Technical Can anyone identify this engine component?

[NTS]

Hi,

A couple of weeks ago there was a rattling sound coming from under the front of my Bravo M-Jet 120 whilst driving, it turned out that this part of the engine had come loose and was banging against the ground. It is the taped black box at front centre right, the rubber hose visible is not part of the unit, its own hose extends underneath and out of sight.

https://ibb.co/bWB9hHY

As seen in the picture I have secured the box with its hose still attached at the top of the engine with cable ties. A corner of the unit had become damaged, I was able to cover the hole with gaffa tape. Have driven since with no problems at all.

I had had a new clutch fitted shortly before the problem arose so presume part came loose then.

Anyway can anyone tell me what this box and hose unit is, and where it should be properly secured?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Thomaz27]

Hi,

A couple of weeks ago there was a rattling sound coming from under the front of my Bravo M-Jet 120 whilst driving, it turned out that this part of the engine had come loose and was banging against the ground. It is the taped black box at front centre right, the rubber hose visible is not part of the unit, its own hose extends underneath and out of sight.

https://ibb.co/bWB9hHY

As seen in the picture I have secured the box with its hose still attached at the top of the engine with cable ties. A corner of the unit had become damaged, I was able to cover the hole with gaffa tape. Have driven since with no problems at all.

I had had a new clutch fitted shortly before the problem arose so presume part came loose then.

Anyway can anyone tell me what this box and hose unit is, and where it should be properly secured?

Many thanks in advance.

i Think from looking at mine it should be right under the air filter box. But I'm not completely sure.

 

[NTS]

Hi Thomaz,

Many thanks that's exactly right. Apparently it's the air intake and sits underneath the air filter, see this Haynes guide:

https://reader.haynes.com/en-gb/cars/fiat/bravo/2007-2017/air-filter-change/

I have had a look underneath my car, it seems the mechanic who changed the clutch did not replace the part of the engine cover that would hold the air intake in place - grr!

Anyway many thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[portland_bill]

Print the haynes pics if possible.
Return to the garage that changed the clutch.
Ask them to replace the damaged box, and the 'lost' undertray, to put it all back as it was and should be.

Don't let them tell you it was missing when it went in.

Used parts from a breaker are fine.

It is possible the undertray broke during removal. They are fragile after a few years, and require support until all fixings are off. Allowing it to hang on some fixings is likely to crack it. Ideally needs two pairs of hands, so they often get broken.
Many cars have undertrays now. All garages should be aware of this and have procedures to cope to avoid damage. This is just careless.

Be polite, but firm. Don't lose your temper.
If you think you might struggle to get it fixed, visit at a busy time, such as early when most customers are dropping their cars off, or late afternoon when collections are happening. An audience will encourage the garage to wish to sort it in your favour.

 

[NTS]

Hi portland_bill,

Cheers for the advice. Unfortunately I employed a lone mechanic without premises who has gone AWOl, not answering the phone or texts etc. I am just going to put the whole thing down to experience and from now on use proper garage services. Thanks again.

 

[portland_bill]

Hi portland_bill,

Cheers for the advice. Unfortunately I employed a lone mechanic without premises who has gone AWOl, not answering the phone or texts etc. I am just going to put the whole thing down to experience and from now on use proper garage services. Thanks again.

Did you pay with a card?
If so, talk to your card company, they have an obligation and might give you a refund, then take it back from him. A free clutch will help pay for the lost undertray and airbox.

 

[NTS]

Hi portland_bill,

Unfortunately cash, so I did everything wrong in that sense. Will be getting rid of the car soon anyway, as I said you live and learn.

 

[portland_bill]

Look for him on Google. Google pick up on self-employed people and add them to their maps, whether you wish to be shown or not. They just do it without asking. Might be worth a try to locate him.

If he is mobile, where did he do the work? If at your home, either the 'lost' undertray is in your hedge, or he put it in his van to prevent you noticing it sitting broken. So that is theft! Did you get his reg number of his van?

Just his name alerted to HMRC may get their interest, if he has not registered as self-employed. All things you can do from your desk, so little effort involved. Facebook?