Here is exactly what I put in my email.

What are the chances of a free flywheel. Correct answer gets a spin in the Doblo

I would like this email brought to the attention of Norbert Indlekofer please.

I own & drive a 2008 FIAT Doblo 1.9 JTD 120bhp high roof with VIN numbers comprising 223. The reason for this information will become clear as you read on.

Last year, I replaced a clutch and DMF supplied through a factor, but supplied by LUK. The part numbers were found using my car registration number and matched on the database supplied by LUK.

This year, I had to replace the clutch as it burned out after towing a light trailer. The new clutch, which I fitted myself, has barely covered 40 miles, but is slipping also.

The DMF is in good condition and I have looked for possible faults, but none are apparent. I went to the factor where I purchased the clutch two weeks previous and they are pleased to replace it.

However, after digging deeper, I have found what can only be a computer programming fault! To check this was the case, we contacted LUK technical and enquired about this part number: SAA623329600 which is Repset kit for the LUK flywheel fitted to my car FROM 10/05. As it turns out, the Technician we spoke to was a little "sharp" but said in no uncertain terms that this was NOT the correct clutch for my car.

As it turns out, the correct fitting for my car is the Valeo clutch, part numbers: SAA623319700 also from 10/05. However, this means purchasing ANOTHER flywheel as the LUK and Valeo clutch kits wont retro fit one another!

Now I have an undriveable car as whenever I load it and try to use full power (turbo assisted up the steep hill out of Inverness on A9 southbound) the clutch starts to slip. It is not safe to use in case it breaks down.

I have spoken with a couple of experts, namely, Ian Gray, assistant manager at Halfords Auto Centre, Inverness and David Fraser of Graham Grays garage, Invergordon. They both agreed that the likelyhood of the wrong parts being fitted to this car will have had an adverse effect on the clutch and will most certainly have been the cause of premature failure.

There is a mis-match of part numbers for the 1.9 JTD and have been for a long time. While the LUK DMF and matching clutch kit does fit my Doblo, and indeed shows up on the system under my registration number, it is no use when it is fully laden. The Valeo clutch has a bigger friction plate and cover, which fit the Valeo DMF.

My thought is that the SAA623329600 repset is for a smaller car with lower BHP, such as a 90bhp FIAT Punto or an older Doblo with the lower output.

I need the correct Valeo flywheel! However, since I have already purchased a DMF just last year and only covered around 10,000 odd miles, I wouldn't expect it to be worn. Neither did I expect to have to replace the clutch so soon. I do not use the clutch pedal as a foot rest and neither do I sit with my foot on the clutch at traffic lights or junctions. I engage the handbrake and select neutral. I was taught this way.

I would be happy if LUK provided a new Valeo flywheel free of charge. I am not looking for compensation nor am I looking to stir up trouble. I am happy to point out the error and let you fix it. I am even happy to fit the new parts myself as it would cost over four hundred pounds in a local garage!

However, if you wish to disagree, I have all the information to prove there is a discrepancy in the parts supply chain. The parts man keys in the registration number and Doblo shows up on the system with the legend 10/05, but no end date. This is the case for both the LUK and Valeo parts.

I trust you will endeavour to fix this error as soon as possible. I am happy to receive a reply as soon as possible with a view to helping me get my car back on the road as soon as possible.

Kind regards,

Andoo

Wow!

I got a reply asking for more info....

I will keep you updated.

I just thought this would be valuable information for those in need of a clutch & DMF to ensure you get the correct application for your vehicle

Many many years ago I bought a replacement track rod end for my Humber Sceptre Mk2. Quinton Hazell had published their catalogue (no internet back then!) with the left and right handed part numbers transposed.

It is always going to happen, but these days people are unwilling to challenge anything displayed on a computer!

I understand mistakes do happen and if it is a part like a track rod end, it's frustrating, but not the end of the world.

However, a clutch and flywheel that actually fit the engine, yet are incorrect is a bit of a nightmare due the the sheer amount of time and effort involved in fixing it

Your explanation is clear, and request seems very reasonable. I think they may well supply a new Valeo flywheel, maybe even a full clutch kit as goodwill. Let us know how it develops, and if the result is good, be sure to publish it here.

Best of luck with it Andoo, you must be right p1ssed off having gone through the pain of doing the clutch change only to be caught out by having the wrong part.
Out of interest, do the original clutches have a part number and make stamped on them? I only asked because I'm doing a 60 mile a day round trip have have noticed that my clutch pedal is riding quite high. I bought an original Fiat packaged new complete clutch kit off ebay a while back and when the time comes, wouldn't want to be caught out like you have.

Original FIAT stuff should be ok.

Mine seems to be a parts cock up....It is the correct clutch & DMF for the engine, but not for the VIN on my car.

Basicaly, the DMF has LUK stamped on it so I simply bought the LUK repset (clutch kit).

But as it turns out, the Valeo DMF & repset is what I need as they are physically bigger.

When you go to do the change over, see what is stamped on the DMF and make sure the parts match.

If your VIN contains 119, then the LUK set is fine.

If your VIN contains 223, then the Valeo is recommended.

If you have a low BHP, the smaller clutch kit & DMF should do and so on....

Cheers Andoo for info

I got a very negative email from LUK.

They have done some back peddaling and decided the small, inferior, LUK set "IS" fine for my car!

Clearly, when you compare an original fitment lasted over 100,000 miles, then the new DMF & clutch fitted last year (or rather 2012) and supplied by LUK lasted 10,000 miles.

Obviously, it is not correct when I lose 90,000 miles!

I have now emailed a different person. This one is Managing Director SSI Schaefer UK

I'm not holding my breath though....

How many miles had you done before the first failure? This is important.

If you've had the car since new, you've done 100,000 miles, then 10,000 miles. This would help point at a duff clutch.
If however, you'd only had it a short time, and done say about 10,000 miles, before the first clutch went, they'll show a pattern and say it is your fault.

Have the details ready for their argument.

Hi Bill, I don't have time to wait for these parentless people to get back to me.

I bought a gen-yoo-ayne Valeo flywheel & clutch yesterday, found that in 80 miles, the clutch I fitted 3rd March was damaged by slippage. I also found the release bearing has NOT been allowing the clutch to fully engage (hence the slipping).

The Valeo set up has a reinforced release bearing

The Valeo flywheel is also the same depth, but where the LUK flywheel has recessed bolts, the Valeo one doesn't. So right now, I am off to FIAT, Vauxhall, SAAB to see who has 40mm metric fine hardened flywheel bolts :bang:

The whole thing is *driving* me mad. The clutch itself has been replaced before and whoever did it replaced bolts with whatever they had at hand. I will mostly be calling the garage involved (lots of names).....

Still, the end is close.