Unpopular opinion: I thought DEF was just a money grab, but a study I read changed my mind

I was cleaning up the shop yesterday and found an old trade magazine from 2020 with a report from a big engine maker. It said their newer diesel engines with DEF and SCR systems can cut nitrogen oxide by over 95% compared to the old ones. I always figured it was just a hassle and extra cost for us and the owners. Seeing that number made me realize the tech actually does a huge amount of good for air quality, even if it's a pain to work on. What's the most surprising fact you've learned about newer emissions systems?

2 comments

2 Comments

masonm8511d ago

That "95% cut" number is wild. The surprising part for me was learning how much cleaner the exhaust actually smells. I had an old 6.0 next to a newer truck with a working SCR system. You could stand behind the new one and barely smell anything. The old one would make your eyes water. It really shows the stuff is getting broken down.

tylermurray11d ago

The smell test @masonm85 mentions is a real world check the numbers don't show. I wonder if the cleaner exhaust changes how fast soot builds up in the exhaust system itself. That could mean less maintenance down the road.