Which Oil for Generator - DPF or Non-DPF

[UFO]

Just looking at an oil change and have noticed that there are 2 types of oil for Diesel engines:


1) Non-DPF engines

2) DPF Engines


Now Google showed me that DPF is Diesel Particulate filter, so I presume that my generator that has a Racor pre filter and an onboard fuel filter would be a DPF engine? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by UFO

Just looking at an oil change and have noticed that there are 2 types of oil for Diesel engines:


1) Non-DPF engines

2) DPF Engines


Now Google showed me that DPF is Diesel Particulate filter, so I presume that my generator that has a Racor pre filter and an onboard fuel filter would be a DPF engine? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

I reckon you are barking up the wrong tree.

The DPF is a filter in the exhaust system which is designed to capture soot etc from the exhaust gases. I pretty certain your generator does not have a DPF. It has nothing to do with diesel fuel supply.

See more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_particulate_filter

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Wotname

I reckon you are barking up the wrong tree.



The DPF is a filter in the exhaust system which is designed to capture soot etc from the exhaust gases. I pretty certain your generator does not have a DPF. It has nothing to do with diesel fuel supply.



See more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_particulate_filter

I concur, unless you have a bottle in the generator the required diesel exhaust fluid, you have no diesel particulate filter.

[UFO]

Thanks

[DougR]

As you have found out, a DPF is a particulate filter which was part of the diesel exhaust treatment program of some trucks starting in the early 2000s.

The reason that special oils were developed (required) for DPF equipped engines is that these oils were considered “low ash”, that is, when they burned there was less residue remaining to accelerate the plugging of the DPF. Because DPFs eventually get plugged with particulates (soot and ash) they have to be regenerated periodically to burn off the goop.

Today’s diesel truck exhaust treatment programs mostly use SCR ( selective catalytic reduction) which uses a Urea based diesel emission fluid (DEF ) injected into a catalytic converter to reduce NOx. This, combined with slight amounts of cooled EGR and other strategies results in modern diesel exhaust which is almost “ fresh air”.

Luckily for us, because of heat and space requirements, this technology has not trickled down into pleasure craft, yet, but it is seen in higher powered commercial vessels.

As far as the oil goes, you will actually be OK with either type of oil as long as it meets the requirements of your engine manufacturer.

[Compass790]

I'd suggest looking in the manual for the type of oil required but agree with earlier posts.
I wouldnt use DPF oil in it unless specifically required.
DPF oil is a lot more expensive for a start & it doesnt have some anti-wear additives that non-DPF oil has. It has different types of additives
Doubt very much that your genset is DPF equipped.


Edit: posted same time as DougR so x2

[AKA-None]

Note my Audi has dog but no urea. Instead they inject a wee bit of diesel periodically and heat the filer thus burning off the soot.

[johnbeer]

Well, DPF is an abbreviation associated with diesel-powered machines. DPF — diesel particulate filter, you should know this. This filter is needed so that the soot doesn't clog the entire system. The settling soot on all parts can overheat the car and turn off the engine. It can get clogged faster if you tow, overload the vehicle, or drive uphill. This filter needs to be cleaned as often as you can. The answer to your question is: you need more low-ash oil only if you don't have this particulate filter. If you have it, choose a regular oil, and use bmw diesel particulate filter cleaner from time to time.

[goboatingnow]

Look up the oil spec required rather then guessing

[skipperpete]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I concur, unless you have a bottle in the generator the required diesel exhaust fluid, you have no diesel particulate filter.

Well that’s a coincidence, yesterday I was filling up at the diesel pump for the drive to Townsville and the person in the front pump row filled their tank with “Adblue” DEF. l’d never seen that hose other than on the heavy vehicle pumpstand. It’s basically Urea and water but apparently some small car diesel exhausts require it ...... just not in the fuel tank, ever.
RACQ tow away was the only resolution.

[Alan Mighty]

Originally Posted by skipperpete

Well that’s a coincidence, yesterday I was filling up at the diesel pump for the drive to Townsville and the person in the front pump row filled their tank with “Adblue” DEF. l’d never seen that hose other than on the heavy vehicle pumpstand. It’s basically Urea and water but apparently some small car diesel exhausts require it ...... just not in the fuel tank, ever.
RACQ tow away was the only resolution.

Blimey!

Mercedes Benz GL350 SUVs and some Benz S-class sedans with so-called 'BlueTEC' DPF have been on the roads in Aus for at least 8 years. Must be a few other non-truck and non-Benz diesel vehicles too.

They require the urea solution (in the designated urea tank, not the fuel tank), or they will not start. About 6 months ago, the supply of imported urea solution dried up, and the shortage distressed some BlueTEC owners.

Took a long time for market demand to get urea solution available on the forecourt of servos in Aus (in contrast to truck stops).

[nextis12]

Originally Posted by DougR

As you have found out, a DPF is a particulate filter which was part of the diesel exhaust treatment program of some trucks starting in the early 2000s.



The reason that special oils were developed (required) for DPF equipped engines is that these oils were considered “low ash”, that is, when they burned there was less residue remaining to accelerate the plugging of the DPF. Because DPFs eventually get plugged with particulates (soot and ash) they have to be regenerated periodically to burn off the goop.



Today’s diesel truck exhaust treatment programs mostly use SCR ( selective catalytic reduction) which uses a Urea based diesel emission fluid (DEF ) injected into a catalytic converter to reduce NOx. This, combined with slight amounts of cooled EGR and other strategies results in modern diesel exhaust which is almost “ fresh air”.



Luckily for us, because of heat and space requirements, this technology has not trickled down into pleasure craft, yet, but it is seen in higher powered commercial vessels.



As far as the oil goes, you will actually be OK with either type of oil as long as it meets the requirements of your engine manufacturer.

That is simply a great response