Diesel particulate filter contents.

[shadow]

Well what a surprise, had my DPF gutted and expected to see a load of fine mesh steel and soot.
Attachment 35189

Attachment 35190

The garage company saved the contents for me, and as you can see its more like BBQ brickettes. I would think that this lot was one big piece before the fitter set about removing it. There is very small holes running through the material, some of which are clogged up.
Its no wonder power was down and a recent fault code generated. Just how is a car suppose to breath with this lot in the system even without any soot build up .

[RobertHayman]

So I take it that you have had a new particulate filter fitted.
How many miles have you done ? I see yours is a 2006.
What type of journeys and distance have you done ?
I have a sri 150cdti auto 58-reg 22k miles, which I think has a DPF.
I like the car and it drives lovely.
Trying to understand whats going on with these cars so I can make informed decisions, about servicing, driving style etc.

[diesel dog]

Removing the DPF doesn't free up a lot of bhp if any at all, so they don't block the exhaust gas that much. They can usually flow much more exhaust gas than the engine can put through it even running at very high rpms all day. What they don't like is extra soot (from remaps, boxes, engine faults etc) and short journeys.

[Grumpy1954]

Removing the DPF doesn't free up a lot of bhp if any at all, so they don't block the exhaust gas that much. They can usually flow much more exhaust gas than the engine can put through it even running at very high rpms all day. What they don't like is extra soot (from remaps, boxes, engine faults etc) and short journeys.

Like Roberthayman I have an (08) auto, with dpf. if it's not worth tampering with under normal conditions, would it be wise, and legal, to gut it if I get it remapped?

[shadow]

So I take it that you have had a new particulate filter fitted.
How many miles have you done ? I see yours is a 2006.
What type of journeys and distance have you done ?

No I haven`t had a new one fitted, i`ve had it taken out and the ecu rewritten to stop it regenarating its self.
My car spends most of its time below 50mph, town work etc, and only gets to stretch its legs on the motorway every 4 to 6 weeks.
These filters are at best a drain on your pocket, at worse they are a complete nightmare. They are not a legal requirement and it will not fail the MOT with it being removed. Regardless of what DD says, I know my car and it pulls alot better now. What is the point of having a filter that is supposed to clean emissions up, when it needs to fire extra fuel in to burn the soot away but only when you are running the engine at a constant high revs.

[diesel dog]

Like Roberthayman I have an (08) auto, with dpf. if it's not worth tampering with under normal conditions, would it be wise, and legal, to gut it if I get it remapped?

Only in places like the U.S. is it sometimes illegal to remove emissions devices.

You don't need the DPF to pass an MOT smoke test. My EURO III Vectra is way under the smoke limit and has no DPF.

You can gut the DPF and then remap with software that removes DPF function or remap with DPF software removal first and then gut DPF straight after. Don't leave DPF on with software not functioning!

[Rab]

anyone got any pics of the DPF in the exhaust system? so i can see where you need to cut?

[diesel dog]

Regardless of what DD says, I know my car and it pulls alot better now.

If the filter wasn't functioning properly then you would expect it to.

Cars with DPFs that function properly (and this is by far and away the vast majority of them) don't have any problems.

With regards to fuel economy and power. It's because we demand more in the way of power and less in the way of economy from our diesels that manufacturers are having to fit these devices.

Diesels used to be the choice for economy minded drivers. Now they are having to cater for all types. Something's got to give.

[RobertHayman]

Only in places like the U.S. is it sometimes illegal to remove emissions devices.

You don't need the DPF to pass an MOT smoke test. My EURO III Vectra is way under the smoke limit and has no DPF.

You can gut the DPF and then remap with software that removes DPF function or remap with DPF software removal first and then gut DPF straight after. Don't leave DPF on with software not functioning!

Sounds good info, so drive it till it goes wrong, then remove it. What about the EGR ?. On my old Landrover Disco I have blanked the EGR and cleaned the inlet manifold, which was coked right up. With the Landy its so basic it does not realise the EGR is blanked.

[shadow]

Sounds good info, so drive it till it goes wrong, then remove it. What about the EGR ?. On my old Landrover Disco I have blanked the EGR and cleaned the inlet manifold, which was coked right up.

No remove the DPF NOW, then you can start saving money sooner with better mpg. Also why wait till the car goes into limp mode. Search the threads on here about semi blanking your EGR valve, this seems the way to go.