Very low MPG, now we know why and NOT happy!!! (1 Viewer)

Oct 6, 2016
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We took delivery of "VanTu" several weeks ago, we're gearing up for a 6 month European tour comm early April. To get acquainted with our new toy we've been going out on day trips and had 2 overnight stopovers.
All has gone fairly smoothly and we've been pleased with the vehicle, with one exception,,, the MPG appeared to be pretty abysmal.

Yesterday we returned to storage (a friends garage premises) and while we loaded stuff from one vehicle to the other I left the Moho's engine running,,, I suddenly noticed a shiny puddle appearing under the bonnet... Cut to the chase.

VanTu is a one owner, 2011, 9000 mile, Autotrail Scout, as new condition inside & out. We purchased her from a highly reputable company in Hitchin.
She came with a full tank of fuel, years R tax, several "extras", and,,, a full service,,, completed by the garage the sellers had used for many years...

The puddle on the floor was diesel, the joint between the fuel filter head & filter body is secured by a large plastic barrel nut,,, the nut had been fitted cross threaded,,, the joint was haemorrhaging diesel.
The plastic barrel nut wouldn't tighten or loosen, a sure indication that it was cross threaded. The joint would've instantly leaked fuel as soon as the engine was started,,, why wasn't the leak detected?!!!

We are more than a little angry about this, a bodge job like this is totally inexcusable, all they had to do was a simple leak check, a quick look at the filter would have sufficed, I mean, how sloppy can a mechanic get?!

What concerns us even more are the other items on the service list,,, checking the;;; tyres, brake pads, steering assemblies, suspension, transmission oil levels etc etc etc.
No doubt we will be told the garage did all the other stuff to a high standard,,, yer, rite, course they did govner,?!!!

We've told the sellers we want another full service carried out, by a garage of our choosing, we also want 50% of our fuel expenditure refunded.
No doubt we'll have to fight for this?
We'll keep you updated. Wish us luck, maybe.

Best regards from James & Angie,,, Dunear in Narfuk Borr.
 

jessthedog

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Wish you luck(y) It will be like getting blood out of a stone.
On the bright side, the MPG is going to be a lot better when you go to Europe:D

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Jan 9, 2017
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I doubt they will agree. In a way you do know that they did actually "try" and service it as they made an error (I would say half of vehicles that get a full service do not even get the bonnet lifted"

I expect they will repair the filter and may make a smalls contribution to your fuel.
 

pappajohn

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Aug 26, 2007
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Common fault on ducato's.
Filter housings crack and leak if care isn't taken during filter change.
The cap should be set to a specific torque, not simply tightened.
No excuse for a crossed thread and not spotting the leak though.
 
Aug 10, 2012
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bet its not cross threaded

its a crap fiat fuel filter
search on here you will find loads about fuel filter leaks, they just fail, ad hoc
Buy two, fit one and wait for a second failure.
Don't bother servicing yours just bin it

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Bobby22

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We took delivery of "VanTu" several weeks ago, we're gearing up for a 6 month European tour comm early April. To get acquainted with our new toy we've been going out on day trips and had 2 overnight stopovers.
All has gone fairly smoothly and we've been pleased with the vehicle, with one exception,,, the MPG appeared to be pretty abysmal.

Yesterday we returned to storage (a friends garage premises) and while we loaded stuff from one vehicle to the other I left the Moho's engine running,,, I suddenly noticed a shiny puddle appearing under the bonnet... Cut to the chase.

VanTu is a one owner, 2011, 9000 mile, Autotrail Scout, as new condition inside & out. We purchased her from a highly reputable company in Hitchin.
She came with a full tank of fuel, years R tax, several "extras", and,,, a full service,,, completed by the garage the sellers had used for many years...

The puddle on the floor was diesel, the joint between the fuel filter head & filter body is secured by a large plastic barrel nut,,, the nut had been fitted cross threaded,,, the joint was haemorrhaging diesel.
The plastic barrel nut wouldn't tighten or loosen, a sure indication that it was cross threaded. The joint would've instantly leaked fuel as soon as the engine was started,,, why wasn't the leak detected?!!!

We are more than a little angry about this, a bodge job like this is totally inexcusable, all they had to do was a simple leak check, a quick look at the filter would have sufficed, I mean, how sloppy can a mechanic get?!

What concerns us even more are the other items on the service list,,, checking the;;; tyres, brake pads, steering assemblies, suspension, transmission oil levels etc etc etc.
No doubt we will be told the garage did all the other stuff to a high standard,,, yer, rite, course they did govner,?!!!

We've told the sellers we want another full service carried out, by a garage of our choosing, we also want 50% of our fuel expenditure refunded.
No doubt we'll have to fight for this?
We'll keep you updated. Wish us luck, maybe.

Best regards from James & Angie,,, Dunear in Narfuk Borr.
If you look through the forum you may find that during servicing some mechanics, if they don't use the right tool when changing the fuel filter, get this very problem.

Have a look at this thread .....all will be explained

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum...uel-filter-failure.102815/page-3#post-1373449
 

pappajohn

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No doubt we will be told the garage did all the other stuff to a high standard,,, yer, rite, course they did govner,?!!!
When I collected my Chrysler I was told it would have a full service.
When I got there it was in the workshop doors with the bonnet up and mechanic with the dipstick in one hand and an oily rag in the other.
You assume they are good to their word.....but this was the extent of the service, check oil level and bullshit the customer.

Many years ago I bought a landy disco from carcraft at Sheffield.
It was MOT'd in-house the morning of collection.
Can't work out how they got the engine to operating temp to do emissions when the water pump chucked coolant out faster than a bath tap.
I wanted the vehicle and It came with a national warranty so took it away and had a new pump and cylinder head skim at a reputable garage.
No way were they doing the work.

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OP
OP
bigguspeckus
Oct 6, 2016
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OP
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bigguspeckus
Oct 6, 2016
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bet its not cross threaded

its a crap fiat fuel filter
search on here you will find loads about fuel filter leaks, they just fail, ad hoc
Buy two, fit one and wait for a second failure.
Don't bother servicing yours just bin it
Nope, it's definitely cross threaded,,, and, by the sound of it, a pretty useless bit of kit,?!!!:(
 

gibbo57

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Any Diesel/Oil leak can be very dangerous. I had an accident years ago, the outlet pipe from the Diesel lift pump fractured while driving. I ended up in a ditch as leaked Diesel got on to the rear tyres and I skidded on a wet road. You have had a lucky escape, when you are getting it repaired don't drive it, get it towed .

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injebreck99

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I'm very surprised that you didn't smell it, diesel has a very distinctive smell, when my filter leaked, it was very obvious very quickly, it even went onto the passenger side door.
 

PhilG

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I doubt they will agree. In a way you do know that they did actually "try" and service it as they made an error (I would say half of vehicles that get a full service do not even get the bonnet lifted"

I expect they will repair the filter and may make a smalls contribution to your fuel.

I would say that you do not have the slightest clue what you are talking about.
 
May 29, 2013
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Any Diesel/Oil leak can be very dangerous. I had an accident years ago, the outlet pipe from the Diesel lift pump fractured while driving. I ended up in a ditch as leaked Diesel got on to the rear tyres and I skidded on a wet road. You have had a lucky escape, when you are getting it repaired don't drive it, get it towed .

I'd agree about not driving it. If you were involved in an accident, your insurance might well be invalid as your driving a vehicle you knew to be unroadworthy.

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TheBig1

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I have taken to carrying a new complete filter and housing in case the one fitted to the van leaks. the complete replacement takes 5 minutes without using any tools. then once home use the specialist tool to change the filter in the old housing, clean it and place in a ziplock bag and put it back in the locker
 

138go

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It's also been mentioned on other forum that using non Fiat filters can also be a problem

..
 
Sep 3, 2012
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They have probably changed the internal filter inside the housing and not used the correct torquing tool to tighten it up, as has been advised. Its easier to change the lot -they are approx £80 on e bay.
I had one start to leak on my Fiat base-no-one had been near it-just the way they go

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ambulancekidd

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Diesel on a road is lethal to motorcyclists in particular but can have just about any vehicle skidding out of control. Its a really dodgy fault on any diesel vehicle. The garage that carried out this repair are totally negligent. Hope you get things resolved soon & that this unpleasant experience doesn't spoil your ejoyment of your new motorhome.
 
Jan 9, 2017
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I would say that you do not have the slightest clue what you are talking about.
So what bit do I not have the slightest clue about? I said they had attempted to do part of the service- this is proven by the damaged filter. I also said that half of vehicles probably don't get the bonnet lifted- this is partly confirmed by a poster above who said that on a vehicle they once purchased a full service was classed as checking the oil level.

I very much doubt that the garage in question will say "here is £400, please go and get it serviced elsewhere" plus they are unlikely to cough up for the full amount of fuel that has been claimed to be lost.
 

PhilG

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And that comment adds to the discussion how Phil? If someone is wrong, put them right but without putting them down. You know we don't do that here. Thanks

Sorry Jim , I thought I had posted , and not quoted but when I checked back, I had.

The statement that 'i would say half of vehicles that get a full service do not get their bonnet lifted' was quoted . My response was purely to that , as its completely ridiculous.

I think that to suggest that is a bit 'wide of the mark' , especially as its based on one anecdotal story.

I felt that was self explanatory, to be honest .

Ironically , already posting from Coventry anyway.

As far as the OP is concerned , I am surprised that they couldn't smell or notice leakage of diesel over that period of time, but if they didn't , they didn't . I have no other comment to make on that , other than im glad they found it before it stopped them.
 
OP
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bigguspeckus
Oct 6, 2016
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Sorry Jim , I thought I had posted , and not quoted but when I checked back, I had.

The statement that 'i would say half of vehicles that get a full service do not get their bonnet lifted' was quoted . My response was purely to that , as its completely ridiculous.

I think that to suggest that is a bit 'wide of the mark' , especially as its based on one anecdotal story.

I felt that was self explanatory, to be honest .

Ironically , already posting from Coventry anyway.

As far as the OP is concerned , I am surprised that they couldn't smell or notice leakage of diesel over that period of time, but if they didn't , they didn't . I have no other comment to make on that , other than im glad they found it before it stopped them.
Hi PhilG, I was also a tad surprised that anyone would think a garage had done something positive by actually lifting a bonnet,,, and creating a leak?!
Thas wot makes this site what it is,,, sheer diversity of opinion, init?!

Anyway, I too am well surprised, and a tad ashamed, that I didn't smell the diesel, especially bearing in mind the fact that I did a 5 year apprentiship in Marine Engineering,?!!! Worked with diesel engines for 30 years, here and around the world. I knew ma eyesight & hearing was shite,,, didn't realise the sniff sense had also deserted me,,, 67 and goin downhill fast?!:(

I don't have an excuse, I, we, just didn't smell it, or see it. Ma mate who runs the garage where the vehicle is stored is also gobsmacked that he failed to notice it,,, failure all round, shameful, init. lol.

All the best from dunear in Narfuk Borr. (y):):):)

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PhilG

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Hi PhilG, I was also a tad surprised that anyone would think a garage had done something positive by actually lifting a bonnet,,, and creating a leak?!
Thas wot makes this site what it is,,, sheer diversity of opinion, init?!

Anyway, I too am well surprised, and a tad ashamed, that I didn't smell the diesel, especially bearing in mind the fact that I did a 5 year apprentiship in Marine Engineering,?!!! Worked with diesel engines for 30 years, here and around the world. I knew ma eyesight & hearing was shite,,, didn't realise the sniff sense had also deserted me,,, 67 and goin downhill fast?!:(

I don't have an excuse, I, we, just didn't smell it, or see it. Ma mate who runs the garage where the vehicle is stored is also gobsmacked that he failed to notice it,,, failure all round, shameful, init. lol.

All the best from dunear in Narfuk Borr. (y):):):)

If you did a 5 year apprenticeship in Marine diesels you would have probably thought the smell was you anyway :LOL:.
 

PeteH

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Anyway, I too am well surprised, and a tad ashamed, that I didn't smell the diesel, especially bearing in mind the fact that I did a 5 year apprentiship in Marine Engineering,?!!! Worked with diesel engines for 30 years, here and around the world. I knew ma eyesight & hearing was shite,,, didn't realise the sniff sense had also deserted me,,, 67 and goin downhill fast?!:(

That, Marine "Heavy" though, Now that can STINK!. (as someone who has bunkered ?????? tonnes of the Stuff). Needs to be @80C before it can even be pumped!. Oh Happy days!.

As for Fiat, Diesel filters they seem to come from the Eastern Bloc even the Fiat "official" ones at £200 a throw!.

See My post of last Year:- http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/ducato-x250-fuel-filter-help-wanted.138282/#post-2016292

Pete

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Last edited:
OP
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bigguspeckus
Oct 6, 2016
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That, Marine "Heavy" though, Now that can STINK!. (as someone who has bunkered ?????? tonnes of the Stuff). Needs to be @80C before it can even be pumped!. Oh Happy days!.

As for Fiat, Diesel filters they seem to come from the Eastern Bloc even the Fiat "official" ones at £200 a throw!.

See My post of last Year:- http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/ducato-x250-fuel-filter-help-wanted.138282/#post-2016292

Pete
Hi PeteH,
Just read all the posts from Sep 13th,,, unbelievable,!
Thanks for the heads up, much appreciated.

What has really irked me/us is that the garage who carried out the service are, Moho "experts"?!
They do all the servicing/repairs for the Hitchin co we bought the vehicle from and have done for many years,,, they must have known about this problem, so how could they have made such a cock of fitting the new filter,,, I'm not exaggerating when I say that diesel was haemorrhaging from the joint,!

Will be interesting to see what the response is from the garage, and the selling co?
Watch this space,!
 
Aug 10, 2012
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Hi PeteH,
Just read all the posts from Sep 13th,,, unbelievable,!
Thanks for the heads up, much appreciated.

What has really irked me/us is that the garage who carried out the service are, Moho "experts"?!
They do all the servicing/repairs for the Hitchin co we bought the vehicle from and have done for many years,,, they must have known about this problem, so how could they have made such a cock of fitting the new filter,,, I'm not exaggerating when I say that diesel was haemorrhaging from the joint,!

Will be interesting to see what the response is from the garage, and the selling co?
Watch this space,!

I still think you are barking up the wrong tree:cool:

A perfectly fitted/seviced/functioning filter will suddenly decide to piss fuel out, one minute its fine the next minute you have dumped a tank of fuel
Its a design fault, dump that one, buy two and carry a spare, don't bother fixing them , they WILL leak, sometime soon, you have a ticking time bomb, enjoy:(
 
Aug 10, 2012
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I'm not exaggerating when I say that diesel was haemorrhaging from the joint,!
yep, thats what it does:(:cry:
I serviced my own filter, with the correct tooling and torqued it up correctly, it lasted 5k miles and then leaked again
Was your leak like a continuous water pistol squirt ?, mine was, it dumped a complete tank of fuel in 30 mins
Perhaps I should have rang myself up and complained and demanded I take a long hard look at .......:whistle:

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