I suppose someone is obligated to point out that removing the DPFs is a pretty serious violation of federal law, and is an automatic failure at inspection if anyone happens to notice.

My solution was to buy a pre-DPF 2004 model. They are awful devices cramping otherwise perfectly good vehicles. Kind of reminds me of catalytic converters -- eventually they'll get the technology right and no one will notice anymore. But we sure aren't there yet.

Cheers, John

 

What is a DPF?

 

Diesel Particulate Filter. Think "soot trap." They hold it all up, and then periodically "regenerate" by running super-hot and injecting extra fuel straight into the exhaust, and burning it all out at once. It's all kind of silly if you ask me, but no one did.

Incidentally the after-injection of fuel is what makes the new TDI engines much less compatible with biodiesel. The particulate filter tries to regenerate more often, and the after-injection leads to dilution of the crankcase oil. This can lead to serious problems if not properly monitored. It's a shame VW (and all other non-industrial engine manufacturers) can't just put a proper fuel injector in the exhaust stream, instead of the after-injection "ghetto engineering" solution.

Cheers, John

 

Well said Dukegrad.....

Unfortunately, technology here is lagging a bit in the public sector hence my search for an outlaw solution. I am not certain that I will win this one as it appears that VW will benefit from an additional $2400.00 plus labor from my "Green Purchase" misfortune.

 

I honestly don't know much about VW's control systems on these things. I know there are pressure and temperature sensors that you would probably have to maintain. I'm guessing that they are watching the pressure before the DPF pretty carefully, and if it gets too high they know you're clogging up? Then that could trip a regen cycle. In that case, you could just straight-pipe it, and you'd never show any pressure north of the DPF, which might minimize (or eliminate? nah, can't be that easy) the regen cycles. On the other hand, you might horribly confuse the computer -- I dunno. If you minimize regen, you also might minimize the fuel after-injection, but I'd watch my crankcase oil level very closely. A pan with an extra quart or three could wreak havoc on things from both overfilling and not properly lubricating. Oh, and it's all still illegal... Bless our nanny state.

I bought my Benz used, and someone had straight-piped the catalytic converter, which presumably had clogged beyond repair long before. There's no emissions inspection on diesels in Texas, at least yet.

I didn't catch your thread about a $2400 problem. Ouch, good luck.

Cheers, John

 

It's my understanding that there are 2 pressure sensors and a injector for each side. VW quoted me 1200 per filter on my last oil change due to a low temp code on the right side. Georgia doesn't inspect diesels yet either. However, I realize that this isn't a free pass.

Your Benz gives me hope... Did they leave the sensors in place or remove them? As you have mentioned there are many variables in the system that could lead to failure.
I have several calls out to Germany that may prove productive.

Thank you for the advice. I will update you as this progresses.

 

I assume you dont have extended warranty?