Missing wheel arch plugs

[bob b]

Under both front wheel archs on my Ducato, there are two recesses which should be 'plugged' to stop water and dirt entering. I spotted that one had disappeared last year and upon checking this morning, I saw the other had also gone. Presumably, driving through standing water had whipped them off.

I remember reading a letter from an "Andy Stoatherder" published in a Motorcaravan publication recently, that this was not an uncommon occurrence.

With rectification in mind, I visited my local car breakers this morning to obtain replacements. Although there were no Ducatos to be found, I discovered that the 'drain plug' in the boot well of a Renault Scenic and Megane is a perfect fit, (3" dia). The replacements have three sprung lugs which secure the plugs, and for all I know, Fiat may well use the same items. The replacements cost me 50p each.......I pushed the boat out and bought four.

I attach photos for your perusal/derision.

[flicka]

Great tip, Bob.

I guess that as they are under the wheelarch there will be a fair probability that the sprung clips will eventually corrode allowing the covers to just drop-off.

[bob b]

Hi Flicka,

              The 'sprung' clips are a part of the moulded disc, ie plastic. You can see if you look closely on the first photo. I bought a spare set in case they get 'wiped' off again!  If that happens, I'll use some adhesive and stick em on next time.

[Brambles]

These falling out going through water is quite a common occurance.

Replacements from Fiat dealer are surprisingly cheap, I think I paid 97pence or some other figure that really makes scouring a car breakers not worth while (in my view).

If the replacements are stuck in with some mastic, there is no problem. Alternatively place in boiled water (not actually boiling - justs off) , and then stretch them out a bit, they then are a tight fit and do not fall out again. I prefer to put a bit of mastic round so the edges are sealed against damp penetration.

 

Jon.

[bob b]

I've not examined the genuine Fiat plugs Jon. Do they have the sprung lugs on the back? or are they just a push fit?.  I'd assumed that the Fiat ones would be a push fit and that the Renault ones (with clips) would stay put.

You mention "stretching the originals out" in hot water which suggests the original items are a soft material. The Renault items are a hard plastic and a perfect fit, which did make me wonder if Fiat used the same plugs.

I take your point about a spot of mastic to keep the moisture out. I'll do it now!

[Brambles]

The Fiat ones are difficult to describe. They have a moulded flange all the way round which acts like a clip. Imagine your 4 ckip sections being a continuous clip all the way round. They are also a 'two' part plug. They are sort of like a bung you would have in the end of a poster cardboard tube, but then the second piece (plug), pushes into the recess of the bung to keep it stretched and a 'tight' fit. The outer flange all the way round that rests against the surface of the inner wing is quite thin (tapered) but shaped to press against the surface and thin enough to follow any irregularities.

[Brambles]

What happenned there, It shows I edited my post , so suspect anyone with email notifications has a long scroll I drastically changed before posting. Just ignore the rubbish in it if you did.

[silverback]

ive got one of these missing :-S

so i rang up nearest FIAT dealer, 30 odd mile away in cleckheaton (!)

( i will shorten the conversation ) told him what i wanted, he came back to me and said... yes got one for you but you can only have it when i buy a wheel arch liner (!) i said the van hasn't got any liners i just want the rubber bung >:-( he said it has got liners cos im looking at the drawings (!) i said it hasn't cos im looking at the van (!) 10 mins later after tooin and froin with each other, i said sod it im off to the very local renault garage and getting a boot bung... so thanks bob b for the info

i think another case of custermer service from FIAT.. >:-(

all for a bl...dy bung (lol)

jonathan

[RSP]

Part number for plugs is 1308290080 on a recent supply invoice, £1.10 ea plus vat

 

Try that with Fiat Dealer if still required.

 

Suggest fit with mastic etc

[silverback]

cheers rsp

went to the local renault garage, he said no probs i wont give you megane bungs, give me the part number and i will get you the originals, so just how good is that

TAKE NOTE FIAT!! customer relations its called :-D

thanks rsp

jonathan

[bob b]

Hi Jonathon,

It does make me wonder though, if you put back an original item, will it fall out again?  My Renault plugs are in the apertures (holes!) really tightly.

[silverback]

i agree bob b, but the renault guy insisted... must be on a secrect fiat payroll (lol) i will do what has been previously mentioned and give it plenty of mastic (no more nails stuff) but ive told him to get me 3 :'( what the hell bugger the expence (lol)

jonathan