Tech Talk: Air Handling

Many people ask about what air handling actually entails, and the truth is that it is exactly what it sounds like. It consists of all the systems of your engine that handle the flow of air. These systems include the air filter, turbo charger, charge air piping, charge air cooler, intake manifold, and exhaust.

I have found that people tend to be quick to blame the DPFs (diesel particulate filters) when found in a situation where they are stuck somewhere on the road with the check engine light on, or while waiting for their truck to complete a regen.

In reality - the DPFs tend to be the last piece of the overall cause of engine problems. If any part of your air handling system is not working properly, it may cause your engine to not completely burn fuel, which can lead to the buildup of excess soot in your DPF. This buildup can lead to more frequent regens and the potential derate of the engine. So the next time you’re under the hood of your truck doing simple maintenance, such as checking the oil or topping off your washer fluid, make sure to take a quick second to also check your:

-air filter restriction gauge to confirm that your filter is freely -flowing air

-exhaust manifold for any black soot on the flanges to the head or the turbo.

-charge air cooler piping for any loose clamps or torn boots

-engine for any abnormal whistles or hissing noises

Regularly checking and repairing these small things will help ensure that your engine runs more efficiently and that you continue down the road, instead of having to endlessly sit and wait for numerous regens to finish.