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New to diesel - what do we need to know?

nitten_traveller
nitten_traveller
in General Ford Related Discussions

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Hi all,

We recently bought a Transit Courier van at very short notice and with little opportunity to do much research beyond a test drive.  As neither of us have ever owned a diesel anything before is there anything we ought to know about or keep an eye on regards maintenance?  Or is this an old-fashioned approach to a diesel engine these days?

  • Quote


    On 2/5/2022 at 4:09 PM, alexp999 said:

    The biggest issue will be the DPF if you do short journeys.

    Modern diesels HATE short, start stop journeys, clutch & flywheels can cost a bomb to replace

  • Quote
    • Author
    12 hours ago, ScouseJon99 said:

    Modern diesels HATE short, start stop journeys, clutch & flywheels can cost a bomb to replace

    Thanks. I just looked up, the regular "commute" in the van is 20 miles each way, mostly on national speed limit roads. So hopefully that keeps the DPF in check...

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    • Like 1

    Biggest tip after years of petrols?  Don't put petrol in it out of habit! :wink: 

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    On 2/7/2022 at 9:16 AM, TomsFocus said:

    Biggest tip after years of petrols?  Don't put petrol in it out of habit! :wink: 

    A rental campervan I had a few years back had a device under the fuel flap that shouted "STOP, DIESEL" whenever you opened it!  I always double check which nozzle I've picked up at the pump, then again when I put it into the filler, then before I pull the trigger check again, and have a look at the pump display to make sure it matches the car, and the pump nozzle before starting to fill!

    As other have said, the DPF - there should be something in the handbook that gives advice on how to clear the DPF if the warning light comes on, since having a Disel I've made sure I do a journey at least once a week using those instructions just to help things along. If the vehicle is new to you, then a steady drive for about 30 miles on the m'way, then another back again, might be prudent. On the Focus its drive for a minimum of 20 minutes with the engine speed between 1500 and 4000rpm, on my previous Skoda it was 15 minutes with the engine speed at 2000-2500rpm - both equate to cruising on the m'way in 4th (skoda) or 4th/5th(Focus) at a stead 60. The off-m'way part of the journey gives the engine a bit of variety!

    NO BUMP OR TOW STARTS - and don't park over long dry grass!

    If you don't have the owners manual you should be able to get an online version from the Ford web site, just google it.

  • Quote
    • Like 2

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