Clio 172, Escort RST
Renault may not make them but there will be a difference in the quality of the filter supplied, and I did previously have proof. But here are two examples:
1) Dayco make the timing belts for Peugeot. A belt for an XU engined Pug will have a different number on it from Pug as it will from GSF. From the former I believe the belt is also a little thicker and wider.
2) Ford TCDI Fuel filters. Most aftermarket filters regardless of brand do not filter well enough. Only 3 filters are said to filter well enough. A Bosch filter (and this is tricky since it is available in two qualities, a normal and an 'Economy' quality denoted by an E, the latter is a no go!), Delphi and Ford. The difference? The mentioned filters (bar the Bosch 'E') filter have a finer micron filtration and they cost £20 (from Ford or any motor factor) as opposed to £5. Of course people will happily think they are saving cash buying the 'cheaper' filters from an 'OE' brand like Mann, or Bosch, talking of how they are keeping the car in their wallet. That is until you bear in mind that the if crap gets past the filter it does the following:
Fuel filter -> Fuel Pump -> Injectors -> Return Line -> Back to the fuel filter.
How much are injectors, fuel pumps, fuel lines and what are Ford TDCis known for? Ah... A friend of mine is on 180k on his Ford Mondeo TDCI. Whilst it has had injectors it is still on its original fuel pump unlike many of them which are detonating their tits off. Of course, the pricier filters can block up and lead to issues if the car has been neglected which is one reason why a fuel filter swap can fix a Mondeo TDCi... OTOH, the fuel pumps are fragile in those things and it is probably the reason why such a filter was used.
Saying that, I have run many cars to 250-300k on 'OE' filters and factory spec engine oil with no ill effects.
Back on topic, it is hard to say what happened. What spark plugs were fitted and when were they last changed?
1) Dayco make the timing belts for Peugeot. A belt for an XU engined Pug will have a different number on it from Pug as it will from GSF. From the former I believe the belt is also a little thicker and wider.
2) Ford TCDI Fuel filters. Most aftermarket filters regardless of brand do not filter well enough. Only 3 filters are said to filter well enough. A Bosch filter (and this is tricky since it is available in two qualities, a normal and an 'Economy' quality denoted by an E, the latter is a no go!), Delphi and Ford. The difference? The mentioned filters (bar the Bosch 'E') filter have a finer micron filtration and they cost £20 (from Ford or any motor factor) as opposed to £5. Of course people will happily think they are saving cash buying the 'cheaper' filters from an 'OE' brand like Mann, or Bosch, talking of how they are keeping the car in their wallet. That is until you bear in mind that the if crap gets past the filter it does the following:
Fuel filter -> Fuel Pump -> Injectors -> Return Line -> Back to the fuel filter.
How much are injectors, fuel pumps, fuel lines and what are Ford TDCis known for? Ah... A friend of mine is on 180k on his Ford Mondeo TDCI. Whilst it has had injectors it is still on its original fuel pump unlike many of them which are detonating their tits off. Of course, the pricier filters can block up and lead to issues if the car has been neglected which is one reason why a fuel filter swap can fix a Mondeo TDCi... OTOH, the fuel pumps are fragile in those things and it is probably the reason why such a filter was used.
Saying that, I have run many cars to 250-300k on 'OE' filters and factory spec engine oil with no ill effects.
Back on topic, it is hard to say what happened. What spark plugs were fitted and when were they last changed?
