Well, my recent checks with
Multiecuscan have thrown up a (intermittent) stored code of P1581-15. The EML hasn't illuminated, but clearing the code has seen it re-appear in short order.
In order to potentially pre-empt further issues I've replaced the blow-by heater by reference to the thread I posted up above.
On the twin-egr engine it is, in theory at least, fairly simple, with all parts and fitments accessible without too much trouble. In practice it's fiddly, and you're in for skinned knuckles/arms/hands.
The one hose clamp to remove may in theory be possible with circlip pliers, but the available clearance (combined with the angular positioning of the crimp on mine) would make that virtually impossible. I removed mine by levering the tabs with a (several) screwdriver(s), with the restricted clearance and orientation meaning it took some time.
The electrical connection is relatively simple, but access and visibility aren't the best. The connector slides from its plastic stud mount by pulling in the direction of the input lead (i.e. away from the heater connection), and it's easier to disconnect once this is done.
As in the link, the heater itself is a click-fit into the other (vertical) hose - a similar concept to quick fit water connections. The yellow part is a retaining collar with two release tabs. On mine one was easy to release, but the other was underneath, out of sight and inhibited by the heater body. By reference to the new part it became clear that I could get a very thin screwdriver between the collar and the heater body and easily lever it to release it. The heater lifted out fairly easily.
The re-fitting is simply a reverse process. The (one) hose on the part is pretty stiff so manoeuvring everything into position to get it connected is a trial and error process (the collared end simply slots into place, the collar being chamfered to enable push-fit), and I used a new s/s worm drive clamp at the crankcase connection (just under 25mm dia).
It wasn't difficult, but it was fiddly. It would have been a lot quicker, however, if I hadn't dropped the new clamp down the back of the engine at the first attempt of refitting. I should have tightened it round the hose neck until I'd got it mounted and then loosened and slid it forward into place, but there isn't much clear hose length to do so. It took me a long time with an inspection light and mirror to locate it (nicely out of reach) and numerous attempts at retrieving it with a probe ended up with it clinking off somewhere else, accompanied by much swearing!. Luckily, when I got the inspection light back on, it had fallen in plain sight.
The part isn't cheap, but the repair is well within the capabilities of a home mechanic.
Of course, being pre-emptive might mean I haven't fixed the (a) problem, but as of yet the code hasn't reappeared.
www.fiatforum.com
