Diesel Tuner's Blog

Diesel engines are renowned for their power and efficiency, but they also come with complex emission systems designed to reduce harmful pollutants. Two critical components of these systems are the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve and the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). When these components fail, it can lead to decreased performance, increased emissions, and costly repairs. Understanding the common causes of EGR and DPF failure can help you maintain your diesel engine in top condition. Here are the top three causes of failure for each component:

2011-2016 Ford Diesel Dead Pedal

Many customers have upgraded from their old pre-emissions Powerstroke to a new Ford 6.7L and found there are a few changes besides just the looks. 

The2011-2014 F250 and other diesel models made and astonishing 400 RWHP and 800 ft/lbs while the 2015/2016 Powerstroke makes 440 RWHP and 860 ft/lbs of torque. Which is impressive by itself but you will probably notice your old Ford diesel feels quicker.  In fact we hear many stories of guys trying to merge into traffic or gun it to get in front of someone and the pedal does not seem to respond.  This phenomena is often called the Ford 6.7L "Dead Pedal".  The "Dead Pedal" is a delay the driver feels between pressing on the throttle pedal and the truck reacting as desired. 

But what causes the Ford Diesel Dead Pedal?  And more importantly, What is the fix for it?

These are exactly the questions we hope to answer for you. Below you will see what we have put together on the topic. 

• LISTEN TO THE DIESEL PERFORMANCE PODCAST ON CUSTOM FOR TUNING
• READ ABOUT CUSTOM TUNING FOR THE 6.7L POWERSTROKE 
• WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT CUSTOM FORD TUNING

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About The 2011-2016 Duramax EGR

Some of you reading this are probably screaming at the computer already.  Mentioning EGR, or any emissions equipment tends to prompt that reaction.  Take a moment to read about how the EGR equipped on the 2011 - 2016 Duramax is NOT going to ruin your engine.  Afterwards, if you still want to send a letter about how terrible emissions equipment is, please address it to your local Congressman. 

Below you will find 5 things you probably didn't know about the EGR (exhaust gas re-circulation).  Including  how it is different than previous models, why it works well, and a few other note worthy facts.  

A few things you've heard people say about the EGR that are NOT true about the LML EGR system:

• "They dump dirty exhaust back into your engine."
• "The EGR will gum up and fail constantly"
• "Deleting it will get you better fuel mileage."

INTRODUCTION:

Many customers have upgraded from their old pre-emissions Duramax to a new LML Duramax and found there are a few changes besides just the looks. 

The new LML made and astonishing 395 RWHP and 731 ft/lbs of torque on our dyno when tested stock. Which is impressive by itself but you will probably notice your old Duramax feels quicker. In fact we hear many stories of guys trying to merge into traffic or gun it to get in front of someone and the pedal does not seem to respond. This phenomena is often called the LML "Dead Pedal". The "Dead Pedal" is a delay the driver feels between pressing on the throttle pedal and the truck reacting as desired. 

But what causes the LML Dead Pedal? And more importantly, What is the fix for the LML Dead Pedal?

These are exactly the questions we hope to answer for you. Below you will see what we have put together on the topic. 

• LISTEN TO THE DIESEL PERFORMANCE PODCAST ON LML DEAD PEDAL
• READ ABOUT LML REGEN
• WATCH A REVIEW OF THE 2.8L 4cyl DURAMAX TUNING

REGEN is the burning of soot built up in a DPF. 

 The Emissions Equipment for diesel trucks has changed quite a bit through out the years. In 2004.5 all heavy duty diesel pickups had to install EGR's which is the exhaust gas recirculation system. Basically it turns exhaust into inert gas and directs the gas back into the combustion process. Then in 2007.5 the EPA required pickups to use a DPF. The DPF, or Diesel Particulate Filter, is a filter that catches soot, or unburnt fuel from the exhaust. Once the soot builds up, the exhaust heats up to burn the soot off. Starting in 2011 Diesel Exhaust Fluid is used to treat NOx emissions, in addition to the EGR and DPF treating the carbon emissions. 

The DPF is a crucile part of treating diesel emissions and each OEM utilizes and operates their DPF a little differently. Below, the DPF in the 2011-2016 LML Duramax is explained.

 CHECK OUT THESE OTHER LINKS ABOUT REGEN AND DPF's

• Duramax Thread about Regen Data
• DieselNet Tech Guide to DPF
• How Diesel Particulate Filters Work (JLM Lubricants)

Did you know there is no reason to delete the emissions from your 2011-2016 Duramax? 

DuramaxTuner.com's SPADE is capable of adding up to 135HP to your EMISSIONS INTACT LML. 

Actually, more and more people are tuning their 2011 + Duramax (LML) with the emissions equipment intact.  This is a great option for Duramax owners that would like a nice, quiet, reliable, efficient truck that performs well every time. However, many LML Owners have some basic questions prior to pursining emissions intact tuning. 

INTRODUCTION:

Many customers hunt the forums in search of How to FLASH your LML Duramax.  Let's face it, these are expensive trucks and you want to be confident in your actions while flashing a truck.  

In this BLOG, you will learn how to FLASH your ECM and for you visual customers, I have included a great link to our very popular YouTube channel at Duramax Tuner and Calibrated Power Solutions

3 SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP KEEP YOUR LML DURAMAX RELIABLE:

Your truck is generally one of the largest investments you will make, so keeping it on the road is priority number 1!

The LML Duramax is one of the best trucks GM has ever produced. With 397 Horse Power and 796 ft/lbs of torque from the factory, the truck has the power plant necessary to do just about any job you can throw at it. However, despite the massive improvements the LML has brought to the table, there are some all too common pitfalls that can make this beast a burden. 

Here are some other places you can read more about the LML Duramax:

• LML Duramax SPADE
• Truck Trend Review of LML Duramax

Tuning your 2010-2015 Cummins can dramatically improve your driving experience!

The Dodge/Ram/Cummins manufacturers have improved many factors that impact your driving experience throughout the years. From cup holders and radios and interior cab lights to heated seats, larger mirrors and automated turbine braking; Cummins trucks are getting better every year. Horsepower and Torque have not been missed in these constantly ongoing improvements. Back in in 1989 the first 12v had just a 160 RWHP rating from the factory, now the 6.7L as off 2010 is 350 - 370 Horsepower depending on transmission and trim package. With that being stated, there is still a lot of room for aftermarket tuning to improve your truck. 

Below are 7 things you shoud know, before you decide which tuning is right for you . .  . .