Friends 13 DRW Issues

[Cummins12V98]

Friend has a 13 Mega/AISIN/DRW that has around 150k. Recently had the valves adjusted, intercooler replaced and some fixing up after previous Dealer did the "Suggested" clean with the CCV. Last work was done by the guy I like at Crystal Chrysler.

He has been complaining about excessive DEF consumption, 2.5 gallons in 300 miles of towing. He also says the truck simply does not have the getup and go like it used to. No codes. He has owned the truck since new and stays on top of maintenance. His combined weight towing is 34k and is a full time RVer.

He still has MaxCare coverage for a while. He had actuator replaced a while back. Truck has had all recalls and updates done.

Thoughts?

 

[gsbrockman]

I’m trying to find some pictures....but I recall a guy over on CF that had a DEF injector go bad that almost continuously dosed (which might explain the high DEF consumption). The continuous dosing then ended up partially blocking the SCR, as it was caked up somewhat (restricted) which might explain the loss of power.

 

[Ltngdrvr]

Friend has a 13 Mega/AISIN/DRW that has around 150k. Recently had the valves adjusted, intercooler replaced and some fixing up after previous Dealer did the "Suggested" clean with the CCV. Last work was done by the guy I like at Crystal Chrysler.

He has been complaining about excessive DEF consumption, 2.5 gallons in 300 miles of towing. He also says the truck simply does not have the getup and go like it used to. No codes. He has owned the truck since new and stays on top of maintenance. His combined weight towing is 34k and is a full time RVer.

He still has MaxCare coverage for a while. He had actuator replaced a while back. Truck has had all recalls and updates done.

Thoughts?

Hmm... Trying to sort through all these different repairs...
What "suggested" clean are you talking about, having the EGR cleaned???
ECM will demand more DEF flow if it senses high NOx levels.
So, if they did something wrong on the EGR cleaning, and there was insufficient EGR flow, but not so bad that it tripped an EGR flow code, the ECM may be compensating with higher DEF flow.
I suppose this could also affect engine performance, but I would also question whether the valves were adjusted properly as incorrect adjustment can adversely affect power.

Also, I would question how he is measuring his DEF usage, because 2.5 gallons of fluid sounds like he just added a jug, and you can't measure DEF mpg like that. And, only 300 miles??? No accurate way to measure the DEF mileage there either.

 

[BigPapa]

We replace lots of NOX Sensors, mostly inlets, lots of doser injectors, and occasionally a pump module on our school buses.

 

[gtwitch]

Ltngdrvr, I measure DEF using trip2 odo and reset it every time I fill the DEF at the truck stop and mostly for the last winter wihich was towing about 11k triple axle toy hauler with 5 sleds inside back and forth to the mountains west of Laramie going from 7,000 up to 9500 elevation and back to towm about 85miles each round trip. I calculate about 280 to 300+ miles to the gallon of DEF. On the road without trailer and at interstate speeds and not much in the truck, getting about 500 mpg of DEF. Just observations here on my end.
gtwitch in wyoming

 

[Cummins12V98]

"Suggested" is when they sucker people into the cleaning that is not needed. He knows better now. The dealer that did it basically didn't put it all back properly. The Mechanic I know personally noticed this and fixed the poor job. He also replaced the intercooler then developed a leak. He said the valves were in need of adjustment.

I know some of the info I gave is irrelevant but I figure more info is better.

This has been going on for a while and prior to the EGR cleaning and valve adjustment.

He is a smart guy and knows how much DEF he is using.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I’m trying to find some pictures....but I recall a guy over on CF that had a DEF injector go bad that almost continuously dosed (which might explain the high DEF consumption). The continuous dosing then ended up partially blocking the SCR, as it was caked up somewhat (restricted) which might explain the loss of power.

This seems most likely from what limited knowledge I have on the subject.

I assume this can happen without throwing a code?

He said his boost is 30psi pulling a big grade and descending the same the braking hp is 120.

 

[AH64ID]

I would check the DEF injector to make sure it's clean. A poor injection pattern will increase consumption.

Ltngdrvr, I measure DEF using trip2 odo and reset it every time I fill the DEF at the truck stop and mostly for the last winter wihich was towing about 11k triple axle toy hauler with 5 sleds inside back and forth to the mountains west of Laramie going from 7,000 up to 9500 elevation and back to towm about 85miles each round trip. I calculate about 280 to 300+ miles to the gallon of DEF. On the road without trailer and at interstate speeds and not much in the truck, getting about 500 mpg of DEF. Just observations here on my end.
gtwitch in wyoming

I get around 500 mpg towing a 10K 5th wheel or 11K toy hauler and ~1000 mpg empty at interstate speeds... your usage seems quite high compared to mine, but IIRC you have SO programming...thou I am not sure it should make that much of a difference.

 

[gsbrockman]

I get around 500 mpg towing a 10K 5th wheel or 11K toy hauler and ~1000 mpg empty at interstate speeds... your usage seems quite high compared to mine, but IIRC you have SO programming...thou I am not sure it should make that much of a difference.

Yeppppp.....280 to 300 mpg is horrible. My lifetime average of 401 mpg DEF towing much heavier weight is better than his.

Since he posted “a range” and not a specific number.....I question his ability to accurately calculate his consumption.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Towing a similar RV along with running bobtail I was getting 500 miles to the gallon.

so 100 mpg is definitely no bueno.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I’m trying to find some pictures....but I recall a guy over on CF that had a DEF injector go bad that almost continuously dosed (which might explain the high DEF consumption). The continuous dosing then ended up partially blocking the SCR, as it was caked up somewhat (restricted) which might explain the loss of power.

How would you know if that is happening.

 

[gsbrockman]

How would you know if that is happening.

I only suggested it as your friend’s complaint and the guy over on CF were similar in nature. Not sure if the gasket is reusable or not (I’d prefer to have one just in case) but you might see if he was interested in disassembling the exhaust at the SCR where the DEF injector is, and simply do a visual on it.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I only suggested it as your friend’s complaint and the guy over on CF were similar in nature. Not sure if the gasket is reusable or not (I’d prefer to have one just in case) but you might see if he was interested in disassembling the exhaust at the SCR where the DEF injector is, and simply do a visual on it.

Thanks I will run that by him. Sounds like a possible cause.

 

[ARCliz]

Thanks everyone for your input!!!! sorry I haven't been in this discussion as we had NO internet connection were we where camping ! I have a few things that I will check and try to resolve this / or I just might order a NEW truck !