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| The new generations of diesel engines are mainly emissions driven. Hence Ford and Dodge both come out with new engines at basically the same time (6.4 and 6.7L, respectively). You think the poorer fuel economy is driving you nuts...try an over-the-road truck.
Ford uses the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to reduce emissions. It traps the particulate matter and then burns it off periodically. The burn off occurs by spitting extra fuel either into the cylinders, tracing it's way into the DPF or directly into the DPF and then getting it to ignite in the DPF. I'm not sure how the 6.4 does it, but the concept is the same: get the DPF REALLY REALLY hot to burn off the particulate, spitting it out the exhaust as clean 'stuff' (I don't do chemistry). More fuel is required to get this thing really, really hot, hence the poor fuel economy during these so-called 'regen' cycles.
Also of note, I'm not sure how these DPFs are located/protected, but you may want to put extra thought into educating the wife/kids/hired help on what to do when this happens pulling a wagon into dry corn stubble.
For more info and resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_particulate_filter
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/highway-diesel/index.htm
http://www.epa.gov/nonroad-diesel/2004fr.htm
Oh, and have fun when they start putting these in your combines, tractors, backhoes, dozers, etc... in 2011 (EPA Tier IVa) and 2014 (EPA Tier IVb). | |
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Anyone with a 2008 6.4L PowerStroke???
