Post by stewart54 on Jan 1, 2015 12:58:05 GMT
Hi - I own a 58plate Trigano Tribute Ducato based motor home, purchased in June 2010 with about 3500 miles on the clock. In July 2012 the van had a service and within 3 months a leak developed from the fuel filter housing. The only way the garage could resolve the problem was to fit a new housing at a cost of about £210. The garage advised me that they had been made aware of numerous problems with the UFI housing and now understood that the complete unit should be replaced every 100000 miles and that this meant the filter should NOT be replaced on an annual basis. My next service was in Sept 2013 and the filter was NOT replaced. The service in 2014 was carried out in Sept and regrettably the filter was replaced. On 24.12.14 a major leak developed while travelling and this resulted in the van losing all power. Fortunately I was able to come to a halt safely but had I been overtaking then I hate to think what could have happened. I called out the RAC and the patrol stripped down the filter casing and refitted it.
I have been doing some research on the internet and am aware that a number of motorhome owners have had problems with fuel leaks.
I am so concerned about the potential safety issue that I raised it with DVSA through the vehicle recall procedure. I quote from the reply I received on 31.12.14
"DVSA are aware of this issue and have previously investigated it with Fiat. Fiat have stated that the reports on the internet refer to fuel leaks that have normally occurred following the servicing or repairs on the fuel system. Fiat state that to change the fuel filter requires special tools to tighten the filter body to the mount."
"Following the previous investigation into this issue, we (DVSA) have concluded there is insufficient evidence for VOSA to require the manufacturer to conduct a safety recall."
I think this serious safety issue requires further investigation and problems should be reported to Andrew.Tudor@vosa.gsi.gov.uk