Before we pull the curtain down on our emissions-friendly diesel parts series, we’re wrapping up with a conversation on the industry’s hot-button issue: the removal of emissions control equipment. It’s a topic virtually no one, inside or outside of the diesel segment, wants to discuss. However, without a shadow of a doubt the issue of “deleting” emissions equipment is the elephant in the room for all current and prospective late-model diesel owners. The emissions removal problem simply cannot be ignored forever. So, why not tackle the issue of deleting head-on?
For more information, please visit our website.
Because we’ve already offered you fun, legal and clean paths to making more horsepower with your diesel-powered Ford, Chevy or Ram, this time we’re explaining why so many diesel owners delete parts from their trucks—as well as why you shouldn’t. We’ll also touch on the biggest disadvantages associated with deleting, the most common misconceptions about factory emissions equipment and remind you that The Big Three have gone out of their way to make the latest emissions-scrubbing equipment attached to heavy-duty pickups as reliable as it’s ever been.
It’s no secret that the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems on modern diesels come with a myriad of failure points. EGR valves stick, EGR coolers rupture, DPF’s fill up, pressure differential sensors fail, SCR doser valves quit working, DEF heaters stop functioning, and on and on. From simple sensor issues to complete component failure, the owners of these modern day, 1,000 lb-ft of torque workhorses—many of which depend on them to make a living—understandably don’t appreciate any downtime incurred on account of an emissions equipment issue. Eliminating failure points is the biggest reason emissions system deletes occur.
Another factor that plays a part in a diesel owner’s decision to delete boils down to fuel economy. However, while removing the emissions equipment from a late-model diesel can provide a bump in fuel efficiency, it’s nowhere near as noticeable as it was in the - era. Back then, when only EGR and DPF technology was employed on diesels, fuel economy was dismal—like 12 to 14-mpg with an empty truck dismal. However, after SCR debuted (’11 model year for Ford and GM, ’13 model year for Ram pickups), as well as other aftertreatment system improvements, fuel economy received an immediate shot in the arm, with many ¾-ton model trucks capable of achieving 20-mpg empty.
A lot of diesel owners are under the notion that the DPF is a ticking timebomb. Again, much of this line of thinking stems from the early days of the technology’s existence, when failure was more prevalent. Additionally, many (and we would argue most) diesel owners believe the DPF is a restriction that costs you horsepower. In lower horsepower applications (i.e. street-driven trucks), this has been disproven time and again. Another familiar misconception is that the EGR system will kill the engine. While the carbon trap that is an EGR system can eventually hinder performance, proper maintenance (namely cleaning) goes a long way in both keeping its components alive and ensuring peak engine performance is always on tap.
For starters, it’s illegal. By reducing complexity and removing failure points in an attempt to gain reliability and some fuel economy, you do so at the expense of technically making your truck illegal for street use. But beyond the fact that it’s illegal to tamper with federally-mandated emissions equipment, no manufacturer will honor your truck’s warranty upon realizing the hardware is missing. Worse yet, a dealership could actually use the fact that your truck is deleted to get out of performing other, non-powertrain-related warranty work. And if the absence of emissions equipment is detected by law enforcement, you could face steep fines and/or a fix-it ticket.
While still not without their faults, present day diesel emissions components are more reliable than they’ve ever been. As the EGR, DPF and SCR systems—all of which have to work in conjunction with each other—continually improve, each piece within these systems will likely enjoy a longer service life. And, as was previously mentioned, proper maintenance plays a huge role in the durability of any modern diesel engine. Timely DPF cleaning intervals (including allowing regeneration intervals to be completely carried out without interrupting them) and EGR system cleanings should be performed at the specified interval(s). And don’t forget about your engine oil. With all the soot contamination that takes place in any EGR-equipped engine, running the right engine oil has never been more important.
As we alluded to above, the components forced to live in the harsh environment that is a diesel engine’s exhaust tract aren’t perfect by any means, but their longevity has improved tremendously since first being introduced. Stronger electric actuator motors, better EGR cooling, DPF quality improvements and more precise regeneration functionality have all made this possible. Now, an EGR system that receives proper maintenance (cleanings) can be made to last 100,000 miles or more and a DPF can live twice as long as that. As a bonus for horsepower junkies, the DPF isn’t as much of a restriction as most think it is. In fact, for anything under 650 hp to 700 hp it isn’t a bottleneck at all.
When a manufacturer is awarded an Executive Order (E.O.) number from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), it means that its product has been proven to not increase vehicle emissions when in use. And because CARB often enacts emissions standards that are more stringent than what you’ll find in the other 49 states, if it’s clean enough for CARB (California) it’s clean enough to run anywhere. And as our emissions-friendly diesel parts series has illustrated, E.O. numbers aren’t just reserved for cold air intakes and tuners. Companies are making CARB-compliant performance turbochargers, injectors and high-pressure fuel pumps, too. Make no mistake, CARB E.O. numbers are the future of street-legal diesel performance.
Of course, true off-road use vehicles are a different story, so don’t expect dedicated diesel sled pullers and purpose-only drag racers to become extinct. On the contrary, vehicles that only see competition use on the track, and that aren’t licensed and plated for street use, are exempt from emissions regulations—at least for now. Just make sure your tow-rig stays up to snuff on the street. Embracing new, emissions-friendly aftermarket diesel products will only help the market continue to grow.
At Detroit, we understand that there are many questions and concerns about the future of diesel. With emerging electric options on the market, as well as state and federal regulations around emission standards on the horizon, you might be wondering if diesel is on its way out.
We sat down with Michael Young, engine marketing manager at Detroit, to clear up these questions and asked him to share some key benefits and enhancements that newer, more innovative diesel engines can provide.
For decades, diesel has been the go-to fuel for moving entire industries. Compared to gasoline engines, diesel technology is purpose-built for moving heavy loads over long distances, making it the ideal candidate for heavy-duty vehicles and equipment that require high levels of power and endurance.
“Aside from the basic technicalities, newer diesel vehicles have nearly doubled their fuel efficacy rates compared to what they were just 10 years ago,” says Young, “Diesel vehicles were getting 4 to 5 MPGs...now we are seeing closer to 9 to 10.”
Autolin Product Page
If we compare diesel engines to emerging electric powertrain options, it's evident that the former offers more flexibility and an established track record, while electric options are still in their nascent stages and working to overcome challenges like infrastructure, pricing, and range considerations. Despite the potential benefits of electric powertrains, diesel's versatility and reliability make it a tough contender to be displaced from its leadership position in the market.
Diesel engines have come a long way in terms of efficiency and emissions. Today's diesel engines are cleaner and more efficient than ever before, thanks to advancements in technology and the implementation of modern emission standards. “We've made huge strides in clean diesel technology," says Young. According to an industry source, in certain environments, particulates that come out of the exhaust of a diesel engine can be lower than those measured at the intake.
The picture of a diesel vehicle driving down the road with billowing, black smoke is no longer. Detroit has been working for decades to implement new technologies into diesel vehicles that eliminate the particulate matter responsible for this image – bringing emission levels of new diesel vehicles to nearly zero. A good way to conceptualize how much cleaner diesel is today is to understand that 30 years ago, one truck produced the same amount of emissions as 60 trucks produce today.
As there are many diesel programs underway aimed at reducing both NOx and CO2 emissions, Detroit has proactively taken steps to get ahead of the game. In , we pushed to cut NOx and CO2 emissions beyond what was required at the time – and we continue to do the same today. We work hard to not just meet the standard, but to lead the way, so that the future of business isn't just efficient – it's also sustainable.
Detroit is continuously working on delivering improvements in fuel efficiency and keeping tabs on the upcoming EPA27 and CARB 24 regulations. “While keeping up with industry regulations can be challenging, we are on track to have a comprehensive portfolio of products that will position us to continue to lead the market for years to come,” says Young. “By having constructive conversations with regulators, we are able to make sure that we have the lead time that we need to make reliable, regulated products for our customers."
RENEWABLE + CLEAN DIESEL
As the world continues to transition toward cleaner energy sources, diesel fuel is also evolving to become more sustainable. Renewable diesel, for example, is a type of biofuel that is made from renewable resources, such as vegetable oils and animal fats, and runs cleaner than standard, ultra-low-sulfur diesel. However, both renewable diesel and low-sulfur diesel significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum diesel.
While renewable diesel use isn't widespread across all markets, it is a fuel option that's growing in popularity due to the higher fuel economy that it provides.
Clean diesel technology has helped to significantly reduce emissions from diesel engines and make them much more environmentally friendly. The adoption of renewable diesel and clean diesel technology has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of diesel fuel, while maintaining the performance and reliability that diesel engines are known for.
FLEXIBILITY
Diesel is a flexible fuel due to its ability to be used with a wide range of engines and equipment. Every job that diesel powers is different, and every diesel consumer has different needs. That’s why there are hundreds of different diesel engines and vehicles for every job.
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ rule when it comes to diesel powertrains, which offer a wide range of performance for different applications, terrain and load types. As a result, alternative fuel sources that meet every need will be very difficult to come by.
THE ROAD AHEAD
If you haven’t picked up on it yet, diesel isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. With the millions of diesel vehicles on the road and even cleaner diesel powertrain technology around the corner, there’s still a large demand for diesel engines.
Are you interested in learning more about diesel emission parts manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!