Soot-Filter Performance Is Key to Success of 2007 Engines

ith 2007-model year trucks set to use newly developed diesel particulate filters to control soot, questions still remain over how the new devices will affect truck performance, according to industry experts.

The most pressing question is how well DPFs will work, especially in cold weather, as only a limited number of trucks have been made available to fleets for testing. Clogged filters could lead to turbocharger malfunctions that might cause an engine to stall or operate improperly, trucking experts said.

“Clearly, what is significant about 2007 is the diesel particulate filter and the particulate matter,” said Landon Sproull, chief engineer at truck maker Peterbilt, a subsidiary of Paccar Inc. Peterbilt trucks use engines from either Caterpillar Inc. or Cummins Inc.