black soot in tailpipe

[jlferrier]

Would this be a sign of the dpf being cracked?
There are no codes or check engine lite on.
any ideas or help would be great thanks in advance.
38,500 miles on an 2009 2500.

 

[Bob4x4]

Yes sir,if it has soot it has cracked.That's not to say that it will not function.

 

[jlferrier]

Thanks bob 4x4 that was my first thought cracked. but by not fixing this how long before it will leave me waiting for tow truck. maybe time to trade for a 2013 or newer truck.

 

[Bob4x4]

no way of predicting;it will depend on the duty cycle.Might go for years as long as the pressures don't change too much

 

[xcc_rider]

Just because it's cracked doesn't mean it's terminal. You shouldnt have any problems as long as the ECM sees a differential pressure across the dpf that's within spec. It's when the dp is below spec is when you'll have problems.
Mine was severely melted/cracked to a point that if I floored it on an onramp I would soot out the sky. Ran this way for months with no codes or messages and besides the soot, no problems.

 

[jlferrier]

thanks for the feed back guys makes me feel a little better that it will not leave me waiting for tow truck.
almost all the miles are towing miles pulling 33 ft toy hauler and other smaller trailers, so when seen the soot in tail pipe it was a concern,
thanks for the feed back agian.

 

[zetatre]

My 2012 (they should have the same emission system) is the same and I suspect, like you, that the core of the DPF is fractured and is letting soot through.

From my research, it shouldn't be a problem as long as the leak remains within certain value. The reason is that PCM does not monitor the DPF directly (i.e. by measuring soot post DPF), but by interpreting the readings it gets from the pressure sensor.

Generally speaking, if the leak is too big, the differential pressure will fall below a certain threshold and trigger a code, specifically code P2002.

"The aftertreatment diesel particulate filter is designed to physically filter soot and to eliminate hydrocarbons from the engine exhaust gases through catalyst reactions in the exhaust stream. Federal law requires that the filter's efficiency be monitored for signs of degradation that would compromise the efficiency of the filter. The ECM monitors the efficiency of the aftertreatment diesel particulate filter via interpretation of data received from the Diesel Particulate Filter Pressure Sensor, which monitors the restriction across the aftertreatment diesel particulate filter. The ECM monitors the restriction in the aftertreatment diesel particulate filter at various engine speeds/loads and will set the fault if the restriction is below a calibrated threshold minimum value. The ECM will illuminate the MIL light Immediately when the diagnostic runs and fails in two consecutive drive cycles. Active regeneration of the aftertreatment Diesel particulate filter will also be disabled for the remainder of the drive cycle. The ECM will try to regenerate the aftertreatment diesel particulate filter on the next subsequent drive cycle. The ECM win turn off the MIL light immediately after the diagnostic runs and passes in four consecutive drive cycles."

I wouldn't worry too much about it, but since you are still within the emission warranty period (8 years / 80,0000), I would pay a trip to a few dealers and express your concerns to see if you get it replaced.

Alternatively you can keep an eye on eBay or your local CL: these trucks get deleted all the time and I see DPFs going for $300-$400. If you buy a used one, inspect it and make sure that is sooted on the inlet side (the side with the colt on flange) and not the other side. That should be a good unit. With your old one, check you local recycling center see what they pay you for it. It contains certain precious metal so you may be able to get a few bucks. There's also specialty recyclers.

 

[jlferrier]

thanks for your reply, I did talk to my dealer will be taking it in for the airbag recall and they will check the soot problem at same time.
The fellow is was talking to seemed to think it full under the lifetime warranty on the emissions so will see what they do and post in couple of weeks may before i could get it in.
Thanks for all the input it sure helps to take a load off the mind.

 

[Bob4x4]

Lifetime warranties do not exist on the diesel

 

[jlferrier]

on the emissions system it sure does look in your warranty book and the dealer say it does so will see next Thursday i will post on here if it was covered or not.

 

[sag2]

You and your dealer are both confused. Here is the lifetime warranty you reference out of the 2009 warranty book. It is a noise warranty and if your dealer is lame enough to try to get it covered I suppose you will get a free DPF and he will get stuck paying the $2,000 bill for doing it.

5.3 Noise Emission Warranty - Heavy Duty Truck
A. Description of Coverage
Chrysler Motors LLC ("Chrysler") warrants that this
vehicle as manufactured by Chrysler, wasdesigned, built and equipped to conform to all applicable
U.S. EPA Noise Control Regulations at the time it
left Chrysler's control.
This warranty covers this vehicle as designed, built
and equipped by Chrysler, and is not limited to any
particular part, component or system of the vehicle
manufactured by Chrysler. Defects in design,
assembly or in any part, component or system of the
vehicle as manufactured by Chrysler, which, at the time
it left Chrysler's control, caused noise emissions to
exceed Federal standards, are covered by this warranty
for the life of the vehicle.
B. Products Warranted
All vehicles built over 10,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating and manufactured for sale and use in
the United States are required to comply with the
Federal Government's Exterior Noise Regulations.
EMISSION WARRANTIES REQUIRED BY LAW
These vehicles can be identified by the Noise Emission
Control Label located in the operator's compartment.