Engine filter warning for city drivers
Discussion
Thought this might be of some interest.
I wonder if the 'I'm only unblocking my EPF officer' will cut any mustard when pulled over for excessive speed? 
Fleet News said:
A WARNING has been sounded over potential problems with new-generation diesel engines.
Leasing company Lex says drivers in urban areas are at risk of the engines’ Exhaust Particulate Filters (EPF) clogging up. Some of the firm’s drivers are having to visit a dealership every six weeks to have their filters unblocked. The problem occurs predominantly in traffic at low speed, it adds.
Lex says fleets can alleviate the potential problem by following manufacturer operating recommendations.
According to manufacturer guidelines, an EPF-equipped diesel engine is likely to clog up unless it is operated at 50mph for at least 20 minutes, or covers 50 miles at motorway speeds at least once every couple of weeks.
These driving conditions effectively burn off the soot particles that the EPF has been equipped to prevent from escaping into the atmosphere.
Drivers should look out for a warning light that notifies them that the EPF is blocked and that the car needs a run out at 50mph for a prolonged period.
Lex maintenance manager Jamie Wiseman said: ‘If a driver knows their car is going to spend most of its time in urban areas at low speed, then it’s worth avoiding a car with an EPF.’
Leasing company Lex says drivers in urban areas are at risk of the engines’ Exhaust Particulate Filters (EPF) clogging up. Some of the firm’s drivers are having to visit a dealership every six weeks to have their filters unblocked. The problem occurs predominantly in traffic at low speed, it adds.
Lex says fleets can alleviate the potential problem by following manufacturer operating recommendations.
According to manufacturer guidelines, an EPF-equipped diesel engine is likely to clog up unless it is operated at 50mph for at least 20 minutes, or covers 50 miles at motorway speeds at least once every couple of weeks.
These driving conditions effectively burn off the soot particles that the EPF has been equipped to prevent from escaping into the atmosphere.
Drivers should look out for a warning light that notifies them that the EPF is blocked and that the car needs a run out at 50mph for a prolonged period.
Lex maintenance manager Jamie Wiseman said: ‘If a driver knows their car is going to spend most of its time in urban areas at low speed, then it’s worth avoiding a car with an EPF.’
I wonder if the 'I'm only unblocking my EPF officer' will cut any mustard when pulled over for excessive speed? If diesel is the 'wonder-fuel' we are led to believe, why are EPF's necessary?
Because it comes with a price - micro-particulates that are 20 times as carcinogenic as fag-smoke. Great! As of this June, I will have to go outside my Local for a fag, but all the sales-reptiles turning up in their kerosene stoves can pollute me without batting an eyelid. Secondary smoking kills, but not quick enough...
Diesel is Satan's piss and burning it in public should be illegal!
Because it comes with a price - micro-particulates that are 20 times as carcinogenic as fag-smoke. Great! As of this June, I will have to go outside my Local for a fag, but all the sales-reptiles turning up in their kerosene stoves can pollute me without batting an eyelid. Secondary smoking kills, but not quick enough...
Diesel is Satan's piss and burning it in public should be illegal!
drags06 said:
robinhood21 said:
These driving conditions effectively burn off the soot particles that the EPF has been equipped to prevent from escaping into the atmosphere.
so why catch the sh-t in the first place?
I would imagine pootling around at slow speeds does not provide enough heat to burn off said particulates. More power to the right foot me thinks!
drags06 said:
robinhood21 said:
These driving conditions effectively burn off the soot particles that the EPF has been equipped to prevent from escaping into the atmosphere.
so why catch the sh-t in the first place?
Catch it in urban areas, then dump it when your probably in the open doing such speeds...
Makes sense, clearly just been engineered badly. Should be detecting driving style and notifying earlier or altering the cycle.
Petrol cars have had capture tanks for nasties for years too, only pumping them into the engine at higher rpm to be burned off. Think it's crank case gasses and things.
Dave
Just had this very problem myself on a new VW Crafter van
As we work in london the filter warning light would come on every couple of days meaning that we had to drive at 50mph for 20 mins to clear it!
Ever tryed to do 50 for a whole 20 mins in london? Its just not possible so we left it a bit but then the engine manegement light comes on and your then in limp home mode!!
Lucky for us the vans were on hire so we gave them back but we did have 2 ordered for march so we cancelled them, sorry VW but we`re now getting good old Transits
As we work in london the filter warning light would come on every couple of days meaning that we had to drive at 50mph for 20 mins to clear it!
Ever tryed to do 50 for a whole 20 mins in london? Its just not possible so we left it a bit but then the engine manegement light comes on and your then in limp home mode!!
Lucky for us the vans were on hire so we gave them back but we did have 2 ordered for march so we cancelled them, sorry VW but we`re now getting good old Transits
nickwilcock said:
Diesel is suitable only for trucks and agricultural machinery.
Or to be burnt in jet engines.
All real cars use petrol - 4 star unleaded is the smell of freedom!
Or to be burnt in jet engines.
All real cars use petrol - 4 star unleaded is the smell of freedom!
By all means try running your private jet on diesel but I think you'll find kerosene is far better. Just what is 4 Star Unleaded ?
nickwilcock said:
Diesel is suitable only for trucks and agricultural machinery.
Or to be burnt in jet engines.
All real cars use petrol - 4 star unleaded is the smell of freedom!
Or to be burnt in jet engines.
All real cars use petrol - 4 star unleaded is the smell of freedom!
I know this is a joke right? What is a real car then? I have just like most folk on here owned lots of petrol and diesel cars and vans. It is known that diesel is the only way to go now if you want true economy (and performance with some) motoring. Not just that but they last longer in all areas if driven hard and not messed about with. A few modern diesels are having teething probs but not half as many as poor relation petrol's are! I too like petrol cars but until they return more than 50+ to the gallon with reliability and longevity etc then diesel will be king in the real world just now!
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