Go to a different garage - it sounds like they're clueless about the solutions that any decent mechanic should know about. What else don't they know about?

Have you asked Fiat directly if they can supply the flexible part?

I know nowt about exhausts, but I reckon I could make it work with some Gun Gum Bandage. Don't know how flexible it would be though.

I've just looked at ePER and there appears to be at least two variations in exhaust / DPF setups. One with original large DPF with TWO vacuum take-off sensor tube and a later version of the DPF.

Also given the correct chassis number ePER could not really decide which system my car has. I know it has the original DPF but I guess for anybody else/garage they probably have to inspect the car to find exactly what is on there.

i have said before why not get the dpf removed no more regens better mpg no probs with egr and long term no problems with inlet manifold i dont know were you live but i know a garage that can do all these for you.

sell me the car for £2k

JOHN COOPER said:

i have said before why not get the dpf removed no more regens better mpg no probs with egr and long term no problems with inlet manifold i dont know were you live but i know a garage that can do all these for you.

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May have missed or can't recall your post re: DPF removal but on the Croma (and other later models) EGR blank-offs and DPF removals are not redily achieved without *proper* reprogramming of the engine ECU. With DPF and EGR the functions are in effect 'cross coupled' with measured air flow other engine parameters such that I belive there is no magic 'switch'.

However I think some of the very early ECUs/Engines may have been made without DPF so an engin map from one of these ECUs could possibly be applied to later Cromas and thus allow DPF removal.

2005 is a 2 hose differential pressure sensor connected to dpf. 2006 and on are single hose diff pressure sensors. Hope that helps. Otherwise I'm sure it can be mended, welded or otherwise fixed without replacing the whole thing.

I had my 1.9 150 done which was on a 55 plate, i have now removed dpf & egr with a remap car is great to drive and mpg is also better no regens to worry about i have the software to do this.

JOHN COOPER said:

I had my 1.9 150 done which was on a 55 plate, i have now removed dpf & egr with a remap car is great to drive and mpg is also better no regens to worry about i have the software to do this.

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All information greatly appreciated - what software etc?

It's good to know there's an alternative way when things go wrong in future.,

What typical mpg did you get before/after?

The software that i have is bhp uk reader is dimsport from [FONT=&quot]Italy they are [/FONT] Passionate about what they do as i, they have been around along time some 16 years, when i first got the croma i was getting mid to high 30mpg now with mid 40mpg but i also have a itg filter which helps and use bk244 to keep injectors clean it makes a big difference.

Ok folks - latest update. The car has just come back from my trusted 'under the arches' guy I used to take my seicento and cinq to.

Now according to his exhaust books the pipe with the flexijoint unbolts from the Cat!!! Even if it doesn't they can do a fix similar to Dave's suggestion. (thanks Dave), max cost around £120.

This means that at best the dealer did not know this (despite eper etc.) or they did know this and were unnecessarily trying to work an £860 cat up my kilt.

Oh and the tailgate release has stopped working (hoping it is just a loose connection as it is intermittent, and even if it isn't there is always the keyfob).

Re: I knew it was too god to be true

dave said:

link http://www.jetex.co.uk/website/jetexcustomexhaustparts.php

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This has to be this week's top tip.

dave said:

sell me the car for £2k

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Nice try but no cigar.

Further update.

Bad News: Searching for this part using Fiat part number shows chaepest option is about £100.

Good news: it is a common part with the Vectra C (see attached) - cheapest price for the down pipe £39 plus £12 delivery (from Germany).

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Exhaust-Downp...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2eb3aeb683

Hehe. Down from £800 to £40 - a happy ending after all.

Fiat dealers are getting no money at all from me with their parts prices. My first stop is ebay, then the Vauxhall parts people.

It is a bit of a result I agree, and I apolgise now for my initial rants, but I am sure you can understand why.

However, this outcome is only because I am a Yorkshire-man and careful with money (hell we make the Scots look generous). I wonder how many less savvy people would have got the old credit card out and stumped up the £1100.

Thanks for your thread on this - ours has a hole somewhere around the flexible. Garage are going to get a Signum front pipe to replace the broken Fiat one. Hopefully that will stop the regeneration gasses escaping before they have done their work!