Technical DPF query

[PJ674]

Hello,
I've got an emissions issue with my 60 plate, 1.6 multijet Doblo, and I'm hoping the extensive knowledge base on here can help me sort it out.
I bought the van with an MOT from a dealer in 2019, and its since gone through 6 MOT's at 2 depots without any emissions issues. This time - first time at a third depot, it has failed on emissions big time. Van is running fine with no noticeable smoke issue.
The repair garage have replaced the fuel filter and flushed through the diesel system, but this has apparently only made a small difference to the readings. Garage have said the problem could be anything, and it could soon be economically unviable to repair.
They also asked if the engine had been replaced or if I had removed the DPF, as it is not in place. I do work on my vehicle, but haven't touched either of those items - indeed, if it wasn't for this issue arising, I would have been none the wiser as to what a DPF is (or was in van 's case!).
Upon research, I see that it is an offence to remove such an item, and it is also an MOT failure to not have a DPF if one should be fitted. Looking at the engine briefly, I can see a small bore metal pipe coming from the area of the block, that looks like it should be connected to something.
So, I'm wondering several things.....

1/ Should my vehicle have a DPF, and where do I go to find out whether it should or not?
2/ If it should have one, is it feasible to retro fit one?
3/ Is the lack of a DPF likely to cause very high emissions readings?

 

[clayts450]

3. Quantitative - they use a digital smoke meter

 

[clayts450]

1. "Euro 5 emissions standard became a requirement for all new approvals from 1 September 2009 and all new registrations from 1 January 2011, and comes with certain restrictions." (from RAC site)

Hmm - borderline. Research seems to suggest the Fiat 1.6 (which was a new engine to replace the old 1.9) had to get type approval, and thus all the 1.6s were Euro 5 and by definition a DPF is required. The 1.3s - more complicated it seems. So, yes, I believe your van will be Euro 5 (info from Fleet News - https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/vans/review/fiat-doblo-cargo-16-euro-v-multijet/36282/ )

 

[the green vanper]

As far as I could find, the doblo DPF should look more or less like that:

But it just could have been carved out (from the inside), leaving the shell.

 

[PJ674]

1. "Euro 5 emissions standard became a requirement for all new approvals from 1 September 2009 and all new registrations from 1 January 2011, and comes with certain restrictions." (from RAC site)

Hmm - borderline. Research seems to suggest the Fiat 1.6 (which was a new engine to replace the old 1.9) had to get type approval, and thus all the 1.6s were Euro 5. The 1.3s - more complicated it seems. So, yes, I believe your van will be Euro 5 (info from Fleet News)

Thank you very much for that information. I think I need to move forward with that in mind.

 

[clayts450]

Added the Fleet News article to my post above - very annoying page which keeps failing to load properly in Chrome, but it said the 5 speed (1.3) were Euro 4 initially, the 6-speed (ie 1.6) were Euro 5

 

[PJ674]

As far as I could find, the doblo DPF should look more or less like that:

View attachment 459356

View attachment 459357

But it just could have been carved out from the inside, leaving the shell.

That short, bent, small bore steel pipe that comes out of the middle looks like it may be something to do with the pipe I can see coming from somewhere within the confines of the engine block. It looks to be of the same diameter. Is that a fuel line or a pressure sensing line?
I'm curious as to what lies beneath the heat shield now, but won't get a chance to play with it for a few days unfortunately.

 

[clayts450]

I would say differential pressure sensor pipe

 

[PJ674]

Added the Fleet News article to my post above - very annoying page which keeps failing to load properly in Chrome, but it said the 5 speed (1.3) were Euro 4 initially, the 6-speed (ie 1.6) were Euro 5

OK. So I think I ought to assume that it should have a DPF. I need to get in the engine bay and strip the heat shield off to see what I have.

 

[clayts450]

Yeah, if you follow that pipe it should go to the differential pressure sensor (should be two pipes actually, an upstream and a downstream). Easy to find the sensor on the 1.3, right on the bulkhead to the left of the battery. YMMV in a 1.6

 

[PJ674]

I would say differential pressure sensor pipe

So if I trace back what I can see, I should find a differential pressure sensor? I'm thinking that if I find that, it may then give me some clues as to what sort of changes have been made to it.
Ah!! You type far quicker than me!

 

[clayts450]

So if I trace back what I can see, I should find a differential pressure sensor? I'm thinking that if I find that, it may then give me some clues as to what sort of changes have been made to it.

Looks like I beat you to the sensor ! But yes, seek that out - maybe take some manual readings with a manometer, or better still through diagnostic tools (eg MultiECUScan)

 

[the green vanper]

Another photo of a possible DPF from a 1.6 diesel 2011 Doblo:

And on the ePER diagram without the heat shield:

Or with it:

both on the 1.6 diesel

 

[PJ674]

Another photo of a possible DPF from a 1.6 diesel 2011 Doblo:

View attachment 459359

Now that one is seemingly completely void of sensor points, making me think they must be in another part of the exhaust/turbo system.
The former picture looks more likely at this moment, due to that steel pipe that we think may go to the pressure sensor. However its really good to know that there are other options around the same time period as mine was made. Thank you very much.

Oh, just seen you've found line drawings as well! Lots of options! Its like being Alice down a rabbit hole

 

[clayts450]

Wait until you try to find stuff for the Euro 6 version. Now that is fun.......

 

[PJ674]

Wait until you try to find stuff for the Euro 6 version. Now that is fun.......

I can imagine! In some ways I miss the days of adjusting the points in your car's distributer every other weekend.......

 

[clayts450]

And staring at blurry black and white photos in Haynes Manuals, as you grapple with 'refitting is a reversal of the above' and lots of rusty bolts

 

[the green vanper]

That's why I've posted the second one, too. As they are quite different.

The best would be to look with the VIN number, ePER should show only the parts that are on you van and by default hide the other ones.

I can't anymore find how I got to the first one. Pity, I could try to see the part number. And just made an internet discovery. The forum is instantly being scanned by robots... The post with the photos of the first DPF I've uploaded to the forum is already being listed in the reverse image searches...

 

[the green vanper]

I can imagine! In some ways I miss the days of adjusting the points in your car's distributer every other weekend.......

Have you ever stripped one of the electronic modules in the van? Like the BCM? or ECU?

 

[PJ674]

Have you ever stripped one of the electronic modules in the van? Like the BCM? or ECU?

No, I've only replaced suspension and brake parts up till now.
The van drives straight, but I get the feeling its had a few changes at some point. For instance, its had an aftermarket alarm fitted at some point, and some of the 'wiring' associated with that leaves a lot to be desired!
A quick recce outside with a torch - it really looks ( and feels) to be the simpler one - the second photo you sent me. So maybe its had a later DPF fitted. I can certainly see what appears to be a DPF behind the heat shield - but can also see that unattached pipe.

 

[PJ674]

And staring at blurry black and white photos in Haynes Manuals, as you grapple with 'refitting is a reversal of the above' and lots of rusty bolts

Those were the days!!!