Clean Diesel Filter - Clean Or Remove?

[grimble]

Hello again!

 

It has come, after owning my 2002 2.2HDI C5 for 2 months it has reached 70k miles and the 'Clean Diesel Filter' message is now starting to appear. Crikes, that means money (on the card) before Xmas!!

 

I know it's pretty much full of Pat fluid but my question is whether I should just remove the system or get the filter cleaned?

Would it be better for the car if I just had it cleaned and what kind of prices should I be looking at by anyones experience?

 

I'm in Swansea but I believe there is a place in Bristol which can do this reasonably, although how long could I hold out before it starts causing some sort of dammage!!

 

Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly recieved.

Thanks, Graham.

[Johndouglas]

Some guys remove the particle filter themselves then give it a soak in hot water for an hour or two, then use a pressure washer on it both ways. Keep the washer going until the water runs clean.

[paul.h]

Are you sure clean diesel filter does not mean the diesel fuel filter and not the exhaust particle filter ? The fuel filter needs replacing every 2 years or 24000 miles according to the Haynes manual (although it does not cover the 2.2 hdi).

[grimble]

Would be fab if it was just a fuel filter rather than the PAT filter, I'll check that out when I'm off tommorow.

Seems when I do a search on Clean Diesel Filter it tends to refer to the PAT system!

 

I've seen a few videos on washing the PAT filter and it's an option, just wondered what kind of price I would be expecting for it to be done professionally as life is crazy busy at the moment. Also now I'm reading that the C5 is not that suited for short journeys, dropping kids off to school and in and out of work. Although I do some big journeys and hoping to pull a caravan next summer!

I'm hoping this C5 will last a few years!

 

Thanks, Graham

[paul.h]

From my own experience the C5 is one of the best cars for pulling a caravan with its self leveling suspension. If you do not yet have a towbar this forum is a good place for advice, many of us have fit our own.

[coastline taxis]

you seem capable enough to do it yourself.

 

remove the filter from the car. very straight forward one look and you know what bolts/nuts to take off.

Insert jetwash into hole on filter

pull trigger on jetwash.

 

refit the filter

[paul.h]

Looks as if removal of the dpf filter is not an option, see the pinned post on the C5 technical section. From Feb 2014 it will be an MOT fail if it has been removed.

[Tinkledrum]

Would be fab if it was just a fuel filter rather than the PAT filter, I'll check that out when I'm off tommorow.

Seems when I do a search on Clean Diesel Filter it tends to refer to the PAT system!

 

I've seen a few videos on washing the PAT filter and it's an option, just wondered what kind of price I would be expecting for it to be done professionally as life is crazy busy at the moment. Also now I'm reading that the C5 is not that suited for short journeys, dropping kids off to school and in and out of work. Although I do some big journeys and hoping to pull a caravan next summer!

I'm hoping this C5 will last a few years!

 

Thanks, Graham

[Tinkledrum]

This message means that the cat needs to be defragged. My specialist friend has the answer, they remove the cat, dig out all the filth and rubbish in there by using a large reamer, then reasemble, using a new code they remap the Ecu then the bhp has been increased by 25/40 percent. The car has a lot morse snap and mpg is increased. My present car 03 c/5 estate 2.2 hdi has been done it's very good. Mileage 128,000' my previous car again c/5estate 2.2 hdi was done 6 months ago now done 180.000 miles all running well. To get the tech info ring them. WOLSLEY HOUSE MOTORS DISS 01379644133. ASK FOR DANNY HE WILL GIVE YOU ALL THE GEN

[paul.h]

In the Jan 2014 Car Mechanics mag, there is a short article on DPF Genie - a London company who can clean a dpf to almost as new by putting it in an oven at high temperature reaching over 700°C to burn off any deposits. Then blow through to remove any ash. From their website, prices are from £234 inc vat - I do not know how this compares with a new one.

[grimble]

Thanks guys, a lot to think about.

Strange as it stopped showing the warning for about a month and then came back. Went for a long trip the other day, around 200 miles and it came on when I accelerated hard. Has not been back since!

So, get Christmas out of the way then I'll have to start saving and looking into it. I think I might try removing it myself first and giving it a jet wash and go from there. That's if I can get the bolts undone!

 

LOL, WOLSLEY HOUSE MOTORS could not be further away from me as I'm in South West Wales!

I've heard there's a place in Bristol that could help although it's still a couple of hours away, but do-able.

The C5 has only just gone over 70000 miles, and it's the first time the rear opening tailgate window has not wanted to open, hey ho!

Cheers, Graham.