One for the wise and experienced...

[GregMilner]

Well, that made you click in, didn't it!
But seriously, a couple of questions re EGR and fuel filters.

1) EGR - my 2016 D4 SDV6 is stock standard in the engine room, but I'm wondering as to the benefits and downsides of blanking off the EGR, and the difficulty or otherwise of getting it done. We live in Dunsborough, regional WA and most of my travel is long trips, 200km to 300km at a time. Is this good, bad or not applicable for the EGR valve?

2) Fuel filters - we do a bit of off road once or twice a year, towing a heavy camper trailer. Planning another trip to the Kimberley next year. Given the possibility of dodgy diesel at some of these remote places, is it worth it - or necessary - to have a secondary fuel filter installed?

We took it along the GRR and off shoots last year and no known problems on that trip.

[simmo1]

My understanding of how the EGR works with your model is that for long driving trips, as you do, it probably has little effect. The problem I understand is worse when lots of short trips are undertaken.
With fuel I reckon you stand more of a chance of dodgy quality at some of the discount joints

[rocket rod]

Greg, I would talk to Kevin at Rovertech for a bit of advice as he has recommended it many times. I got my remap and EGR blanking done by Autocode ECU Re-Mapping | Performance Tuning | Electrical Fault Diagnostics (https://www.autocode.com.au/) when I first got my car. Since I'm going to keep it till it dies (or me first) I thought let's make it breath easy for it's lifespan so I went ahead. My understanding is it's done by software, so I can be removed easily.

[GregMilner]

Greg, I would talk to Kevin at Rovertech for a bit of advice as he has recommended it many times. I got my remap and EGR blanking done by Autocode ECU Re-Mapping | Performance Tuning | Electrical Fault Diagnostics (https://www.autocode.com.au/) when I first got my car. Since I'm going to keep it till it dies (or me first) I thought let's make it breath easy for it's lifespan so I went ahead. My understanding is it's done by software, so I can be removed easily.

Thanks Rod, I'll talk to Kevin. With the EGR blanking, is it necessary to have the engine remapped as part of that process? I don't particularly want a remap, certainly not while the car is still under warranty. I had my RRS remapped soon after I bought it back in 2010, and was always nervous about warranty claims after that.
But a local mechanic has told me that EGR blanking is not just a mechanical thing, there needs to be some software adjustment done at the same time.

[GregMilner]

My understanding of how the EGR works with your model is that for long driving trips, as you do, it probably has little effect. The problem I understand is worse when lots of short trips are undertaken.
With fuel I reckon you stand more of a chance of dodgy quality at some of the discount joints

Thanks Simmo. I've never had fuel problems on many previous trips to the Kimberley. Mind you, carrying a long range tank, I generally only need to fuel up once at Mt Barnett, between Derby and Kununurra.

[rocket rod]

remap is not required to blank.

[BobD]

Greg,

Kevin did mine while replacing the turbos. In my case they were permanently removed, which makes it possible to get at the turbos without body off.

He gets Mark down the road to install an emulator. Mine was one of the first SDV6's that he managed to get the emulator to work on. People on here have great difficulty contacting Mark but Kevin has good access to him, as long as he sees him in person rather than ringing. The two companies are only about two or three hundred metres apart, which is convenient and they help each other out.

[loanrangie]

remap is not required to blank.

Isnt the blanking done in the map ie written to the ECU ?

[GregMilner]

Greg,

Kevin did mine while replacing the turbos. In my case they were permanently removed, which makes it possible to get at the turbos without body off.

He gets Mark down the road to install an emulator. Mine was one of the first SDV6's that he managed to get the emulator to work on. People on here have great difficulty contacting Mark but Kevin has good access to him, as long as he sees him in person rather than ringing. The two companies are only about two or three hundred metres apart, which is convenient and they help each other out.

Hi Bob, yeah I spoke to Kevin this morning and he recommended Mark - and said it was almost impossible to get him on the phone. I'm not in a hurry, but I'll get it done in the next couple of months. From what Kevin told me, Mark tweaks the ECU so that it thinks there's no EGR, and permanently shuts the EGR valve.

[GregMilner]

Isnt the blanking done in the map ie written to the ECU ?

YEs, apparently that's the process, plus shutting the valve permanently.

[loanrangie]

YEs, apparently that's the process, plus shutting the valve permanently.

So that is a remap.

[GregMilner]

So that is a remap.

Insofar as adjusting the code to cut out the EGR, yes. But it's not necessarily a remap to increase power/torque etc, that's a different tweak.

[loanrangie]

Its still modifying the software so may as well get a tweak at the same time.

[PerthDisco]

I thought it also required some extra wiring components under bonnet that acted as the emulator to confuse the computer?

[GregMilner]

I thought it also required some extra wiring components under bonnet that acted as the emulator to confuse the computer?

Not aware of that. I presume if it does require wiring changes it's part of the process. Apparently the EGR blanking and associated ECU changes is about $850, not including the remapping required to increase power/torque.

[DiscoJeffster]

remap is not required to blank.

Incorrect for anything above around 2007 onwards. Beyond that age the ECU can detect a lack of flow through the EGR and will flag an error. This is why they remap the EGR mapping to stop it opening in software and expecting air flow through it.

[rocket rod]

Incorrect for anything above around 2007 onwards. Beyond that age the ECU can detect a lack of flow through the EGR and will flag an error. This is why they remap the EGR mapping to stop it opening in software and expecting air flow through it.

My mistake if that is the case. I got a remap done at the same time as the blanking but thought it could be a separate process. Anyway we can beat about the bush with all sorts of remedies here, I guess the best way is to phone the guy and find out. As the ad says,,simples.

[BobD]

Mine has emulators plugged in but I assume that may be because my EGR units are fully removed for access to the turbos.

I might add that I cannot detect any difference between having the EGR's and not having the EGR's so I can't see why anyone would really bother with it unless you are trying to access the turbos with the body on. It has not changed fuel consumption either.

[DiscoJeffster]

Mine has emulators plugged in but I assume that may be because my EGR units are fully removed for access to the turbos.

I might add that I cannot detect any difference between having the EGR's and not having the EGR's so I can't see why anyone would really bother with it unless you are trying to access the turbos with the body on. It has not changed fuel consumption either.

The filth inside the manifolds mainly but while it bugs me, not enough for me to pay a grand odd to map it out.

[rar110]

The filth inside the manifolds mainly but while it bugs me, not enough for me to pay a grand odd to map it out.

Emulators have worked well for me on my 3.6 tdv8. The below pic is one of my air intake pipes post intercooler. I’ve put this up previously. The intake manifold is further downstream but it’s an indication of the effect of closing the EGR and using induction cleaner. My car has done about 280,000km.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180815/5d1fb469d2a8d1e29854835af1e3f31d.jpg

[oldsalt]

Anyone in the Melbourne area had their EGR's done...? and if so...where ? As I'm going to keep my D3 till it dies I'm considering having mine done, to be rid of the gunk plus it's one
less thing to worry about failing... I'd be interested in anybody comments etc....

cheers

[loanrangie]

Anyone in the Melbourne area had their EGR's done...? and if so...where ? As I'm going to keep my D3 till it dies I'm considering having mine done, to be rid of the gunk plus it's one
less thing to worry about failing... I'd be interested in anybody comments etc....

cheers

What year is yours ?

[oldsalt]

Sorry - should have said.... 2007

cheers

[loanrangie]

Sorry - should have said.... 2007

cheers

You can fit a blanking kit and not worry about a remap, mine was built mid 07 so hoping i can also use a blanking kit.

[DiscoJeffster]

You can fit a blanking kit and not worry about a remap, mine was built mid 07 so hoping i can also use a blanking kit.

This was the date of the EURO4 switch I think so will be interesting what side of the fence you sit. Good luck.

[oldsalt]

I'm going to blank mine....interesting if I get any warning lights...we'll see !!!!!

cheers

[oldsalt]

Well....I've booked my D3 in for a "Quantum Blue" remap tomorrow, and I've ordered the EGR blanking kit... so I'll post how it feels after the remap...
and I'll fit the blanks when they arrive (in a week or so)...
The remap is being done at "Exceltune" in Braybrook (Melbourne)

cheers

[rocket rod]

Do they do a dyno before and after? Be interested in the figures they produce and your personal experiences as well. Have you done fuel economy numbers as it would be interesting to see if they improve or worsen as well.

[oldsalt]

O.K. - had the remap done, took about an hour, and the car feels much more responsive, pulls away at intersections much, much better, is more "lively" (seat of the pants feeling)
so I'm very pleased with the result... cost $1190. The EGRs were electronically deleted and I'll fit the physical blanking kit when it arrives from the U.K.
Cleaned my MAP sensor today (very little gunk) and I'll do the MAF tomorrow...(got to buy some CRC MAF cleaning spray)... taking it for a country drive tomorrow so I'll report back if there's any changes.

cheers

[oldsalt]

Do they do a dyno before and after? Be interested in the figures they produce and your personal experiences as well. Have you done fuel economy numbers as it would be interesting to see if they improve or worsen as well.

Hi Rod,
no dyno, just plugged into the OBD-II port and downloaded the new map. I haven't checked my fuel usage in a long while, but I'll keep an eye on it and report if I notice any major difference.

cheers

[Disco@136]

Hi Guys

I live in Sydney and have just has Mark at Auto Code do my ECU on my 2007 TDV6 ERUO4 engine.
I got the EGR Delete and ECU Remap done.
I had to remove the ECU which wasn't a huge job. Less than an hour.
I Express posted it out a Thursday afternoon, Mark did not get it until Wednesday Lunchtime. (well done Australia Post)
I spoke to Mark about what Tune they use and he told me that they had a lot of time to developed, test and fine tuned these adjustments
all in WA over a number of years.
I received my ECU back on the following Wednesday Lunchtime, so I was without the car for almost 2 weeks. I have a company car so I did not worry about it to much. So if you are looking at this be prepared to be with out your Disco for more than a week.
While I was waiting I installed the EGR blanking plates, Sundely brand for $24 on ebay. nicely made.
I got the ECU installed and fired it up. Idles nicely. Took it for a good drive and the first thing I notice was the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal. Much Much better, Feels really good and quicker off the mark and is very smooth through all the gear changes.
Very happy with the result, No error or warning lights and at cursing speed looks to be using slightly less fuel.
One thing I have notice is when you turn the ignition on I don't get the clicking sound from the Engine bay anymore.
This must have been the EGR positioning test function before starting.

Only negative is Mark is a bit had to reach on the phone and takes a few days to get back on emails. Must be busy.
Still waiting for an Invoice to be sent that I have asked for twice in the last week.
153482 153483

[101RRS]

Did you remove the butterfly in the intake housing when you blanked the engine? Is prudent to do this on a blanked engine.

If you leave the butterfly flap in place then you could put the engine in a situation it was never designed for, EGR closed (due to being blanked) and butterfly closed (as on overrun) this would create a vacuum/depression within the engine, that could cause damage to engine seals etc as well as other issues.

Garry

[DiscoMick]

Is it true the blanking plate must have a hole in the middle to allow some continued airflow or it might throw a fault code because of air pressure?

Of course, it should be noted that blanking the EGR means the vehicle would probably fail an emissions test if it was ever tested. Failing an emissions test could make the vehicle unroadworthy as it would not comply with the manufacturers specifications to meet emissions laws at the time it was released to the market.
If the vehicle was found by an inspector to be unroadworthy because it had been modified by the owner the registration could be cancelled and the insurance company could refuse to payout on a claim, so the owner could end up with a worthless pile of spare parts.
It does happen. I don't know about all the states but I believe Queensland has a mobile emissions testing scheme. In Victoria 10,000 vehicles were required to be tested last year. Owners are sent a notice requiring the vehicle to be taken to a testing station by a certain date. If the vehicle fails the test or the owner fails to present the vehicle for testing then the registration can be cancelled and the owner fined.
So that's a risk those who blank their EGRs are choosing to take. Hate to be a killjoy, but I think people should think carefully about the implications before rushing into modifying their vehicles.
More than a thousand Australians are said to die from illnesses associated with vehicle emissions in Australia every year, which is similar to the road toll from crashes, so this is a serious issue and it's not going away. If anything the enforcement is likely to become more rigorous, particularly following the VW 'dieselgate' scandal. So, think carefully is my advice.

[Disco@136]

Did you remove the butterfly in the intake housing when you blanked the engine? Is prudent to do this on a blanked engine.

If you leave the butterfly flap in place then you could put the engine in a situation it was never designed for, EGR closed (due to being blanked) and butterfly closed (as on overrun) this would create a vacuum/depression within the engine, that could cause damage to engine seals etc as well as other issues.

Garry

Hi Gary
I did ask the question about the butterfly flap and was told by Alex at Auto Code that it was not necessary to remove.
Might also be controlled differently by the Remap.
I was also told that I could leave the pipes on as well and didn't need to worry about the blanking plates. But if the EGR valves still leaked even when the valves were closed it could bring up fault on the ECU.

Regards Tony

[Tombie]

Hi Gary
I did ask the question about the butterfly flap and was told by Alex at Auto Code that it was not necessary to remove.
Might also be controlled differently by the Remap.
I was also told that I could leave the pipes on as well and didn't need to worry about the blanking plates. But if the EGR valves still leaked even when the valves were closed it could bring up fault on the ECU.

Regards Tony

I strongly suggest you remove it....

Under overrun conditions it’s not doing your motor any favours..

Also very odd that he opened an early ECU like that when a simple OBD Access is possible.

[Tombie]

Is it true the blanking plate must have a hole in the middle to allow some continued airflow or it might throw a fault code because of air pressure?

Of course, it should be noted that blanking the EGR means the vehicle would probably fail an emissions test if it was ever tested. Failing an emissions test could make the vehicle unroadworthy as it would not comply with the manufacturers specifications to meet emissions laws at the time it was released to the market.
If the vehicle was found by an inspector to be unroadworthy because it had been modified by the owner the registration could be cancelled and the insurance company could refuse to payout on a claim, so the owner could end up with a worthless pile of spare parts.
It does happen. I don't know about all the states but I believe Queensland has a mobile emissions testing scheme. In Victoria 10,000 vehicles were required to be tested last year. Owners are sent a notice requiring the vehicle to be taken to a testing station by a certain date. If the vehicle fails the test or the owner fails to present the vehicle for testing then the registration can be cancelled and the owner fined.
So that's a risk those who blank their EGRs are choosing to take. Hate to be a killjoy, but I think people should think carefully about the implications before rushing into modifying their vehicles.
More than a thousand Australians are said to die from illnesses associated with vehicle emissions in Australia every year, which is similar to the road toll from crashes, so this is a serious issue and it's not going away. If anything the enforcement is likely to become more rigorous, particularly following the VW 'dieselgate' scandal. So, think carefully is my advice.

Tampering and removal - correct, non-compliant.

Road side sniffer test - All BAS tunes will pass. Can not speak for Autocode.

[Disco@136]

Thanks Tombie for the advise.
I will look at removing the flap asap.
Regards
Tony