Diesel Filter Haemorrhage!!!

[SnJ]

Well we went to leave for Cornish Farm yesterday, planned trip to go to Vanbitz to sort the alarm out.
Packed the MH, started it, let it warm up, took it off the drive, parked it on the road, turned it off, Jue packed some more bits, started it up to go.......and the filter suddenly ruptured peeing diesel everywhere.
Turned it off and couldn't find the leak....(had a similar issue on a 141 Scania back in '91 - pin hole but only evident when the engine was running)
Mad 30 mins removing it (easy job tbh) contactied my colleague, who is our workshop supervisor, a walking encyclopaedia for all things Fiat Ducato, for advice on where to get a replacement.
Big shout out to Jason at Sherwoods, Stoke on Trent for sourcing a complete unit........in Nottingham!
Mad dash across the A50 & back & a 5 minute fit, primed once, fired straight up - no issues!!
3 hours late departing but we eventually arrived in Taunton.
Massive thanks to Les at Cornish Farm for sorting out the pitch & Nick & guys at Vanbitz for sorting the alarm system out....

Homeward bound again

I thought this MH lark was meant to be relaxing....

 

[glenn2926]

Aye that’s the bugger. I now carry a spare one. As you said 5 minute job providing you have one.
Glad you got sorted.

 

[Figaro]

Glad to hear you got it sorted but surely you could have sourced it closer to home ?

 

[NickandClair]

Safe journey back. I'll pass on your thanks to the guys in the workshop and Les on the site

 

[SnJ]

Glad to hear you got it sorted but surely you could have sourced it closer to home ?

It's a 09 van and Sherwoods are a main Fiat supplier (supply us at WMAS). I may have sourced one but we were on a schedule and needed to be at Vanbitz for our appointment today.
Worth it in the end....

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[Northernraider]

I hope you didn't pay the crazy £289 fiat charge for it.

Only one company makes them so they are all the same and available from £69

I got fleeced with this myself as the garage doing my service broke mine denied it and then fitted one from fiat at £289

 

[camel]

Ours went recently too, outside the house after a 200 mile trip back from Scotland.
Bought 2 on ebay for £63 each, quick fix and now carrying a spare.

 

[Scotch mist]

What year of fiat does this affect, (I have a 2018) , i if I thought it could happen at anytime I would carry another one

 

[camel]

Scotch mist - ours is 2011. I think models from approx 2012 onwards were changed to a metal canister filter.

 

[SnJ]

What year of fiat does this affect, (I have a 2018) , i if I thought it could happen at anytime I would carry another one

2009.
Have inspected tonight using a magnifying glass when we got back.
I can't find a crack in it.
Personally I think the seal let go.
I am going to put all back together and pressure test it.

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[EuroTrotters]

Ours is 2000.

Just ordered two on a clearance for £7.50 delivered.

Thanks for reminding me.

 

[Bart]

Had one go on our 07 ducato at home , luckily I had a spare that I had bought after reading on the forums here about their weakness.

 

[PeteH]

The "plastic" Fiat filters are quite well known for this. It is apparently the tightening torque needed to make a seal without overstressing the unit. There is a "proper" tool for the job. but many service agents are prone to use "other methods".

Somewhere on here is a protracted "dissertation" on the subject.

Have a Look at this thread:- https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...el-filter-replacing-in-pictures-part-i.79560/

Lots of info on this type of filter. and a Link to the correct tool. HOWEVER the filters and housings can be had "online" for under £100. (not the 250+ asked by Fiat) and are produced in the same factory (Poland?) the tool cost me about £15 on Flea bay and is the same as the more expensive item, and is the best way to ensure you get a good seal without risk of future leaks.

 

[2657]

2009.
Have inspected tonight using a magnifying glass when we got back.
I can't find a crack in it.
Personally I think the seal let go.
I am going to put all back together and pressure test it.

The push in connectors failed on ours a couple of months ago, fortunately I carry a spare complete unit.

 

[Jake Royd]

They are a bugger are they not.
I serviced mine with the correct fixture and torque (30nm) but it still leaked about 4 months after fitting.
Like many , carry a spare.
When I tested the old one again in the fixture , it went about 6mm of rim circumference further than the first time. This I think indicates to me they fail due to 'creep'. In other words the filled resin they are made of just moves slightly under load.
Or maybe the seal just gives up.

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[iandsm]

I wonder if anyone has tried some kind of gasket sealant to bed the rubber sealing ring on with a thin smear on top before fitting the lid.

 

[SnJ]

Apparently it has to be a dry fit.

 

[Geo]

Just wondered
All these filters allegedly broken by the trade
are they making house calls now to break em on your drives

 

[SnJ]

Just wondered
All these filters allegedly broken by the trade
are they making house calls now to break em on your drives

sorry but you'll have to explain your comment.....cos I don't get it

 

[PeteH]

Just wondered
All these filters allegedly broken by the trade
are they making house calls now to break em on your drives

I dont think anyone is condemning the "trade", but lets face it IF you fit one of these every "Blue Moon", would you necessarily purchase a piece of kit you may never use again?, when (in theory at least) it should be easy to make the seal without it?. I personally feel there is an issue with the quality of the seals, the one I removed was very "softened" by comparison with the new one supplied with the filter. Had it been a petrol filter, I would suspect the use of Ethanol as an additive, as there is a known issue there. (R9 hose is only recommended for cars using E10, Older cars have issues with hose failure)

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[TheBig1]

I know £62 to replace the entire housing rather than just the cartridge is extravagant but it seems the only foolproof method

I have the cage and tool in my workshop but the design of the housing and seal is still not right

 

[PeteH]

I know £62 to replace the entire housing rather than just the cartridge is extravagant but it seems the only foolproof method

I have the cage and tool in my workshop but the design of the housing and seal is still not right

You could well be right. However, do the manufacturers use the correct equipment too?.

 

[SnJ]

So speaking to my Workshop Chargehand he states that unless you have a really dry housing you will have an issue with the seal. He said that if diesel gets on to the seal it won't work effectively.

Anyone now how much a replacement filter & seal is???

 

[Northernraider]

Just wondered
All these filters allegedly broken by the trade
are they making house calls now to break em on your drives

Mines was broken by the trade for sure as it had no diesel leak when it went in for a service but mysteriously developed one while he was servicing it. He then fitted one without informing me first and added £289 +vat to my service bill for the privelidge

The first I was made aware of the alleged leak was at 17.15pm when I went to collect the vehicle he had had since 9am

Basically wasn't getting the van back without paying it.

Even as an ex mechanic I don't bloody trust them.

 

[iandsm]

I have decided to tell the people who service my motorhome on no account to touch the diesel filter. I am perfectly happy to leave it for 30k miles ( three years)then put a new on on myself, bought from eBay of course.

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[TheBig1]

So speaking to my Workshop Chargehand he states that unless you have a really dry housing you will have an issue with the seal. He said that if diesel gets on to the seal it won't work effectively.

Anyone now how much a replacement filter & seal is???

under £10 but its a lottery when, not if it leaks

 

[Techno]

If you want a totally dry housing there is no reason not to wash it in hot soapy water in the sink. Some people have suggested lubricating the seal but I have never advocated this as it is not suggested in service instructions. 5yrs since doing mine and no leaks

 

[SnJ]

I must admit, I listen to my workshop mechanics and take their advice on what to do.
All our fleet are Ducatos and have been for the past 20+ years.
They've seen it all and have an extensive knowledge on faults etc

I'll have a look on t'internet & get a filter & seal and keep them in reserve....