Vans, diesel engines & DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF)

[Midwest]

This subject has been mentioned before (wirepuller talked of it), but it won't hurt to mention it again (Fawlty Tower Style!) for those thinking of a new van (or car).

I've been looking for a new used vehicle; was thinking of getting some sort of Chelsea tractor, one of which was a Discovery Sport (DS). After reading about it on a particular forum, it appears to have an issue with the above.

To meet Euro 6 emissions (I'll stand to be technically corrected), a DPF is used to trap some of the nasty stuff. In the DS's case, its a bit of a challenge, and requires some mileage driven at a certain speed to do so (as do most such vehicles). Put in a short journey when it is attempting a regeneration, and turning off the car dumps some fuel in the sump, causing another issue, oil dilution.

Too many failed regenerations, will require vehicle servicing or even possibly repairs. The oil dilution is another problem.

So those buying/leasing new diesel vans would be ok, if they do some mileage, those doing short journeys might wish to reconsider the fuel choice for their new vehicle.

This guy had to sign a waver when purchasing a new diesel Ford Connect (Zedman);

Service interval - Page 222 - Discovery Sport Forums - https://www.discosportforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=5379&start=2210

 

[mattg4321]

Fuel of the devil. If there was a reasonable choice on vans I wouldn't.

Would never, ever buy a car with a diesel engine!

 

[telectrix]

why not. at double the mpg and engines that are good for 1/2 million miles.

 

[telectrix]

which reminds me. at 190,000 miles on my van, need to check the oil. last dipped 2 years ago.

 

[Tes369]

"Would never, ever buy a car with a diesel engine!"

And why is that..?


Quote " New Honda Diesel

There are four trim levels and it meets the latest Euro 6 emissions rules, making it cleaner than many petrol engines.

It's a smooth operator — particularly on motorways — and drives and handles well with ample pulling power and a precise six-speed manual gearbox. It goes from rest to 62 mph in 9.8 seconds and on to 125 mph.

Fuel consumption is its trump card with a claimed average of 80.7 mpg. Prices start from £20,120 for the Civic S, a premium of up to £1,300 over the petrol versions."

 

[Strima]

i once had a 2L petrol Transit. 22mpg at best.

Best transit I ever drove was the 3.0 V6 MK1 in bomb disposal livery including blues and twos... That was very shouty and screamed GET OUT OF MY WAY!!!

 

[paullyons]

MOT DPF changes now expected in May 2018 - http://garagewire.co.uk/news/mot-dpf-changes-now-expected-in-may-2018-dvsa-confirms/

 

[Midwest]

Diesels replaced petrol engines for regular use for a while now. Remember using diesels for works vehicles in the late 80's.

Taxi's (local journeys) use them, even my milkman uses one (noisy -------), hundreds of similar uses. It's only the recent emissions restrictions that have caused problems.

The Jaguar F-Pace uses the same Ingenium engine as the DS. It doesn't have the same issues as the DS. It has a traditional
longitudinal engine configuration, whereas the DS has a transverse configuration. The associated emissions gubbins, is therefore differently installed, and doesn't cause the same probs.

So it can be done, without having to drive round the M25 once a month.

 

[Tes369]

If your carrying goods or pulling goods etc diesel are far better in low down torque. They may not have the nippy ness of a petrol but for mpg and longevity of an engine they are far better.

* my old A3 a 52 plate 1.9tdi 110bhp I was getting over 50mpg and she eventually did 270'000 miles before I sold her.

* I saw a mercedes Benz vito van on a job last year with 340'000 miles on her the van was rotten rear door etc but engine still ploughing along and it went straight through its last mot.

* I would rather buy a used diesel with 100'000 on it than a low mileage diesel that's had a stop start driving life.

* A mechanic once told me once you get past 100'000 miles your just breaking them in keep changing the oil and filter regularily and they will go forever. (Liquid Engineering)

* I think older diesels are better than the new ones *non common rail engines there is to much wizardry on them these days to keep up with EU regulations alot more can go wrong ££££££ etc

 

[mattg4321]

"Would never, ever buy a car with a diesel engine!"

And why is that..?


Quote " New Honda Diesel

There are four trim levels and it meets the latest Euro 6 emissions rules, making it cleaner than many petrol engines.

It's a smooth operator — particularly on motorways — and drives and handles well with ample pulling power and a precise six-speed manual gearbox. It goes from rest to 62 mph in 9.8 seconds and on to 125 mph.

Fuel consumption is its trump card with a claimed average of 80.7 mpg. Prices start from £20,120 for the Civic S, a premium of up to £1,300 over the petrol versions."

Perhaps I should've mentioned I'm a bit of a petrolhead.

Don't much care how clean it is - especially as I only do a few thousand in the car every year.

62mph in 9.8 seconds isn't what I want!

80mpg - again don't care. The extra cost involved in buying and maintaining a diesel won't be recouped with my mileage.

They sound like tractors - yes even the new ones.

They smoke and smell.

Yes they have a load of torque, but driveability is terrible.

 

[Tes369]

Each to their own but I don't agree my old bosses Audi A5 Black edition looked the dogs danglies and no louder than a petrol.

Cheers

 

[KEV 1 N]

The days before DPFs.......

 

[Percyprod]

Some years ago had Astra 1.7 diesel van, filled with unleaded and did about 10 miles before I realised as it was a bit sluggish. Drained petrol, filked with diesel, and no problems. Did it again some time later, had 3/4 tank of diesel, filled with unleaded (yes I know) travelled about 20 miles, getting slower and slower until it finally stopped. Garage towed me back, drained, refilled and off we went, did another 37,000 miles with never a problem, still going strong when we parted company.

 

[Strima]

Some years ago had Astra 1.7 diesel van, filled with unleaded and did about 10 miles before I realised as it was a bit sluggish. Drained petrol, filked with diesel, and no problems. Did it again some time later, had 3/4 tank of diesel, filled with unleaded (yes I know) travelled about 20 miles, getting slower and slower until it finally stopped. Garage towed me back, drained, refilled and off we went, did another 37,000 miles with never a problem, still going strong when we parted company.

The old Astra Isuzu engines were bullet proof. I had an oil pump pulley give up doing at 95 on the outside lane of the M1. All I did was replace the oil pump, re-time the engine and cranked her over. She saw me for another 50,000. Only reason she went was I needed a bigger car, my Mrs should say no more often...

 

[Tes369]

On the izuzu engines the oil cooler goes on them as well as the head gasket. It's the impurities in the water which eat away at a head gasket.

* I wouldn't mind having the 1.9tdi saab engine newer shape Astravan they go like the clappers

My current Van is the 1.3cdti fiat engine 6 speed Astravan mpg is spot on. Engine can be a bit loud and it's known as a bit of a oil drinker I would rather it had the izuzu 1.7ddti lump though.

Cheers

 

[telectrix]

It's the impurities in the water which eat away at a head gasket.

easily sorted. empty your condenser tumble dryer into rinsed out milk bottles ( the 4pt. plastic ones from supermarkets etc.). use the water to fill your van's cooling system. add antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor and it'll last forever.