Diesel Particulate Filters, and their removal?

[mjb1]

So my new pickup truck (not very PH, sorry), is one of these highly complicated diesel machines that also has a DPF filter. I'm getting just over 30 mpg, and that's if I'm really, really tight with the go pedal. Driving it with any sort of gusto (not easy in something that doesn't like going around corners) would probably return low 20's at best.

I guess the DPF is a right old restriction in the exhaust, and that is why vehicles with them are less efficient than older ones without? I've seen websites that offer removal/bypass services for the DPF (although none mention my particular vehicle, possibly because it's such a new model). I'd be interested to hear other people's experiences - in particular does it really increase mpg significantly? Is it possible on all vehicles, or are some impossible due to the ECU not being reprogrammable?

I've also heard horror stories about DPFs getting blocked/worn out prematurely. How long should they last, and how long do they last in reality? Should I wait until the DPF needs replacing or remove it now, and save it for later as an almost new one?

Advantages:

increased mpg?
increased power?
preserves the DPF

Disadvantages:

Cost of removal/remap
manufacturer's warranty implications (I'm assuming they don't like it)?
clouds of soot out the exhuast, like a traditional diesel?
insurance implications?
legislation (emissions) regulations?

[esso]

They are an expensive pain in the arse,you can have it taken out but you will need to have the vehicle remapped.....cheaper than a replacement...and it should still pass an MOT.
The DPF on my partners Mazda 5 Sport blocked after 60K miles,Mazda wanted 1.5k for one!...got one for £470 off fleabay but they are a nightmare to fit because there are lambda and heat sensors fixed to them and if they get broken it gets even more expensive!

Edited by esso on Sunday 14th October 17:52

[xreyuk]

I believe the new MOT regs are saying that there should be one present. However they can only do a visual check. That means if the housing is still on place you can just have the thing gutted out.

However, on the flip side, you might not want to destroy the DPF in case you need them in future.

Whatever you do, see of you can get th DPF for the scrappy. They contain a few precious metals I believe (well according to this http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/DPF-Adblue-FAQ-...

[mjb1]

esso said:

They are an expensive pain in the arse,you can have it taken out but you will need to have the vehicle remapped.....cheaper than a replacement...and it should still pass an MOT.
The DPF on my partners Mazda 5 Sport blocked after 60K miles,Mazda wanted 1.5k for one!...got one for £470 off fleabay but they are a nightmare to fit because there are lambda and heat sensors fixed to them and if they get broken it gets even more expensive!

Edited by esso on Sunday 14th October 17:52

Is 60k miles fairly average? That's about five years driving for me. As my DPF is still almost new, I'm more interested in improving fuel consumption at this stage.