DubVBenz

So I live in Northern Virginia, and just read that diesels are actually excluded from the emissions tests around here (which I didn't realize previously), so I'm interested in a DPF delete.

Anyone have any experience?
Is this beneficial in any way (mileage, power)?
Cons, such as Noise or Soot?

Finally, can anyone share some links for components and tunes necessary?

ImInPA

Regardless of where you live, the EPA regulations that require the DPF are Federally mandated. MB has to meet the Federal standard to import their vehicles. I can assure you that if MB thought they could meet the EPA specs without the DPF and the urea injection systems on the newer models, they would gladly delete them themselves.

DubVBenz

My car is already in the states, hence I don't care about the federal EPA regulations if my locality won't bother to enforce them. I live in one of the most stringent areas on the east coast in terms of emissions, and if they're willing to grant an exception for my diesel, I'll be happy to smoke it up like a powerstroke if it means improved performance and mileage.

So basically, I'm looking for aftermarket solutions.

Carsy

Another option would be to keep it until it becomes problematic ( ie blocked) then remove it.

In the mean time you can investigate how to do so .

With this method you will be covered if the law changes .

I am interested to know the details of removal when you do find out !!

listerone

I think it would be unwise...*very* unwise...to tamper with the emissions systems regardless of what Virginia's laws might say.I'd be very surprised if any such tampering wasn't a violation of *Federal* law and,if true,the penalties,I'll wager,are pretty stiff.Also,any such tampering would *certainly* result in serious warranty problems down the road as well as harming the resale value of the vehicle.

"Don't do it" is my advice.

listerone

I don't know how things work in "The Land Of Plenty" but here the *last* thing you want is for the United States Government to be on your case.And here,perhaps unlike in Australia,tampering with the emissions systems is *very* probably illegal regardless of when it's done or who does it (although I admit that I'm not a lawyer).

edwinwalke

So if you live in McLean, Va you do have to pay for the emissions test every two years when you renew your license tags. They don't actually test anything other than seeing if the OBDii connection works and looking under the hood.

Doesn't make much sense but thats generally the way government regulations are.

DubVBenz

This is probably the approach I'll take. I'm assuming I'll have to spend a little coin to do it, so I might as well wait until my current one needs replacing (if ever), but I'd like to have all the information ready to go so the downtime is minimal.

DubVBenz

I thought so too, but read through this and pay attention to this ( http://www.dmv.com/va/virginia/emissions-testing ) section:

EXEMPTIONS
A vehicle is exempt from emissions testing when:

It is a 1983 model or older.
It is a new vehicle, or on its first registration provided the manufacturer's certificate of origin is attached.
It is a hybrid vehicle.
It is powered by clean fuel.
It is a diesel vehicle.
It is 25 years or older powered by gasoline.

edwinwalke

Each time I have gotten my registration renewal it has stated emissions test required. I see that they say they are exempt but They also say:

VEHICLES THAT REQUIRE AN EMISSIONS TEST
A car, truck, motor home or RV (recreational vehicle) requires an emissions test when:

It is a 1983 model or less (25 years older than the current calendar year).
Diesel vehicle which carries passenger/property and is 1997 or newer.
It is registered in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford and in cities such as Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
It runs on diesel fuel, and has a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating up to 8500 pounds.

Another great example of our government at work.

DubVBenz

Yea.. nothing is exactly clear here...

listerone

Just one more time:

Check with someone who *knows* to see if your plans violate any *Federal* law/regulation and,if they do,find out what the penalties are if convicted.

RobertG

If you can fool the ecm, you can fool the feds.(of course for off road use only)

DubVBenz

Thanks, Dad. The Fed has more important crap to worry about that diesel emissions of a passenger car.

listerone

Hey,whatever floats your boat.

But picture this scenario....you tamper with the emissions system,the laws in VA change (or you move to another state),during an inspection it's discovered that you've been tampering and the mechanic,who knows that the EPA has a reward for this kind of thing (like the IRS has for tax cheats),drops a dime on you.

lkchris

Oh, come on--they're looking for stored codes. OBD2 cars do the testing themselves.

NM is just now requiring inspection of diesels and I'll get my first ever check in July--it will come your way sooner or later I'd bet.

edwinwalke

The last shop that did the emissions inspection on my car must have used a wireless code reader because all I saw him do was look at the OBD2 port on the left side of the steering column. No reader or cable hooked to his test equipment.

nelbur

I have talked with a shop that does inspections here in Virginia, when I was thinking of trying to deactivate my EGR. They said that the emission system must not be noticeably modified or it will be failed, even though we do not have emissions tests here in SE Virginia.

Whargoul

They are excluded from compliance testing, but they are not excluded from US law. Altering the emissions system is illegal in all 50 states.

HYEPWR

The TESTING EQUIPMENT needed to test for diesel emissions is verrrrrrrry expensive. Far beyond the means regular shops--As is the current governmental model has regular shops doing the emissions testing--Diesels will never be REALLY tested.

Here in ontario....They still require the "emissions" test every 2 years. They still charge you....Even though the test consists of little more than starting the car to make sure it doesnt smoke. My last "e-test" lasted 4 mins.

The heat/backpressure made by DPF is very bad for engine components(turbos ect). Not to mention it robs you of MPG.

To the tree huggers--whats better for the environment? Using 2000 liters of diesel with X NO emissions or using 500 liters less diesel with more NO emissions.

RobertG

+ using synthetic cow pis Urea and like the poster above said more fuel to burn off the dpf filter that eventualy need to be replaced and the ash content dumped somewhere, How about that tree huggers?

diesel2fast4u

I didn't read everything above but blocking the EGR and removing the cat will let your engine life longer and healthier.

And your miles to the gallon will improve alot (I see 20 to 25%).

If you don't mind driving with the CEL on, empty the DPF and unplug the MAF that way I will not regenerate.

Otherwise you need a tuner to switch off the DPF in the map.

EGR, you need to turn off in the map & block it with a plate.

Bye

Whargoul

Doing any of what diesel2fast4u said will make the engine run with reduced power.

diesel2fast4u

Whargoul

Clearly you've never works with a computerized engine before.

Emptying the DPF will create an expansion chamber that will cause high exhaust backpressure. It will also cause differential pressure readings too low in the pressure sensors. Both of which will reduce engine power.

Unplugging the EGR and/or MAF will cause the engine to go into limp mode.