Technical Leaking in Sei

[orangewheeledwonder]

Hi

Realised there was a leak when my car was parked up and was carrying on for hours after it had been parked...

It has a very strong petrol stench but looked a lot thicker than petrol...

what can it be?
cheers

 

[orangewheeledwonder]

pics

 

[GoBe]

I'd say from that area I'd be inclined to say it's brake fluid

Though that said the seam in the tank on that first picture is gaping open to my eyes.

 

[AppleSei]

Oil??? Looks like the sump from the pics????

 

[fingers99]

I think it's petrol. Probably looks thicker cos it's disolved the tarmac and the underseal. Ring FIAT HQ re the recall.

 

[orangewheeledwonder]

any details on the recall?

 

[orangewheeledwonder]

I think it's petrol. Probably looks thicker cos it's disolved the tarmac and the underseal. Ring FIAT HQ re the recall.

• Reference : R/2004/049
• Manufacturer Ref : 4678
• Make: FIAT
• Model : Seicento
• Launch Date : 30/04/2004
• Numbers Involved : 16175
• Build Start Date : 01/03/1998
• Build End Date : 01/09/1999

• Concern : POSSIBILITY OF LEAKAGE FROM FUEL TANK DUE TO CORROSION
• Description : Possibility of fuel leakage from the fuel tank due to corrosion
• Remedial Action : Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled, during which time the fuel tank will be inspected for corrosion. Should corrosion be found, the fuel tank will be replaced.
• Vehicle Id : ZFA18600000000010 to ZFA18600000368384

im not part of it:bang:

 

[fingers99]

A search should chuck something up. But quite a few people have had new tanks well outside of the recall period through FIAT HQ, who you need to contact first.

 

[orangewheeledwonder]

I will do, first thing tomorrow. This car is giving me alota lota lota problems!

 

[orangewheeledwonder]

Phoned Fiat today.. I am not in the recall but they MAY contribute if i have got dealers service history (which i havent)

Does it definatly look like the petrol tank as i have found a second hand one fitted for £40...
Cheers

 

[fingers99]

I'd persist with FIAT HQ. You've got a better case if your car is later than the recall ones. Faulty manufacturing (they split on the seam, rather than rot), safety risk, not a service item, why should you buy the GF a 500 Abarth SS if that's the kind of treatment you get, Jeremy Clarkson your cousin, etc. etc.

It does seem to depend on who you get hold of.

 

[orangewheeledwonder]

You make a valid point my friend!
How long does this process take?
cheers

 

[fingers99]

They seem to be pretty quick. They make you pop it into a local FIAT dealer (I guess if you hate your local one you can nominate another) for an inspection and if they say it's buggered, just book it in for the new tank fitting.

Two cautionary tales:

Way back when, Mase got Blue's tank done by FIAT and -- somehow -- they screwed it up, so that it is now the slowest filling Cinq in the known universe (I will pull the tank and see what's up)

Some poor guy on CC didn't want the hastle of going through FIAT, bought a tank and either fitted it himself or got someone else to. Somehow, the fitting was messed up with the result that half the paint is missing from the car and the side skirt is hanging off.

At least Mase could have taken the car back "Hey, why does it take 20 minutes to fill the tank?"

Good luck with it!

 

[orangewheeledwonder]

I do hate my local one.
The Bastar*s last told me i needed a new parts which will cost a total of £400 (in my 1993 cinq) and i got it done for £10 at my local!
I am going to see the other nearest one as soon as i can get booked it

Is the car safe to drive as it is?