Technical Fiat Ducato 120 Multijet fuel filter.

[Techno100]

For every filter stuffed up by a bad mechanic there are many many thousands that do not leak as the job was done correctly. No one makes a post on forums to say they don't have a problem only negative posts.
I renewed my filter 10th of February and it is fine

 

[stewart54]

For every filter stuffed up by a bad mechanic there are many many thousands that do not leak as the job was done correctly. No one makes a post on forums to say they don't have a problem only negative posts.
I renewed my filter 10th of February and it is fine

In a previous post you stated "leaks always occur sometime after a service" - sorry I disagree with this as a decent mechanic will make sure that nothing is leaking. Given the number of folk who have had problems with leaking filter casings there must be, per you, a lot of "bad" mechanics out there. May be the problem is caused by the actual filter and o-ring that are used on a service. I see from the Eurocarparts they stock filters manufactured by 2 different companies and presumably there are lots of other manufacturers.

 

[Techno100]

I can only speak from experience. All the respondents on various forums where I posted my guide were people who experienced a leak after a service. Some of them asked the garage later if they used the special tool, usually the answer was "what tool" Many of those victims went on to buy the tool and do their own service and NON of those have had a leak since.
Good luck with your campaign.

 

[rolopolo]

If you take you vehicle to kwik fit for tyres, and the fitter upon tightening the wheel nuts with just a wrench, shrugging his shoulders saying that'll do
(As opposed to using a correct torque wrench set to the correct NM or lbs/ft torque setting)

Would you be happy,


Analogy 2,

Plastic milk bottle,
You go and lightly screw on cap, then squeeze applying small pressure mimicking low fuel pressure what happens!? Milk leaks

Ok
Over tighten the top.... Oh it keeps on going round because the bottle distorts under pressure! And again under low pressure it leaks
Just saying!

These filter bowls are designed, tested by the makers along with the vehicle manufacturer, along the lines of, correct tightening torque to with stand fuel at a set tolerance of pressure, also a tool designed to evenly apply the torque all over 360 degrees of the lid,
Not enough torque = leakage
Too much = bowl flexing out of shape and also leaking.

As the manufacturer clearly states, and VOSA etc are clearly happy with, that when servicing or changing this type of filter, that the correct tools and method are applied,


You can send VOSA etc emails all day long, but only if you can prove in a high volume way that the correct tool & torque & method has been used then nothing will happen with a safety recall,

 

[Techno100]

Another note is
When tightening there is a loud crack before reaching 30nm and this may make many people think oh **** and not continue to the full torque.
In my experience it will continue to tighten and crack again before the torque wrench clicks.

 

[adlarplant]

Just my 2 cents worth here for the old school mechanics out there 30 newton metres is only 22 foot pounds which is aprox the same as what a 5/16 bolt is .
(Grade 5 bolt course thread unlubricated ) Always replace the o-ring its the cause of most problems remember over tightening can cause as many problems through distortion as under tightening , its a plastic housing not a big end bolt. Cheers Adam

 

[taffybloke]

New Complete filters on Ebay for under £62 delivered.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171551558400?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Its not worth the pain or risk of screwing up you trip/holiday with a botched repair.

At that price its not worth buying the tool and torque wrench unless you are doing them regularly. They have been a couple of pounds cheaper but this is still a good price.


Mike

 

[stewart54]

I have now ordered a spare housing via ebay ! I have had a long chat with Sandie, Fiat Milan and am awaiting further developments. VOSA made arrangements for a courier to collect a filter housing from another unfortunate Ducato owner (see details of BenjiB on the Caravan Club Forum) and it has been taken to Fiat in Slough for examination. I asked Mr Tudor of DVSA/VOSA for information on what was happening but he stated he could not provide me with any information - I am now paranoid and suspect a coverup at the highest level!

 

[shotgun]

did mine and it pissed out so took it back off and it was ok than 2 months later it was leaking so got the tool and put a new filter in and now if all fine

 

[shotgun]

so you need the tool to change the fuel filter or it will leak

 

[stewart54]

New filter housing delivered yesterday and now stored in van just in case

 

[Techno100]

Well all I can say is that is the best move you made.
Any attempt at creating a Fiat recall is pure folly as they do not make the part, UFI being the manufacturer.
The additional fact that the same unit type is fitted to many many millions of vehicles across a broad number of manufacturers creates a bit of a stumbling block to a small number of failures highlighted on forums being used as evidence of a crap product.

The failing is in shortcutting, laziness or lack of knowledge. Improvisation is not a realistic option with this filter unit.
Unfortunately or fortunately depending on ones stance, Fiat etal have changed back to the old screw on metal canister as it is as close as they can get to grease monkey proof.
Real mechanics don't have a problem to my knowledge

 

[Pasty007]

You could buy the replacement cartridge for year 2007 - 2011 for about £8.00. Since 2011 Fiat have indeed gone back to using the metal canister type. Cost is £79.50 plus VAT. I had to use a fiat original because I could not find out who manufactures them. I did try MANN and UFI who listed them for my 2013 Ducato 180 but neither of them fitted correctly. A complete rip off.