Corroded Fuel Filter Feed Pipe?

[mickmack]

I am just having my C service on my 1999 111S Elise and have been told that the fuel pipe that connects between the fuel pump and the fuel filter need replacing (Part only £134 + vat) due to it being excessively corroded and not making a pressure tight seal.

 

Has anybody else experienced this problem or could it be down to the garrage cross threading the fitting?

 

Any comments appreciated.

[chorton_1]

I've not heard of that before. I would be pretty surprised if corrosion were true given that the sealing face isn't open to atmosphere but I don't know for sure. Similarly, it's difficult but not impossible to cross-thread to the point of causing the problem. If they are replacing the line into the tank and charging labour then that potentially isn't a 2min job (I would think you have to drop the tank, but maybe you can do it through the access panel).

 

Would be worth posting the question on SELOC if you haven't already due to the wider experience on there.

[mickmack]

I've not heard of that before. I would be pretty surprised if corrosion were true given that the sealing face isn't open to atmosphere but I don't know for sure. Similarly, it's difficult but not impossible to cross-thread to the point of causing the problem. If they are replacing the line into the tank and charging labour then that potentially isn't a 2min job (I would think you have to drop the tank, but maybe you can do it through the access panel).

 

Would be worth posting the question on SELOC if you haven't already due to the wider experience on there.

 

 

Its just the pipe between the fuel pump and fuel filter, so I don't think there is a lot of labour involved as they are changing the filter for service.

 

Thanks anyway

[Martin R]

I had a similar problem on mine. The fuel filter is only changed on a C service. Mine was tightened that much at Hethel when manufacteured it was impossible to remove without buggering it up. I was shocked at the price as well

[chorton_1]

I've not heard of that before. I would be pretty surprised if corrosion were true given that the sealing face isn't open to atmosphere but I don't know for sure. Similarly, it's difficult but not impossible to cross-thread to the point of causing the problem. If they are replacing the line into the tank and charging labour then that potentially isn't a 2min job (I would think you have to drop the tank, but maybe you can do it through the access panel).

 

Would be worth posting the question on SELOC if you haven't already due to the wider experience on there.

 

 

Its just the pipe between the fuel pump and fuel filter, so I don't think there is a lot of labour involved as they are changing the filter for service.

 

Thanks anyway

 

Yep but the fuel pump is in the tank. The fuel lines disappear through the bulkhead (see pic) and attach to the top of the pump. The only way to get to that is via an access panel on the inside of the car. I'm not sure what you need to do to get enough access - possibly remove the seat. It's not a big job but it isn't a case of just pulling items out of the engine bay.

 

And as a schematic layout....

[mickmack]

I've not heard of that before. I would be pretty surprised if corrosion were true given that the sealing face isn't open to atmosphere but I don't know for sure. Similarly, it's difficult but not impossible to cross-thread to the point of causing the problem. If they are replacing the line into the tank and charging labour then that potentially isn't a 2min job (I would think you have to drop the tank, but maybe you can do it through the access panel).

 

Would be worth posting the question on SELOC if you haven't already due to the wider experience on there.

 

 

Its just the pipe between the fuel pump and fuel filter, so I don't think there is a lot of labour involved as they are changing the filter for service.

 

Thanks anyway

 

Yep but the fuel pump is in the tank. The fuel lines disappear through the bulkhead (see pic) and attach to the top of the pump. The only way to get to that is via an access panel on the inside of the car. I'm not sure what you need to do to get enough access - possibly remove the seat. It's not a big job but it isn't a case of just pulling items out of the engine bay.

 

And as a schematic layout....

 

Thanks for the info, spot on! Had a call from the garage to let me know that they had to take the passenger seat and seatbelt out to get to the access panel and that more labour is involved than the standard service cost. All to change an £8 filter!!

[chorton_1]

Hope the labour wasn't too expensive and you're back on the road ASAP!