The launch of the 6.7 Cummins included a new emissions system, a diesel particulate filter, or DPF. While the diesel particulate filter and all the other emissions equipment is very good at reducing emissions, it also has its shortcomings. As we discussed in our 6.7 Cummins common problems guide, the DPF system is prone to clogging. Additionally, since it is part of the exhaust system it creates a lot of post-turbo backpressure which decreases turbo reliability and restricts performance. Lastly, when it does fail it costs about $2k-$3k to replace.
This guide is going to specifically cover the DPF system. We’ll discuss what the system is, how it reduces emissions, and the pros and cons of deleting the DPF system. If you want to read up on the various other systems, check out our guide on all 6.7 Cummins emissions systems.
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What is a 6.7 Cummins DPF System?
DPF is a diesel particulate filter. Burning diesel fuel releases microscopic solid particles into the exhaust gas, commonly referred to as diesel particulates. These small, solid particles contain hundreds of different chemicals in them and are harmful to human health. The particulates can stick to your lungs and are carcinogens.
DPF filters trap these particulates, commonly referred to as diesel soot. Regeneration occurs in both passive and active cycles. When EGTs (exhaust gas temps) reach 950-degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the DPF soot naturally burns through passive regeneration. However, since exhaust gas temps don’t always get that hot, active regeneration needs to occur to clear out the filter. During active regeneration, diesel fuel is injected into the exhaust stream which heats up the exhaust gases as they pass through the DOC and then burns the DPF soot.
DPF System Changes
For 2007.5 through 2012 model years, the DPF system was separated from the DOC system. The DOC catalyst was integrated in the downpipe which was followed by the DPF piping. In 2013 the DOC was removed from the downpipe and integrated with the DPF filter.
Therefore, deleting a 2013+ DPF system will also delete the DOC. However, if you want to delete the DOC for 2012 or prior, you need to upgrade the 6.7 Cummins downpipe.
EGR Deletes
One other critical emissions component is the EGR system. The EGR system includes a valve and a cooler. It takes exhaust gases and recirculates them back through the intake manifold and into the combustion chamber. This causes the gases to be reburned therefore reducing the amount of emissions byproducts.
The downside of the EGR system is that it recirculates dirty air back into your engine. This creates a build up of diesel soot which can clog the EGR valves, and cause the EGR and its cooler to fail, resulting in an expensive repair. Additionally, it decreases gas mileage and restricts performance.
Deleting the DPF system does not remove the EGR system. EGR needs to be deleted separately with its own kit.
2007.5-2009 6.7 Cummins EGR Delete Kit2010-2021 6.7 Cummins EGR Delete Kit
DPF Delete Benefits
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There are two primary reasons for deleting the DPF system on the 6.7 Cummins. First is for performance purposes. Since the DPF system is part of the exhaust, it creates a lot of backpressure which detracts from performance potential. Secondly, the DPF system is prone to clogging and costs $2k+ to replace when it clogs.
- 15-30hp and 50-100wtq gains depending on your tune
- 2-5mpg improvements
- Less exhaust backpressure
- Improved turbo efficiency and reliability
- No more regen cycles
- Reduced maintenance and repair costs
The fuel mileage improvements come primarily from eliminating the need for active regeneration which shoots fuel directly into the exhaust stream. The other benefits are improved reliability from the turbo due to less backpressure and piece of mind knowing you aren’t going to clog your DPF and be out $2k-$3k in repair costs.
6.7 Cummins DPF Delete Cons
- Reduced resale value
- Must sell private party
- Voids factory warranty
- It is illegal
- Increases pollution and is harmful to the environment
- Requires a tuner
- Will fail inspections
The majority of the downsides of a DPF delete revolve around the fact that it doesn’t comply with emissions. The dealership definitely won’t touch your truck and nowadays a lot of independent shops won’t be willing to work on it either.
Outside of that, it reduces resale value of your truck, is harmful, and requires a tuner which adds to the cost of deleting the system.
Should You Delete Your DPF System?
Honestly, unless you are chasing crazy power goals or using your truck purely for off-road applications then we don’t recommend deleting your DPF system.
It creates so much more headache than necessary. If you want some power gains and better MPG you can get that through a tuner and an intake.
Overall, it’s up to you and your willingness to put up with the headache of having deleted truck that no one will touch. But we just don’t think it’s necessary unless you are really trying to put down massive power numbers. These engines have already proved plenty capable with basic bolt-on mods.
How to Delete Your 6.7 Cummins DPF
If you do need or want to delete your DPF system, there are a few components. First, you will need a DPF delete kit. Second, you will need a proper DPF delete tune.
DPF Delete Kits
As we mentioned above, 2013+ models have the DOC integrated into the DPF. Therefore deleting the DPF also deletes the DOC. For 2012 and earlier models the DOC has to be deleted separately, via an upgraded downpipe. If you want to maximize power gains and gas mileage, you’ll want to remove the oxidation catalyst in addition to the diesel particulate filter. Since the DOC bolts directly to the turbo, it is a lot more restrictive than the DPF system on pre-2013 engines.
Regardless of the year all DPF delete kits also delete the SCR system. The benefit of removing the selective catalytic reduction piping is that you no longer have to fill up on DEF fluid.
A DPF delete kit is simply a straight pipe that replaces the stock DPF and SCR piping. There are turbo-back options for earlier models with the separated diesel oxidation catalyst.
Best DPF Delete Kit: Diesel Dudes Complete Delete Kit
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Diesel Dudes offers a complete delete package that includes an EFI Live tuner with pre-loaded delete tunes, 4″ piping for the DPF & Cat delete, and an EGR delete as well. This option provides everything you need to delete both the DPF and EGR system. Additionally, the delete pipes and tunes are sold separately as well if you don’t want the EGR delete. Full delete kits are now available for all models through 2021.
Buy the full kits here (individual kits also available):
2007.5-2009 6.7 Cummins Full Delete Kit2010-2012 6.7 Cummins Full Delete Kit2013-2018 6.7 Cummins Full Delete Kit2019-2021 6.7 Cummins Full Delete Kit
A DPF Capable Tuner
The second necessary component for a DPF delete is a tuner. Only certain tuners can handle DPF deletes off the shelf so keep that in mind as you pick a tuner. While just about any tuner will work with a custom DPF delete tune, only a handful of devices come with pre-built off the shelf DPF tunes. The only reputable reseller we are aware of is Diesel Dudes, who still sell tuners with pre-loaded tunes.
All these various emissions systems have numerous sensors and electronic components that send signals to the 6.7 Cummins ECM. Deleting the DPF system without a tuner will cause the engine to run extremely poorly. Additionally, reducing all the post-turbo backpressure without properly tuning boost levels can cause the turbo to over spin and fail.
The two best delete tuners are EFI Live and the H&S Mini Maxx. EFI Live is the more robust and best option on the market, but the Mini Maxx works just fine if you are looking for a more budget friendly option.
Buy here to get the tuners with pre-loaded delete tunes:
- EFI Live with Custom DPF Delete Tunes
- Mini Maxx with Custom DPF Delete Tunes
Long Story Short…
Overall, deleting the DPF and other emissions systems sounds like a really good idea. It prevents clogged filters, reduces maintenance costs, improves performance, and increases gas mileage.
However on the other hand it makes your truck noncompliant so that it won’t pass inspection, it hurts resale value, it’s bad for the environment, and most shops won’t touch your truck for repairs anymore.
So should you delete your 6.7 Cummins DPF system? We honestly don’t recommend it unless you really need to for extremely high performance applications. The DPF filter has an 8yr/80,000 mile warranty. And on top of that these trucks are still capable of producing power gains in excess of 200rwhp with all of the stock emissions systems still intact.
If you want to delete it for gas mileage purposes, you can also drop an intake and a tune onto the car for some MPG gains without hurting factory warranty or making your truck illegal. Again, it just creates way more hassle than it is worth unless you absolutely need it deleted for performance purposes.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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