For some reason she is hell bent on trying to squeeze as much MPG out of it as possible so she constantly short shifts and keeps the rpms as low as poss. She has far more restraint than me.

Probably not the best way of obtaining the best MPG either, as you're not really using the torque of the engine. You'll often find you'll need more throttle to keep the car moving along at say 1500rpm, than if you were a gear lower. Test it out on the flat, with a decent stretch and the trip comp on instant MPG

Not a good way of driving for the longevity of the engine.

This will be putting extra strain on your DMF and also because your turbo will not be getting a work out you run the risk of the vanes sticking as well.

Best sticking around 1800-2200 rpm which is bang on where the power is, so you only need light throttle to keep moving.

If you are driving everywhere at 1500 rpm you are putting undue strain on components, just as bad as over revving. This is why when running in a new engine manufacturers tell you that laboring the engine does just as much damage as revving highly.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Give the engine something to do, and keep it interested by varying throttle inputs

As I think everyone else has concluded, I'm pretty certain this issue isn't DPF removal related.

All diesels will show a reduction in the particulate count (smoke) test that is part of the MOT if given a fast run for about 15 miles. A diesel engined car in good condition and given this treatment should pass at the first No. 1 test. I have heard of some diesels being given a "fast 2nd gear run around the block to clear the turbo and exhaust systems out but this sounds a bit risky with cambelts close to their replacement mileage/age.

Edited 23 April, 201115 yr by vwcabriolet1971

The car passed the smoke test today. After a few blasts and some millers, all is good

Result

I have heard of some diesels being given a "fast 2nd gear run around the block to clear the turbo and exhaust systems out but this sounds a bit risky with cambelts close to their replacement mileage/age.

This should not be an issue, don't forget that for the smoke test the diesels car RPM is maxed out at 4.5K RPM for a period of time in order to get a reading so a fast run round the block is nothing in comparison to running an engine at max RPM with no load.

The car passed the smoke test today. After a few blasts and some millers, all is good

At least its sorted for you now.

Good result Fitz, glad it's sorted, now you know you have to give Gem, I mean the car, some hard, rough treatment occasionally to keep her running sweet(the car that is)

Ian

Good result Fitz, glad it's sorted, now you know you have to give Gem, I mean the car, some hard, rough treatment occasionally to keep her running sweet(the car that is)

Ian

Ha ha, your right on both counts