Just recently bought an Octy (Cheers 'yeaaaah').

 

After the stealer noticed turbo or power lack in 5th or 6th on motorway, would't go past 80.

 

The smart guys over at Kwikfit recently serviced with a good old Full Service.

 

4 days later steam engine after 60-75ish (being safe) on the motorway where total motor time is 1hr max per day. Coolant also ran dry at this stage. (Boooos) (Issue 1)

 

Leak noticed on ground on front right at the end of the day, actual location on ground indicated it's coming from fuel filter and radiator. (Issue 2)

 

Note the coolant was replaced few days before the Full Service, so really dried up in about 5-7 days.

 

Usual scenario top her with coolant - the recommend one by Halfords for this model 'G' - something. Didn't think too much of the fuel leak.

 

Noticed a turbo lag a again a few more times, it was time for a diag, booked in at Halfords. 49 squids.

 

Halfords rang 2 hours later after check and said 'Car is soaked with diesel, big leak from the fuel filter, gone all over its hoses, bottom of the car and possibly the biggies...your aux and maybe cam too'

 

On the phone back to Kwikfit and told them they caused this by not closing the housing properly and/or used an old housing. Their claim was 'we have changed it'.

 

They accepted it back anyways and said 'we will fix it'.

 

Day later they said car ready for pick up again. I called them for a chat before pick up. They advised the replaced the aux belt and fuel filter. I advised them should the leak happen again or the aux or alternator or cam belt go it would be them that rebuild an engine or give me money for it. But since they have say they've changed everything I told them 'I will take your word for now but be right back if I see the prob again', Still at this stage I for not being a parts expert thought the fuel filter mean the housing too, at least that's what I believed. Picked the car up on a 'sunny day' in Edinburgh (meaning dark clouds and heavy rain) so not bothered to pop the bonnet.

 

Few days later (being this Wed gone) and up until yesterday drove back up the motorway knowing the leak is there. It has barely subsided.

 

Parked here up yesterday and did more checks. At this stage the filter still leaks when the engine running and fuel being being pumped in and around it. When engine is off is slowly slows and almost comes to a stop. I noticed it is on one of the screws that the fuel is dripping from but also has gone all over the bottom of the tubes past the aux belt on plastic floor covering. Aux seems OK right now and fairly dry. I think the filter top tube could be split or burst too. But without the fancy screw driver for it I could open and check them.

 

I also noticed the housing was either not changed or is an old rusty one by the looks of it.

 

I think they have not put the filter seal on too or not on properly.

 

Since then and few more runs the turbo lag never came back so power and turbo is there.

 

Will be calling Kwik fit just now and pay them another visit tomorrow morning where they can change it in my presence and any other contaminated parts.

 

So far more 'Boos' than 'Yeahs'? I think so.

 

Should I get them to change anything else? Maybe a new aux belt again? Maybe pull out the whole block and strip it down? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also should it really be bad, are the liable to replace the whole engine or pay me out? Best scenario is I keep my octy and issue is FULLY resolved.

 

Really not happy.

 

Sorry for the long story.

 

 

Ta

______________________________________

Current - Skoda Octavia 2.0 PD TDI - 2007

Previous - Honda Civic - The OK slightly eco 1.4 block. 2 yr later and where alternator, arms, cat gone and in general the body was falling apart. Could afford to run it anymore. Now Gone

Previous - Daewoo Matiz 03 - The monster 800cc. - Was this touching 40 break? Now gone.

Definitely get them to change the aux belt if diesel has got onto it. The rubber can be degraded, the belt snaps and takes out the cambelt with it!

Well, the real risk is your car is engulfed in flames on the motorway and your next claim to fame is being the star of a national news story.

 

I am curious why you did not immediately take it back to the dealer you bought it from right at the start and made them put it right.

This made me think about the day a truck leaking diesel closed one of the main roads through Bath for most of the day. Unfortunately, the only Google hits I got were 2 relating to my review of a book including that story on Amazon.

 

Anyway, one of the risks is that diesel fuel is slippery at best, and makes ice look like chewing gum on concrete at worst. Do you want a series of crashes that you were responsible for causing (even if not liable for) on your conscience?

This made me think about the day a truck leaking diesel closed one of the main roads through Bath for most of the day. Unfortunately, the only Google hits I got were 2 relating to my review of a book including that story on Amazon.

 

Anyway, one of the risks is that diesel fuel is slippery at best, and makes ice look like chewing gum on concrete at worst. Do you want a series of crashes that you were responsible for causing (even if not liable for) on your conscience?

+1

 

This "Didn't think too much of the fuel leak" attitude is so flipping stupid. it it at best dangerous to others but FATAL to anyone on 2 wheels. 

The canister that holds the fuel filter is not changed when the paper filter inside is changed - so, yes, the canister will be the old one. 

 

From browsing this forum, it seems like prising off the fuel filter lid and getting it to go back on properly and seal tightly isn't easy, and certainly not a job to be done carelessly.   

 

Good luck with getting it sorted.

Anyway, one of the risks is that diesel fuel is slippery at best, and makes ice look like chewing gum on concrete at worst. Do you want a series of crashes that you were responsible for causing (even if not liable for) on your conscience?

Actually, you would be fully liable for it, if they found you.

@Phil True that's what I've been told and Kwik fit said they have changed the aux. They did say the cam is 'fine' even though I don't believe they checked the cam. Tomorrow could prove otherwise.

 

@Huskoda Since the turbo issue has not happened again I don't believe it's the dealers fault. For this I haven't really got to the bottom of it and since almost everything else feels and drives I think could be a valve or pipe sticky. For instance this week there has been no loss in power at all, drove it four times till last night. Since I got the car 4 weeks ago there was no leaks, non at all, the leaks only started after the Full Service. Do you think it's still really the dealers fault?? I firmly believe it's not there fault but Kwikfits.

 

Any more tips?

 

Thank you.

@Ken No I don't want to be held responsible for such disasters.

 

@Norco yes it's my fault for being further stupid and kept driving.

 

@skodacarman This is why I am not happy they claimed a 'technician' fixed it when in reality t was not closed properly.

 

Just called them again and now claiming they could be too busy tomorrow but since they caused it I will pop back there tomorrow anyway, he agreed if 'leave' the car they will look at it. In reality I don't want to leave it since I've lost some trust in them. I think I may have too though unless I cause a fuss and wait outside but don't want to wait about for potentially a few or more hours. So is the best way to check they have definitely fixed it this time is look for no leaks or is this just the start?

 

I will definitely make sure I am there before the last 5 mins of their day and run it on idle. I will be expecting no more leaks at this stage.

 

 

Thanks guys

Maybe would be better to get a Volkswagen specialist or a Skoda dealer to take a look.

 

Kwikfit not really having a glowing reputation for quality and diligence.

 

Although maybe you should be getting KF to pay for it if they have admitted screwing up.

@Ken No I don't want to be held responsible for such disasters.

 

@Norco yes it's my fault for being further stupid and kept driving.

 

@skodacarman This is why I am not happy they claimed a 'technician' fixed it when in reality t was not closed properly.

 

Just called them again and now claiming they could be too busy tomorrow but since they caused it I will pop back there tomorrow anyway, he agreed if 'leave' the car they will look at it. In reality I don't want to leave it since I've lost some trust in them. I think I may have too though unless I cause a fuss and wait outside but don't want to wait about for potentially a few or more hours. So is the best way to check they have definitely fixed it this time is look for no leaks or is this just the start?

 

I will definitely make sure I am there before the last 5 mins of their day and run it on idle. I will be expecting no more leaks at this stage.

 

 

Thanks guys

Just so you know that wasn't meant personally; just I wanted to make it clear how dangerous a diesel leak can be.

Kwik fit, halfords and the like are nothing more than fast fit technicians, I would trust them with a tyre let alone an engine. My only advise would be to get the car booked into a proper garage with proper mechanics and avoid any future trips to the above even for tyres, rip off merchants and majority of them are clueless

G

@Aspman Thanks, I will try the West End Skoda in Edinburgh. Skoda dealer to take a look. '...getting KF to pay for it if they have admitted screwing up.' - I think all they want to do is reseal the top of filter and he did say 'we will have to see the extent' which is sounds to me they are trying to steer away slightly from blame which also means they might or not might want to replace the housing. I will tell them though when I am there if they don't pay a sum or replace the whole housing (since they made it leak so much) it will be time to speak to their area manager or head office. I just cannot have it leaking again after tomorrow.

@ken Thanks Ken

@G Thanks buddy

 

If any of you know trusted garages in Edinburgh that will be cheaper than Skoda dealer then please let me know.

Thanks again guys. Much appreciated.

 

Kwik fit, halfords and the like are nothing more than fast fit technicians, I would trust them with a tyre let alone an engine. My only advise would be to get the car booked into a proper garage with proper mechanics and avoid any future trips to the above even for tyres, rip off merchants and majority of them are clueless

G

I would avoid Kwik Fit like the plague after the issues we had with them concerning my wife's car after she had broken down with an exhaust problem and went to them for the repair. It was not only the bad workmanship but their bul****t and misleading attitude when dealing with a woman. Eventually we got what we wanted but only with a lot of pushing.

Many examples on this site such as this long thread:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/322579-kwik-fit-broke-my-car/?hl=%20kwikfit

Edited 5 June, 201511 yr by pikpilot

Halfords autocentres know all about this problem to the extent that they had a bulletin from head office instructing them to use good quality filters and take care when replacing them.  I wouldn't have thought that this would be the first time that Kwik Fit have encountered it.

@fordfan I am glad Halfords are aware of it and they did help by advising the extent of damage that could happen. I just wonder if I did the full service at Halfords would I have drove away leaking?

Kwikfit must have already known then but still chose to be ignorant so customers can have bad damage on cars.

 

@pikpilot Yes I think with less experienced guys and to some women they may have a misleading attitude which increases when they realises the customer can be lied to on just about everything.

 

This shows they are very sales-focused and their aim is to sell as much as possible even if the part/s is not needed but even worse not considering any damage caused by them or damage that can be caused in the near or far future.

 

Regarding the Octy, I called Kwikfit again on the Thursday and advised of the leak. Like usual you're told it could be a number of things but not the housing since 'we don't replace housings' I agreed but did say it is leaking from one of the screws holding the top of the housing together. He then said 'we kind of busy tomorrow and with lots of customers and MOTs and other to do' but I replied with 'I am a customer too and one of your techys caused this so I have to come in tomorrow and get it looked at'. He said 'We will see what we can do if you come in the morning and leave the car with us'.

 

I said 'Good. As I need it fixed asap and need to get to the bottom of this and need to use my car again.'

 

In the morning I was there and it was a funny and different experience this time. Got out of the car and the manager approached me this time almost immediately and asked 'Could I help'

 

I responded with 'Yes, I'll brief you but you must be aware of issues since I spoke to you yesterday'.

 

He showed and almost over demonstrated that he wants to help. I did mention to him though if it's not fixed today I will probably have to speak to the area manager. This fired him up and said 'OK calm down I will do my best to help and I want to get to the bottom of this too'.

 

After inspecting the leak he agreed still an issue and back in the office I sat while he called up parts shops and looked for a new filter and aux belt. After no luck with two he called a parts company which he claimed supply original parts to VW and was advised they do have them. He said he will go out himself to go and them in his car. So he did this while I waited.

 

He came back and called me to the bays where one of his lads started the fitting to show me how he was doing it and discuss the issue. His techy said he thinks it's the ring seal itself that split and the manager showed me the split ring itself which had a slit as if slit by a blade about 4cm long. Whether this was the actual seal ring that was just lifted from the housing or not, I am not a 100% since every second too late I noticed they move fast and if turn or miss the chance they can slip or not slip something in or out of the car. This attitude was shown by all their techies. Unless it was obviously large part e.g. tires etc. This attitude about them is fishy. However the techy said the root cause itself is probably the housing itself which is a bit rusty on the inner upper sides. Which appeared a more realistic cause. But the manager butted in with everything the techy said to make it appear its not that of a large issue and/or cover him in case he slips out any comment that puts more blame on them. He appears very good at this.

 

After 10 mins chat the manager said they will also change the aux belt and then wash off all the diesel spill in the engine bay and compartment. I waited back near the office while the lad worked on it in the bay.

 

After 15mins they moved it to another bay and pulled out the pressure washer to wash it. Manager poured some pink grease cleaner over the engine area called viro and said 'this won't damage anything'. I said 'let's hope so.'  After few moments the put the car up and removed the bottom cover under the engine bay and put it on the floor to wash it. It was the techy washing it a nd the manager thought they have done so much and said 'we dont need to even do that but  I am doing it anyway' ....I responded with 'No it has to be done since your techy spilled diesel and that's how it got dirty...So thank you', as if it was a favour when it wasn't.

 

Another fishy thing is after this the manager lower the car back down and kept going past the techy a more than a few times and for a few times almost appeared to whisper something to him. I clearly saw this and was more alert. Few moments later (when aux hasn't been changed yet) the techy kindly advises 'you can wait inside if you like' where my response was 'No pressure I enjoy techy stuff plus a good bit of fresh breeze out here so just take your time'. I feel this was an attempt for them to lie (or lie again) and they weren't really going to change the belt. So I stood few meters away from the techy and waited 10-15mins while changing the belt (car was also raised again to release tension or something).

 

Him the manager and the rest of the techies were all kinda surprised that a customer was watching their every move, but I really had to and would advise everyone from now to when using these places.

 

An hour to two later all was done, no more leaks on side of filter housing and a new aux belt. The manager even shook my hand and tried to be more 'friendly' by advising should I have any more issues I can call him and he even gave me his contact card.

 

I took the keys and said bye.

 

No leaks since sat so am slightly 'happy'.

 

However after 9 days of no turbo lag issues,filter fixed (for now until housing is replaced), this morning up the motorway again and after J3 on the M8 (which is a slight gradient) and before the long left bend before J3A no turbo at around 75.

 

Could Halfords be right and maybe I should replace the Boost Pressure Valve? ( I didn't mention previously but Halfords did find a fault code 'Boost Pressure Valve' on that visit). I limped to work today and plugged in a diag tool I have at lunch and got this:

 

 

Is it just loose? If loose can I sit it back on easily? If so any good manuals or vid tut would be great.

 

Sorry for the long story but it's best I tell all which I hope will help others in future! ;-)

Edited 9 June, 201511 yr by smasoud

Highly recommended a trip to the garage I use, Spannerama in East Kilbride, they are a vag specialist.

I recommend them to another member who had been to several garages regarding an ongoing issue and my guys diagnosed the problem right away

G