Technical Long term ownership and the DPF

[uksdsgl]

I’ve owned my Eleganza 1.9 JTD 16V for 3 years and driven it 10,000 miles a year. Now the car has done 63,500 miles.

Before I took ownership, the Fiat / Alfa dealer serviced the car - the cam belt was changed with tensioner, idler and water pump, and both front springs were replaced.

The steering rack was replaced under warranty.

The power steering pump unit failed and its Fiat replacement also failed 13 months later. The original unit was refurbished by BBA Reman, 8 months ago.

During my ownership these have been replaced:
• 2 windscreens
• the rear windscreen wiper mechanism
• 4 tyres
• 2 key fobs
• the EGR valve
• 2 sets of front brake discs
• both rear springs
• both front shock absorbers
• the auxiliary drive (fan) belt with its main tensioner
• the coolant fluid

The AC system has been serviced and regassed.

Every year the EGR valve and boost (MAP) sensor are cleaned and the Croma gets low ash oil, oil filter, air filter, diesel filter and pollen filter. The rear windscreen wiper mechanism is greased every 6 months. I have added PowerEnhancer BG244 each year.

The parking sensors are troublesome.

My daily commute is only 10 miles one way, but I do get 5 minute stretch at 50+ mph. The Croma gets a long run about once a month.

I hope for many more years of Croma ownership.

I’m considering using an additive as preventative maintenance for the DPF
http://www.oilem.com/content/136-dpf-cleaners-dpf-cleaning.html

Your advice and opinion will be appreciated.

 

[JOHN COOPER]

I would remove the DPF & EGR Valve i have its a much better car to drive with much improved mpg.

 

[Doofer]

It sounds like your pampered pet Croma should be good for about a million miles - I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Mine gets the cheapest oil of the right grade (I don't bother with low ash). It does get an annual service though, and I clean the K&N air filter at least once a year.

There was a recent thread that's worth searching for - the poster (sorry, forget who) found a load of nasty waxy crap in his diesel filter after using snake oil DPF cleaner.

I would have thought any additive is a bad thing for a DPF. A good hot blast should be all that's needed.

If it all goes wrong, then I know Dave has successfully back-washed his with a jet-washer. If all else fails then you can cut its innards out, refit the empty box and get a remap to delete it.

Whatever happens, I don't intend to ever buy a replacement DPF. Our cars are not new enough to require one, so unless the MOT garages start keeping a list of which models do/don't have them we should always be fine without one. It's far more likely they'll just say all cars made since 2008-ish must have one fitted.