anyone use the Halfords DPF Deep Clean service?

[El_Dude]

apparently they use some chemicals and then do a forced regeneration?

it's 90 quid or something? Their maintenance clean seems a rip off as they simply use a fuel additive.


I know of another independent garage that charges 350 quid to chemically clean DPF whilst it is still attached. but he also sells a fuel additive to use afterwards and i'm skeptical of fuel additives for DPF

[johnboyad07]

Look up terraclean think that's how its spelt

[El_Dude]

is this what Halfords uses?

[mike wilson]

Almost certainly not, or they would advertise it.

There are two issues with clogged DPFs.  One is carbon, that can (and will) be burned off during regeneration.  The other is ash from the burnt carbon impurities of the regeneration process.  This is what eventually clogs the filter "permanently".  There is no (that I know of) chemical cure for this, as likely chemicals (acids and suchlike) would also attack the DPF body.  The only cures are replacement (a sure cure) or physical flushing, which may or may not work.  I suspect that flushing, if it works, can only be repeated a finite number of times as there will be substances in there that are just too attached to remove.

Given the costs involved, I would go for physical flushing as a first step in a case of ash buildup.  It would also allow you to examine/replace the regeneration feed hoses.

[johnnyroper]

As above I wouldn't bother spending Ã,£90 having some additive put in to clean it all it does is raise EGT during regen.

The physical clean with DPF off is supposed to be very good at removing the residue inside,and if they are to be believed even the ash is got rid of.
My old man had his Lexus one done and it looked spotless prior to refitting and has drove like a different car since,better MPG and more responsive.

[El_Dude]

the Halfords Deep Clean isn't just adding an additive in tank... 

they inject chemicals into the DPF and it soaks and then they do the regeneration.

sounds pretty close to that terratec process, maybe variation of chemicals etc?

if it is still blocked they can take DPF off and soak it overnight.

I'm going into Halfords today and I'll double check with the mechanic before they start.

[mike wilson]

Get them to check the DPF diesel feed hoses for perishing.  It's a known problem on other Ford models but there doesn't seem to be consensus on the type of use that causes it.  I would suspect, if you have not been having any regens, it's likely that they will be OK.  New ones from Ford are ridiculously expensive.  Buying a couple of metres of same size fuel hose (even from Halfords...) is a much cheaper solution.

[mike wilson]

Any result from this?

[El_Dude]

worked fine...