Ducato 2.3 - beyond Euro6

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Feb 2, 2019
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AS Kemerton XL
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Since 2014
Hi all - I am intending to purchase a new Fiat Ducato 2.3 based PVC. My understanding is that the current Ducato is Euro6 using some sort of exhaust gas re-circulation system. I have heard however that Fiat are going to change (in the next few months) to using Adblue and that this might be to support Euro6D which is mentioned here https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/fuels-environment/euro-emissions-standards

Can anyone confirm the above and is it worth me waiting for the Adblue update to get a later engine specification?

My second dilemma is choosing between 130bhp and 150bhp variants of the Ducato. I've read several useful threads on this forum (many discussing Euro5 engines) and see people satisfied with both on 3.5T panel vans but would welcome any further thoughts and if the introduction of Euro6 changed any of the thinking in this area.

My thanks for any thoughts on these questions - Chris
 
Not sure about the adblue side, I had heard that as well, but given how old most base vehicles are before being converted it may be some time before they become available.

We have just changed from a 130hp a class at 3850kg, and I always found it dangerously underpowered on hills or headwinds, it Was always very rough when working, we now have a 5t tag axle a class with the 180hp and auto and it is a dream, doesn't notice hills, so much smoother and more refined, and at the moment despite a new engine is giving similar mpg, so once run in I suspect it could even be better.
Whilst I don't buy a motorhome for performance, it is nice knowing it will keep up with traffic without too much effort.
 
There will be others who are more "with it" than I , but my understanding is the Euro6 is only the latest incarnation of the scramble to reduce "nasty" emissions, by the Commissars of the EUSSR (and make their pals a lot of money?:D). On the serious side, the methods by with emission`s are reduced are manufacturer led, some preferring to re-engineer the engines others to "kill" the nasty`s by use of chemical injection (simplisticly) with the use of "urea" (animal pee!) which catalyses some of the worse combustion products.

My (old E5) Ducato, used an EGR which is effectively a valve allowing exhaust gasses to be recycled back to the Engine for the purpose to incinerating at high temp a proportion of the "nasty`s". EGR`s Especially Fiat, are notorious for giving issues, and are not the easiest bits of kit to service, clean or remove (I have the scars to prove it!!). Another "device" for the reduction of these "nasties" is the Particle filter, a device which as the name implies removes small particulates, into a sort of "bin". This device has to be re-generated periodically. if it becomes clogged up it is a VERY expensive replacement. Regeneration is along the lines of getting the engine exhaust to a high temperature and maintaining it for up to 30 min, (method varies by manufacturer). But above 2200 rpm for 20min was listed in my Handbook, as the minimum. Which meant holding the gears in 5th and taking a motorway drive!
 
Why worry yourself about Euro 5,6 or whatever ?
In 6 months or a year they'll be on Euro 7 or 8 then what will you do ?

Our Ducato is 'only' Euro 4 but it doesn't stop us from travelling around UK or Europe, if going to big cities with restrictions then they will normally have car parks outside and bus or train into town.

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Like others, I'd seen speculation that Fiat might introduce an adblue system to their vans. But unless it was really immenent, not sure I'd bother waiting.

We've got a 3,500kg pvc with the Fiat 130 engine (Euro 5) and comfortmatic gearbox. It's almost run in now at 11k miles, and goes very nicely. Will cruise all day at 70 - 75 mph on the continental motorways.

Those with the 150hp engine will undoubtedly say it is better, which I'm sure it is. But we are on our third Ducato-based van with 130 engine, and have been perfectly happy. Certainly climbs any hills we throw at it, including Grossglockner (Austria's highest road pass).
 
There has been talk of Fiat doing this for about 3 years now, it hasn't happened yet.

The only way to ENSURE you are going to meet emissions standards going forward is to get a full electric motorhome.

And by the time these are widely introduced al lot of us on here wont be on here, we will be either 6 foot under, a pile of ashes or laid in some strange nursing home making gurgling noises.
 
EGR valves have been a wonderful source of revenue for main dealers and independents alike. Gum up beautifully. Go for the AdBlue as the lesser of two evils. The more powerful engine will allow you to tow a trailer if circumstances dictate in the future.
 
Been driving hgvs”for years firm got new trucks with adblue had loads of problems forever in the workshop with add blue faults and it’s not the nicest chemical it’s a bit corrosive if spilt and not cleaned away
 
We have a 25 year old CAT dump truck (45tons) hardly ever goes wrong, and have got a new CAT 50 tonner with adblue, nothing but trouble, it’s always parked up with issues relating to adblue and we have 2 loading shovels, one CAT and one VOLVO and they’re always having re-genning issues. The old 20year old CAT shovel is bombproof, you can’t break it!! I have a Euro5 pug base and it goes pretty good, 130bhp with a chain instead of a cam belt (y)

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HI, a thought... convertors by batch stock of base vehicles so it would be a while after any new introduction that these will filter through on new vans..

just a watch out as you may have to wait a lot longer than a few months if you are set on havinbg the latest engine out.
 

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