Self-destructed

I own a 2004/54 Peugeot 407 SW HDI 136. It has done 43,900 miles. It recently over-revved and left a thick cloud of smoke from the exhaust. It then went into limp-home mode. I took it to my local Peugeot garage and they have found that there is excessive oil in the sump. It would appear that there was a fault with the anti pollution system and the engine management system. Having checked on various forums on the Internet both in the UK and in France it seems that this is not an uncommon problem with 407s especially those built before 2005. The Garage has suggested either replacing the engine or rebuilding it. Peugeot Customer Care has shown no interest in the problem. I would have thought that a diesel engine should last considerably longer than 44,000 miles. Is there any way I can get Peugeot to admit that there is a problem with these cars and hopefully persuade them to stump up for a new engine? Having been a loyal Peugeot supporter for many years I feel the affair is over. Any suggestions?

Asked on 9 May 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
Sometimes, Diesel Particulate Filters fill up with fuel that is then reintroduced to the lube oil, raising the level to a point where the engine starts running on its sump oil, and once it starts siphoning that up the engine won't stop unless the air supply is strangled. Drivers of diesels with DPFs need to check their sump oil levels regularly, and perhaps buy siphons to extract any excess via the dipstick tube.
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