and tow/haul mode if regening in the city. This will produce higher rpms and higher EGT's so you can ensure that the injected fuel on the exhaust stroke goes to the DPF.
Also learn your trucks average regen cycle. May or may not be helpful in knowing when it may occur. Not an exact sience.
Let me add this as well. On occasion I true think it is better to stop a regen if it has just started and you are at your destination. This to me is much better than wandering around trying to get it done. Just know that as soon as you are up to operating temps it will start again.
This is somewhat helpful for me as I know to plan it.
Having said all this, I really have no issues with the regen process. I generally just ignore and drive the truck. maybe It is all habit by now I do not know.
What I do know is I dont make oil.
Last edited by senix; Aug 12, 2010 at 10:04 AM. Reason: more info
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
just check it weekly, know where it sits when you have verified the amount of oil in it.
Check the oil when you motor is cold, has been sitting overnight.
When you change your oil you can always confirm by measuring the old oil. If you do this one time as every checks out then you are good.
Check the oil when you motor is cold, has been sitting overnight.
When you change your oil you can always confirm by measuring the old oil. If you do this one time as every checks out then you are good.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
In one of the posts above, the coolant level was mentioned. It was also stated not to use tap water but deionized water. What is the difference and will it harm the engine in a small amount? This is my first diesel and the learning curve has been steep. Regarding the regen, a regen occurs about every 300 miles and only lasts about 5-7 miles. I do not mind the message but will a computer update increase the time between regens? My mileage is between 11.5 and 12 and that is highway driving. I expected worse mileage compared to my 5.4L but this seems a little extreme. It is a 2008 f-250 job 1 (6/07).
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
That is a good regen interval so I would not want to mess with that. Rather how do you drive the truck?
What speeds? City driving? How much boost are you experiencing?
Best was to control fuel is around 1500 rpms, slower starts and try not to build boost.
City water in the degas bottle will really change the chemical makeup. You should be concerned about the nitrate levels.
What speeds? City driving? How much boost are you experiencing?
Best was to control fuel is around 1500 rpms, slower starts and try not to build boost.
City water in the degas bottle will really change the chemical makeup. You should be concerned about the nitrate levels.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
I am an easy driver - rarely do I push it over 2000 rpm's. I was really expecting better MPG - gonna try diesel kleene in my next tank. I would like to learn more about the coolant and how the motor is affected. Any suggestions? If the nitrate level is not good is the only fix a flush and refill?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
you can try some test strips to check the strength, Rotunda #328-00001 is the kit. If the nitrates are low 300-800 ppm then you can add 32 oz of VC-8 to bring it up.
If lower then a flush is required. Check every 20K.
Not maintaining the right strength could cause cavitation in the cooling system.
If lower then a flush is required. Check every 20K.
Not maintaining the right strength could cause cavitation in the cooling system.
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In one of the posts above, the coolant level was mentioned. It was also stated not to use tap water but deionized water. What is the difference and will it harm the engine in a small amount? This is my first diesel and the learning curve has been steep. Regarding the regen, a regen occurs about every 300 miles and only lasts about 5-7 miles. I do not mind the message but will a computer update increase the time between regens? My mileage is between 11.5 and 12 and that is highway driving. I expected worse mileage compared to my 5.4L but this seems a little extreme. It is a 2008 f-250 job 1 (6/07).
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
I bought my first diesel, 2008 F350. I am wondering what exactly you have to do for maintenance. I was told 7,000 miles for oil change/filter. I have read about a water filter? drainage, fuel filter? What other things do you have to do/check/replace and when. I know on a gas burner 3 months/3000 miles oil change with filter and lube and check air cleaner. But diesels are a different animal. Really dont need one( dont haul anything) just have always wanted one. Do you guys use ford parts from stealership or is there a better place?
also, go onto the Official Ford, Lincoln & Mercury Owner Site | Personalized Owner Information | FLMowner.com and register yourself and the vehicle.. set your driving style, and then look at the recommended service.. same as the book, but you can change the slider to different mileage marks..
also ford service will update the site with their work, and u can add your work to the record..
Sam
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