Hi and thanks for the reply. I hoped to keep this short !!!!
Nah longer more in depth posts are much better
I'll be the first to admit I know very little about the DPF and only started looking at the problems when I bought this vehicle.
Speaking from my short experience and gathering information from the web and just about every mechanic and driver I have spoken to, there is no doubt that the problem with this system is widespread and lining the pockets of the manufacturers that use it via maintenance. Who the hell wants to pay these gross amounts to keep a car on the road?
A lot of techs don't fully understand the system and want to avoid it and avoid diagnosing any issues so often dismiss it. I don't really think it is lining the manufacturers pockets as the initial investment would of been huge and despite the odd DPF temp or pressure sensor nothing much goes wrong. Yes some DPF's will have been changed due to blockage but a lot due to incorrect diagnosis. Most people whose car has a DPF (out of warranty) will buy a recon DPF for a fraction of the price.
I am aware that not every manufacturer uses this system Why?
Emissions (EOBD legislation), fitting a DPF is a good way of lowering emissions and as a result cheaper tax.
Is this system more eco friendly, when you have to re-generate (burn) the filter, where does the burt off soot go?
It's 'particulates' (very small particles, microns in length) that are the danger, they cannot be brushed or washed away as they are airborne and very damaging to our repository systems. Burning them is most effective way of getting rid of them.
People are using caustic soda and flushing the contents down the drains as well, in an effort to circumvent the expense of the re-gen process or a costly replacement filter.
That's down to the conscious of the individual. a regen would be a hours labour as the process takes 20 mins and may require repeating.
Does booting it up the motorway to help clean the DPF help the environment?
Yes because you are helping the regen process by getting the DPF as hot as possible (600 - 650 degrees) for a faster and more effective regeneration. I normally put all electrical loads on, aircon (if fitted) and drive down bypass in 3rd at 50-60mph. This is normally enough to take the clogging down to 15-20%.
How much energy is needed to produce a replacement filter?
Don't know that one i'm afraid however about 10-12 years ago it was more damaging to the environment (mining, transportation, manufacturing) to make a catalyst converter than the converter could stop excessive pollution over it's 10 year effective lifespan...rather ironic!
Also it appears from a TV programme, that you can not use this system effectively in city environments without problems. And this surely is where it is most needed.
I don't know this TV prog you are referring too (wife hides the TV remote) however I find the 'media' likes to sensationalise a lot of things. However Fiat have a few innovative solutions to this if it is a problem.
I completely agree with you regarding lack of properly trained technicians/maintenance engineers with correct working knowledge. Because these are the people the general public have to rely on. I have only just started with DPFs and I have come across mixed EM diagnosis already and there are some on these forums as well.
Use a good Fiat dealership and don't be afraid to ask to speak to the technician working on the car and to have a look at any relevant printouts.
I use the
diesel cleaner because it works, four times now is too many times for it to be a coincidence, and I was a doubting Thomas before using it.
I don't doubt diesel cleaner (use it myself sometimes) but I was wary of the 'double dose' in case it was an issue.
2 stroke oil I would never thought of had I not researched the internet and there is plenty out there to read on the subject. Lower emissions are recorded and several recorded incidents of cleaner better upper lubricated quieter engines, and a slight increase in MPG.
If the lower emissions are a fact, surely this is a benefit.
Its all there on the web wether you believe it or take it with a pinch of salt that's up to individuals. In the meantime I'm giving it a go.
I'm sceptical (I used 2 stroke in my bikes late70's/early 80's) as manufacturers don't recommend it (they don't dismiss it either) however i'm open to looking into this
Hey, I am open to some decent discussion on the subject and I would be grateful to be pointed in the way of why this system is a benefit.
