plenum drains

[master tiler]

just read a thread on the plenum drains and the need to clean them on a regular basis
have i read on here somewhere that the design was changed on the later models to recify this problem or was it wishfull thinking on my part
ive got a cdti on a 54 plate
thanks in advance

[Mike Noc]

Yes the design was modified, no it didn't rectify the problem and the really important thing is to check and clean them out or you could be a shower or a carwash away from a load of unnecessary and expensive grief.

Mike

[suzublu]

Originally Posted by master tiler

just read a thread on the plenum drains and the need to clean them on a regular basis
have i read on here somewhere that the design was changed on the later models to recify this problem or was it wishfull thinking on my part
ive got a cdti on a 54 plate
thanks in advance

If you need a hand i'm only up the road.Ronnie

[master tiler]

all help would be greatly appreciated ronnie,if you want to arrange something convient im only 20 mins away,im a total novice with these things so need pointing in the right direction
thanks again

[suzublu]

I'm available all day every day mate,whatever suits you.

[master tiler]

appreciate that ronnie can i contact you next week sometime and organise it

[suzublu]

No problem Ian,just pm me your address details & a time & i'll be there.

[HarryM1BYT]

Originally Posted by master tiler

just read a thread on the plenum drains and the need to clean them on a regular basis
have i read on here somewhere that the design was changed on the later models to recify this problem or was it wishfull thinking on my part
ive got a cdti on a 54 plate
thanks in advance

None of the problems were rectified, it still needs to have a regular eye kept upon it. If you lift the bonnet and look below the windscreen, there are plastic covers which can be clipped off. Under those is the plenum chambe, which runs the full width between the bonnet hinges. It is like a long box which is open at the top, with small drain pipes in the bottom from which the water can discharge under the car. The drain below the driver's side is below the brake servo and there is another below the passenger side, which are of concern. They tend to block up with leaves and etc.. - If they do, the plenums fill up and flood the engine ECU, which is then expensive to sort out.

So the advice is to check the drains are clear often and especially so in autumn. The more important side is the passenger side, because of the ECU - but this has a second cover below the first, which needs to be removed to check the drain. A modification was devised, to make checking this much easier. Basically a large hole, with a removable grommet located directly over the drain hole, through that you could poke a long probe to make sure the drain was clear. Well worth doing.

[Arctic]

If and when you get round to checking the plenums do the spy hole mod to make it easier next time. the one under the servo can be checked from below not to hard either,

























servo plenum from under the car,


saves time on doing this will when i have time try putting a how to together for this, some do smaller holes, and use curtain wire to unblock but i susspect this does not get rid of all the gunk each to their own.




My prefered tool to clean out the plenums, with added extension from girls wendy house pole with long lace threaded through this can then be pushed right down so the pipe bender comes out under the engine removing all the gunk, as it is the same diameter as the bung and easly pulled back up with the lace.


The plenum under the servo which can be reached from below quite easy once found,take a look at the gunk build up now you know why i use 15mm pipe bender for the passenger side makes sure it is all out, but for the servo side use one of these claw grippers in photo 2


2





pushed up fully note where it comes out in the engine compartment below and to the right of the servo.


job is a good one. Arctic

[master tiler]

thanks for the photos , ill have a go