Dear all

I have a new Octavia, 2.0 diesel, DSG, built 2005.

I've noticed a leak I can't identify under the bonnet.

Viewing from the front of the car, just to the left of the plastic engine cover is a vertical black canister, with four (I think) small diameter hoses leaving it from the light-coloured top, and heading under the engine cover. The top is lipped, so forms a small reservoir; and there's about a quarter of an inch of fluid lying in the top. I've little idea what the black canister is -- my best guess is that it's something to do with fuel supply to the engine, and that therefore the fluid is diesel.

What's the black canister? what's leaking? have I got a problem?

Many thanks!

Best

drcox

Have you had a look in the manual to find the offending item?

It sounds like you're describing the diesel filter. The canister is kind of an over sized coke can in size, black and with a light top ? It might just need a bit more tightening to seal it as the lid is screw on. Other than that, could one of the hoses be split or not attached/clamped properly ? I take it that the fluid smells of diesel and its not just water getting in from somewhere and collecting on the lipped lid ?

If in doubt a quick trip to a garage will probably confirm it in a couple of minutes.

Sure does sound like the fuel filter.

If your dealer is local, pop in and I'm sure they'll send a techie out so you can point out the problem - and they'll fix it in seconds.

Dear all

I'm very grateful. That's what I thought (four lines going to the engine = one for each injector; duh). Thanks for confirming.

Best

drcox

I often end up with loads of water sat on it, but best to get it checked anyway

Well, I phoned the local dealer;bring it in they said. Our technician is here and he'll have a look at it. But he wasn't, and he didn't. Par for the course for this particular dealer. A wasted journey. I'll take it to Alex Lawrie in Liverpool -- they seem to know what they are doing, and are worth a 100-mile trip.

In fact I'm pretty sure this very slow weep -- of diesel, it does seem -- is from a little central spigot in the centre of the top plate of the filter. The spigot has a star-headed screw in the centre, with what looks like an anti-tamper wax filling in the star slot. Pressure bleed off??

Best

drcox

Have you had a smell of offending liquid? Or have a quick taste?

So far as I can tell, it's diesel.

Thanks.

drcox