Is your diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogged with ash, leading to a dangerous rising engine oil level and reduced performance? Don't replace it just yet! In this comprehensive DIY guide, we'll show you how to chemically clean an end-of-life, ash-clogged DPF at home using readily available chemicals. This method is specifically for older DPF types without an integrated catalyst (DOC), or for vehicles where the DPF and catalyst are in separate housings, as the main cleaning chemical isn't safe for catalysts.
What you'll learn in this video:
- Symptoms of a full DPF
- How to remove your DPF
- The two-stage chemical cleaning process
- Testing the cleaning chemicals on DPF materials
- Essential safety equipment for handling chemicals
- Cleaning stage 1: Removing oily soot with pH Up (or alternatives like drain cleaner/degreaser)
- How to Backflush with water after stage 1
- Cleaning stage 2: Ash removal using undiluted phosphoric acid (pH Down)
- Final rinse and back-flush to remove all chemicals
- Neutralizing leftover chemicals for safe disposal
- How to dry out your DPF
- Re-fitting the DPF to your car
- Resetting DPF adaptations with a diagnostic tool (Autel AP200 recommended)
- Final diagnostic results and successful outcome!
Important Considerations:
This method is only for DPFs without an integrated Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC). If your DPF has a built-in catalyst, use a different cleaning formula (e.g., 5-7% hydrochloric acid).
Always prioritize safety: work outdoors, wear protective clothing, eyeglasses, and heavy-duty gloves, and have water readily available.
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Chapters in this video:
00:00 Symptoms of a full DPF
00:45 Filter removal
01:26 The cleaning process
02:36 Testing the chemical
05:35 Safety equipment
05:53 Cleaning stage 1
07:29 Backflush with water
07:59 Cleaning stage 2
09:27 Final rinse back-flush
10:09 Neutralizing the chemicals
10:53 Dry out the filter
11:05 Re-fit DPF to car
11:37 Reset DPF adaptations
12:37 Final diagnostic result
*** Product Links for UK Viewers***
- GHE pH Up:
https://amzn.to/3ahGQ3E- GHE pH Down:
https://amzn.to/3ahGQ3E- Pool Acid:
https://amzn.to/3c7X015- Drain Cleaning Granules:
https://amzn.to/3sUNfJC- Autel MaxiAp AP200 OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner:
https://amzn.to/3cd57d7*** Product Links for US / Worldwide Viewers ***
- GHE pH Up:
https://amzn.to/3ebfCN5- GHE pH Down:
https://amzn.to/2OXs5vu- Drain Cleaner:
https://amzn.to/2QfgMMt- Pool Acid:
https://amzn.to/2w4MkOj- Autel MaxiAp AP200 OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner:
https://amzn.to/2qKCYUIAffiliate Statement:
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