Had an absolute disaster on Friday whilst travelling back from France. The problems started during the Eurotunnel crossing when the smell of diesel became apparent as it filled the cab.
Stopped at Folkestone services to pop the bonnet and see what was going on, found diesel sprayed all over the left side of the engine, and a disconnected fuel return hose. Called VW Assist, the tech arrived and attempted to reconnect the hose. Access is poor as it’s right under the charge cooler.
Pipe refitted and we set off again. I stopped at Maidstone services to check on things and found the pipe was disconnected again. Called VW assist and another AA tech attended. Tech tried to make the access better by manoeuvring the charge cooler after doing some dismantling.
Set off again with the pipe refitted. Made it to J14 of the M40 when the van cut out and I managed to get it over to the slip road hard shoulder.
The time is now 2.47AM and we’ve been on the road since lunchtime the previous day. Called 999 because we were in a precarious position, the police did a great job and took the rest of the family 20 mins up the road to Hopwood services so that they were safe. I stayed with the van and waited just over 3 hours for the first recovery truck to arrive while the rest of the family set up camp at the services.
I made it to Hopwood at 0740, the next recovery took us to Charnock Richard, then the final truck took us back to Cumbria.
Arrived home just after 1400.
The van is being collected tomorrow to go to the local dealer. I’ve also noticed this morning that the aux belt has legged it. I’ll update in due course.
Stopped at Folkestone services to pop the bonnet and see what was going on, found diesel sprayed all over the left side of the engine, and a disconnected fuel return hose. Called VW Assist, the tech arrived and attempted to reconnect the hose. Access is poor as it’s right under the charge cooler.
Pipe refitted and we set off again. I stopped at Maidstone services to check on things and found the pipe was disconnected again. Called VW assist and another AA tech attended. Tech tried to make the access better by manoeuvring the charge cooler after doing some dismantling.
Set off again with the pipe refitted. Made it to J14 of the M40 when the van cut out and I managed to get it over to the slip road hard shoulder.
The time is now 2.47AM and we’ve been on the road since lunchtime the previous day. Called 999 because we were in a precarious position, the police did a great job and took the rest of the family 20 mins up the road to Hopwood services so that they were safe. I stayed with the van and waited just over 3 hours for the first recovery truck to arrive while the rest of the family set up camp at the services.
I made it to Hopwood at 0740, the next recovery took us to Charnock Richard, then the final truck took us back to Cumbria.
Arrived home just after 1400.
The van is being collected tomorrow to go to the local dealer. I’ve also noticed this morning that the aux belt has legged it. I’ll update in due course.
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