Common Problem #2: Fuel Contamination In Oil
Contamination is one of the most common problems triggered by regeneration itself, especially in 2007-2010 diesels. In many of these engines, regeneration works as the injectors spray fuel into the exhaust (during the exhaust stroke) that eventually gets burned as it reaches the DPF to counter the soot accumulation. Unfortunately, some of that fuel slips past the piston rings and begins to mix with the oil, which creates dangerous operating conditions that can cause severe engine damage if not quickly addressed.
“The engine will throw a code (and put a light on the dash) when there’s variance in the crank position sensor, which tells you that the oil level is rising,” says Ford Tech Carter. “You’ll be better able to tell if you check the oil frequently, as it’s contaminated with fuel if it appears light and high.”
For this reason, it is very important to check your oil on a regular basis. Complete engine failure is one of the last things you’ll want to experience. In helping prevent this, it is crucial to use properly formulated, high-quality engine oil, such as AMSOIL Synthetic OE 15W-40. On the 6.4L Power Stroke, do not follow Ford’s recommended 10,000-mile intervals; it’s very important to keep oil changes closer to every 5,000 miles to prevent damage to the DPF system. It’s good to do similar practices on the LMM Duramax.
“If you’re doing a lot of short drives, change the oil more often,” advises Giannini. “Keep the interval around 3,000 miles. Also, GM recommends you change the filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.”
It even helps to use a bypass oil filter, which features a valve that opens and closes accordingly so the engine does not starve for oil if the pressure differential across the filter becomes too high. GM has addressed this issue by installing an injector before the DPF on the exhaust system for the LML Duramax, so the engine won’t need to go out of its way to activate the regeneration cycle.