Technical 2.3 Euro 6 Diesel Fuel Filter change

[rolopolo]

Hi all,

The vans now reached (somehow) 190,000 miles, now she’s out of warranty, it’s home servicing time

Fuel filter has changed back to an Insert cartridge element from the solid metal inline type,

I’m guessing the alloy casing separates, and the cartridge just lifts out, reverse with new, pop lid back on and prime with a few turns if the ignition


Or should I not expect it to be as straight forward?

Any advice please before I start throwing spanner’s and smash it up with a hammer tomorrow when I’m attempting

Thanks
Neil

 

[rolopolo]

Photo from Euro Car Parts, of filter

 

[rayc]

Yes straight forward. Some take the NS headlight unit out to give more room but not really necessary. Make sure the filter lines up in the housing so the breather lines up with the upper case. http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/Giulietta_500L_500X_Diesel_fuel_filter_replacement.shtml

 

[rolopolo]

Cheers Ray[emoji1303][emoji1303]

 

[2424]

What is the frequency for replacing the fuel filter? I have an X290 2.3 with 9,500 miles that will be 3 years old in Jan. The filter wasn't replaced at the 2yr service as it had less than 5k miles. Should I change it now or wait until the 4yr service?

 

[rayc]

What is the frequency for replacing the fuel filter? I have an X290 2.3 with 9,500 miles that will be 3 years old in Jan. The filter wasn't replaced at the 2yr service as it had less than 5k miles. Should I change it now or wait until the 4yr service?

It has got to be a personal choice. I will not replace mine until 3 years when it will have done about 25,000 miles. My logic is that the mileage based change in my handbook is 30,000.

 

[simonm]

I am a former motorfactor buyer, and a long term motorhome owner and have heard of a large number of fuel filter problems, particularly on a x250 model.

Principally the fault is a split and leaking filter, commonly noticed not long after an insert change.

There is a special tool that should be used in conjunction with a secure vice. The tool is very cheap, around £15 should sort one out, Laser seems the cheapest to get. Do an eBay search.

If the filter splits, it’s generally miles from anywhere, typically France (from my MH chums) and costs a fortune to fix. I did see one fellow local to me have the problem at a filling station, AA sorted him out but a Fiat dealer part ouch!

I always carry a spare new filter just in for on hols but I will be fitting a new element in a week or two at 36k miles, I think it’s due one.

It’s possible to buy the genuine filter via eBay for only around £70 or so from memory.

 

[2424]

Thanks - my filter is pre-cartridge type (single replaceable unit). Should I replace after 9,500 miles or is it best left alone for another year?

 

[rayc]

I am a former motorfactor buyer, and a long term motorhome owner and have heard of a large number of fuel filter problems, particularly on a x250 model.

Principally the fault is a split and leaking filter, commonly noticed not long after an insert change.

There is a special tool that should be used in conjunction with a secure vice. The tool is very cheap, around £15 should sort one out, Laser seems the cheapest to get. Do an eBay search.

If the filter splits, it’s generally miles from anywhere, typically France (from my MH chums) and costs a fortune to fix. I did see one fellow local to me have the problem at a filling station, AA sorted him out but a Fiat dealer part ouch!

I always carry a spare new filter just in for on hols but I will be fitting a new element in a week or two at 36k miles, I think it’s due one.

It’s possible to buy the genuine filter via eBay for only around £70 or so from memory.

You do have to wonder about Fiat. The Euro 4 as you say was problematic. For Euro 5 they used a replaceable canister, 5 minute job and a doddle to change. Euro 6 we are back to a replaceable cartridge all be it with a metal housing.

 

[Dickie831]

2424- the book says something like 2yrs or 25000miles whichever comes first... and I'd guess with it coming up to 3yrs with such little mileage.. yours is a motorhome.. I'm in the same boat but WILL stick to the 2yrs irrespective of mileage (mine's a Sept 2016 registered and had full service in Sept.. but I had done 18000miles). I drop the oil once a year too !! Overkill ??? Won't change me !! Air filter - I will compromise if it ain't clogged or dirty and oil filter will be 2yrs along with fuel filter.

 

[rolopolo]

Each service, 30k, I just swapped this one, looking at the state of it it wasn’t changed at previous services, and coupled with the problems obtaining the correct one, the one I posted a photo of was correct, but factors kept supplying euro4 type, maybe previous garages struggled also and left it.

 

[Peter James]

You do have to wonder about Fiat. The Euro 4 as you say was problematic.

Its a very common filter housing used in many other vehicles as well as the Ducato.
As far as I know, its never been a problem for those of us who use the recommended tool simonm mentions. This gently and securely holds the housing whilst you use a holder with a socket to tighten the cap with a torque wrench.
Its only a problem for those who think they can do it without the recommended tool, and put the housing straight in the vice.
Then blame Fiat instead of themselves when it cracks :bang:

 

[rayc]

Its a very common filter housing used in many other vehicles as well as the Ducato.
As far as I know, its never been a problem for those of us who use the recommended tool simonm mentions. This gently and securely holds the housing whilst you use a holder with a socket to tighten the cap with a torque wrench.
Its only a problem for those who think they can do it without the recommended tool, and put the housing straight in the vice.
Then blame Fiat instead of themselves when it cracks :bang:

There are of course many reports on the internet of leakage whilst new and after them being serviced at Fiat garages such as this one "We are just back from a 6 week trip to Croatia in a brand new (June 11) Autotrail Savannah - 3ltr Fiat Ducato Auto. Broke down in Italy with Fuel pouring out from under the engine. Had to be towed to the nearest Fiat Garage to be sorted (Fiat Euro Assist), Never really new exactly what the problem was due to language difficulties, but sorted OK and on our way after 6 hours.
Just filled up after a long run from Dover and we have fuel poring out again. No idea what the problem is but luckily didn't realise until we were parked up on our drive, just a few miles from the Petrol Station."
I would call that problematic.