Ford F-series CAT DPF Issues

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For the good of the order:

When Ford opted to include CAT C-7 and C-9 engines of the 2007-2009 DPF equipped versions, they made a critical mis-step in their engineering approach as it pertains to vocational vehicles (Like fire apparatus.

Their thinking was that the motor would generate enough exhaust heat to provide 100% of the regeneration heat to burn off soon in the DPF. No manual selection of regeneration was installed. The result...When the derates started to occur, the end user had to take it to a CAT dealer for manual regen. The end user has had enough. Ford's reaction was to discontinue the CAT motor in their chassis.

Do you have such an animal? There IS a fix. See the attached information on the two items that can be installed by your CAT dealer to rectify both manual regeneration through an add-on control center AND remote notification of need for regeneratio vial a warning horn (provided) or a strobe/LED warning light (not included) for those situations when you are away from the interior and the dash warning comes on requiring a regeneration of the DPF. Depending on your technical capabilities, you may be able to wire it in and then simply take it to the CAT dealer for hookup to his proprietary CAT Computer Software for toggling in the features required for this install. This will correct those situatons where the Dealer tells you that you have to pay because you ignored the warning lights and drove it into the ground when, in fact, you were away from the cab and never knew the DPF warning light came on. Like when we are fighting fire, sitting at an accident site with engine idling, sitting at an EMS call with engine idling, etc. Take a look. Your mandated trips to the dealer to have the DPF regenerated will be nearly eliminated. Except for those situations where the operator continues to ignore the need for regen.
http://www.tfbglobal.com/19907.html
http://www.tfbglobal.com/18607.html

[Elmhurstevt]

Tony,

We just had Cat install a manual regeneration switch on our service truck (08 F-650). Since it has a PTO driven hydraulic compressor, it has a ton of idle time. It was a pain since there was no way to get it regenerate. Our City is only about 12 square miles and most streets have 25 MPH speed limit. The expressway is also under construction and is stop and go most of the time. So there was no way to drive it around so that it would heat up. We were forced to take it in everytime the check engine light came on. I hope the manual switch works.

Jim

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Jim:

You should have no issues. However, you will need to be with the vehicle when it needs a regen. As you are the sole operators, this should not be an issue. When you get the indicator to regen, don't wait the usual 3-6 hours before shut down. Do it as soon as you can get it to an open area and do it immediately. This will keep from compacting the DPF. The item I posted, or the installation of the momentary switch by a CAT dealer will do the job nicely.