I've read on these forums that soot in the tailpipe usually indicates a cracked DPF. Having noticed soot in my trucks tailpipe I thought I'd call two different dealerships in order to get opinions from their service personnel. The answers I received were totally contrary and certainly don't engender much faith in the abilities of their respective service departments. Examples below:

Dealership #1: Service person tells me he is certain the soot is being caused by a leaky injector since he has seen this happen before.

Dealership #2: Service person says soot is NOT being caused by a leaky injector since I'm not seeing any CEL's.

I'm wondering if both these guys are wrong. How can a leaky injector throw a CEL? Can the computer actually detect this? Thanks for your answers...

(PS..Does the DPF trap 100% of the soot or is a little soot in the tailpipe normal, especially if it takes a long time to show up?)

 

The overhead display shows "CATALYST FULL". There is black smoke from the tailpipe. Fault P242F may be set.;The 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engine is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) which catches soot from the combustion process. If the vehicle tailpipe is excessively black and sooty, the DPF is probably cracked and will need to be replaced.

 

Will running with a cracked DPF cause any harm to the engine or other components? I don't have to worry about emissions testing, have only about 600 miles left on warranty but am not near a dealership. I don't mind a little soot in the tailpipe if that's the only issue...

 

I would be cautious about it. Your truck being stock and the DPF system possibly not functioning properly then it could cause trouble.

 

X2 ^^^ I would not want to get it into limp mode and then you're forced to go unplanned... You have a warantee, so get it fixed for sure or at least diagnosed and fixe what you can on their $.

 

I would have it repaired ASAP, DPF is 2500 dollars plus other emissions parts that may need replacing. If the DPF is plugged it will derate power and could cause other engine damage. GET IT FIXED! Turbo cost $3500 O2 sensors, EGR valve cooler are also pricey emission parts that you don't want to pay for.

 

I appreciate the replies. I received some info on another forum from a guy who checked with 2 dealerships employing several diesel techs. Their answer was that a little soot in the tailpipe may be considered normal as long as there is no black smoke and the soot had taken a long time to accumulate. I'm hoping this answer is correct because I'm not going to be in a position to have it looked at under warranty (my bad ). And yes, it did take a long time to notice the soot (probably over a period of a year or more).

 

i'll bet a used DPF wouldnt be hard to find!!!!

 

Whatever would give you THAT idea!!!!