I'm without the GUFS mobile anyway this week as it's at the bodyshop having the dent I added to it on Mull, removed and resprayed. But on Saturday I noticed a strong smell of diesel from the front of the car, and it was pretty obvious after opening the bonnet where it was coming from.

A seal has failed. Apparently a common problem with such engines as the seal itself is a nightmare to fit correctly.

So far, it's had a new rear wiper motor, DPF sensor replaced, induction pipes checked and tightened to attempt to cure the diesel fumes in cabin problem and I've recently realised the heated seats don't work as they ought to.

It appears that the base works on the driver's side, and the back works on the passenger side. And it's out of warranty now, so will cost real pennies to fix.

I guess I should have checked them sooner. D'oh. But it's not the same ownership and reliability I had with the Fabia. Fingers crossed things will get better.

I'm having to use the Impreza at the moment, which is a hoot, though I can't believe how basic it feels compared to the luxury of the Yeti. It also seems to bring out the worst in other drivers, with a suited bloke driving a 62 plate RR Sport this morning being a classic case, trying to prove to himself that his £60k+ purchase is faster than a 15 year old nail through the twisties.... it wasn't.

Roll on Thursday when I get the Yeti back... will have filled up the Scooby again by then. Yikes!

I'm without the GUFS mobile anyway this week as it's at the bodyshop having the dent I added to it on Mull, removed and resprayed. But on Saturday I noticed a strong smell of diesel from the front of the car, and it was pretty obvious after opening the bonnet where it was coming from.

A seal has failed. Apparently a common problem with such engines as the seal itself is a nightmare to fit correctly.

So far, it's had a new rear wiper motor, DPF sensor replaced, induction pipes checked and tightened to attempt to cure the diesel fumes in cabin problem and I've recently realised the heated seats don't work as they ought to.

It appears that the base works on the driver's side, and the back works on the passenger side. And it's out of warranty now, so will cost real pennies to fix.

I guess I should have checked them sooner. D'oh. But it's not the same ownership and reliability I had with the Fabia. Fingers crossed things will get better.

I'm having to use the Impreza at the moment, which is a hoot, though I can't believe how basic it feels compared to the luxury of the Yeti. It also seems to bring out the worst in other drivers, with a suited bloke driving a 62 plate RR Sport this morning being a classic case, trying to prove to himself that his £60k+ purchase is faster than a 15 year old nail through the twisties.... it wasn't.

Roll on Thursday when I get the Yeti back... will have filled up the Scooby again by then. Yikes!

As a 2 time owning Impreza Turbo owner I would have to agree - best cars I have ever owned (apart from my Yeti of course). They were very rare back in 1996, before the boy racers got hold of them. After 6 months of Yeti (diesel) ownership no issues so far, but the diesel seal bit sound ominous. Anyway, going to have a scan of the "Scooby for sale" ads, Yeti and Impreza - sounds like a good idea to me.

You say this diesel seal is "Apparently a common problem with such engines as the seal itself is a nightmare to fit correctly."?

I can't find any reference to anyone else having suffered it here.

My brother-in-law was the Service Manager for VW Birmingham for 2 years (that was more than enough apparently!) - hence his comment - said it was a problem he frequently saw there. Not being of a technical nature I can't remember which part it is, but it's the black tubular part on this pic, left side with the pipes out the top, below the screen-wash cap.

http://carliterature.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/dsc_1262.jpg

Just needs a new seal. And a bit of a clean up... as does my drive. Will Coke shift a diesel spillage as it does oil?

As in Coca Cola, before any drug-based jokes appear

Talking about denatured coal then(my age begins to show!!)

No, Coke won't do it, I'm afraid.

Bio washing powder is supposed to be quite good.

"Gunk" followed by water. Then get high on the smell when the engine warms up. I'm assuming the the EU hasn't banned it?

Fred

May be too late now but as an immediate step cat litter soaks up an initial spill very well and reduces the absorption making gunk and a pressure washer all the more effective.

Fred

Thanks all - should be getting the car back today. While the Scooby is a hoot to drive, it's rather tiresome too, and I can't believe how low to the ground it is, compared to the Yeti. Just getting in and out is a challenge; thank goodness I never bought an Elise instead!

The Scooby's also used over half a tank of juice after a mere 130 miles... that's one aspect I never miss about it!

It's back and looking great again. Strange, when you've got damage on a car you're reluctant to clean it as it'll never look great because it's not perfect. Think I'll treat it to some TLC at the weekend - maybe use C4 on parts of it. Used it on the Scooby and it made the trim look brand new again.

Felt like I was driving a van though, compared to the cramped, low cabin of the Impreza, and I had to be careful braking, so as not to nut the steering wheel! Just feels so much safer in it too, above a lot of the spray, with headlights that actually light things up, wipers that clear the screen and suspension that doesn't bounce when you encounter an ant on the road.

Just goes to show, I really missed the Yeti, whereas the Scooby was a bit of a chore to drive on the commute.

My brother-in-law was the Service Manager for VW Birmingham for 2 years (that was more than enough apparently!) - hence his comment - said it was a problem he frequently saw there. Not being of a technical nature I can't remember which part it is, but it's the black tubular part on this pic, left side with the pipes out the top, below the screen-wash cap.

http://carliterature...11/dsc_1262.jpg

Just needs a new seal. And a bit of a clean up... as does my drive. Will Coke shift a diesel spillage as it does oil?

The cylinder component in front of the coolant expansion vessel is the fuel filter.

Glad to hear your SM is mobile again.

Regards,

TP