Your exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) are two components you may never have heard about if your truck is over ten years old.
The EGR recycles exhaust fumes in order to lower combustion temperatures and reduce NOx emissions. It works by sending a small amount of exhaust gas from the engine’s exhaust manifold to the intake manifold, lowering combustion temperatures.

In newer trucks, EGR valves are electronically controlled and monitored by an onboard computer system. This allows your mechanic to make critical corrections as needed to keep your engine regulated.
A DPF is a device found in diesel engines that filters out pollutants and collects soot (carbon) particles. It works by pulling unburned or partially burned fuel from the exhaust before it can exit into the atmosphere, and the fuel is then sent again through the engine to be fully combusted.
The purpose of these parts is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they can also get clogged up over time outside of scheduled maintenance times. When this happens, you’ll find that your truck’s power and fuel efficiency will drop significantly.
The most common symptom of DPF problems is black smoke coming out of the exhaust; another indication that you should start looking for service is if your engine starts to make loud popping noises or is losing power.
DPF Cleaning and EGR Regen Service Solutions
It’s often simpler to replace these parts entirely rather than trying to clean them. When your DPF fails, you’ll find that your exhaust temperatures will increase and kill the emissions reduction system, but at least there’s no permanent damage done when this happens.
Our mechanics will carefully inspect your EGR system to determine if it’s dirty or clogged. Replacing them is a simple job that will take just a couple of hours and can help improve your truck’s fuel economy as well as power.
“Deleting” your EGR/DPF is a term that refers to disabling the emissions component of your engine. The goal is to prevent exhausts from being redirected to your engine, but it comes with its own set of problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) systems are critical emissions control components in modern diesel engines. The EGR system works by redirecting a portion of the exhaust gas back into the engine’s cylinders, which lowers combustion temperatures and significantly reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The DPF system acts as a filter in the exhaust stream, designed to capture and trap harmful soot and particulate matter before they are released into the atmosphere.
As these systems filter your truck’s exhaust, they eventually fill up with the soot and particles they are meant to remove. Thus, impairing their function. Similarly, the DPF accumulates soot and ash from the combustion process. While the DPF is designed to “regenerate” or burn off this soot, it cannot eliminate the incombustible ash. Professional cleaning is essential to remove these stubborn deposits, restore proper exhaust flow, and ensure the systems continue to function efficiently and in compliance with emissions standards.
A clogged EGR or DPF will trigger several noticeable performance issues. You will likely see a decrease in engine power and a significant drop in fuel efficiency. Your truck’s dashboard may display specific warning lights, such as the DPF light or the Check Engine light. Your truck may also enter a “limp mode” with reduced power, or you might notice the engine’s cooling fan running more frequently than usual as the system attempts to initiate a regeneration cycle. Addressing these signs promptly is crucial to prevent costly damage to the engine or the emissions system itself.
Schedule Semi Truck EGR/DPF Cleaning Service at Inland Kenworth
To schedule EGR & DPF cleaning Service for your truck, fill out the form below or find the nearest location to you and get in touch.