Van advice wanted please - the definitive line on Vivaro/Trafic/Primastar and injectors?

[Mosel Bikes]

Will soon buy a van, almost certainly one of the above.
Know about the seized-in injector issues resulting in expensive work.
What I'm not sure about - despite google researching - is the definitive line on it. Specifically:
- does it affect all models?
- does it affect all years?
- was recall work done officially to fit a proper seal to stop the water ingress and subsequent corrosion? or is it that later models were re-designed?
- what should I be asking? what should I be looking for? how do I confirm the seal is fitted? (other than the obvious receipt/recall certificate)

Also would be grateful for general views on ownership from folk who have / have had them.

Oh, I'm looking at these because I've driven a few rentals and they drive very like a car. I loved the Transits I've had and even the old trafic I have now, but the Vivaro/newer trafic/primastar seem a newer generation in feel - a bit like going from an FZR1000 (nowt wrong with them) to a CBR1000 blade (just so much 'newer' and better)

[r6eck]

The injector seizing fault was sorted out around about 2010 ,all 2.0 models from all 3 manufacturers are affected.
Its not too bad to sort now, there are specialist company's going round that remove and replace injectors ,cheaper than Renault can supply them.

Here's an exert from a Vauxhall dealer bulletin.

-High density foam seal introduced at 09/07/2006
-Underhood water testing introduced in plant from 01/01/2010
-Production process improvement to control body flange distortion from W0LF7BVA6AV612965 (22/01/2010).
-Ongoing control of area to optimise design limitations to end of production.

There is a 7 year warrantee on injector failure caused by water ingress.

I work in the motor trade ,specifically as a diagnostic specialist.
So I see plenty of vans and know most of there faults.

I have a Vivario I purchased new in 2014 ,last of the old model, I wouldn't buy one with more than 70,000 miles on it, there nice to drive and the only other real fault they can suffer is gearbox failure, although this is only on hard worked vans that run heavy or tow a lot.

I also own a T5 kombi, I prefer this to drive but it was twice what the vivario cost.

[Mosel Bikes]

Thanks.
Are you saying that other sized engines don't have any of the injector issues? If so, why is that?
Cheers, Mike

[Dutchgit]

I know about the seized injectors story. I didn't worry about it and so far never had to.
Once you get one you can take off the plastic engine cover and spray them with penetrating oil every once in a while. Fix the seal under the windscreen that's causing the water to drip on the engine yourself.

[Mosel Bikes]

Thanks and see where your coming from, but there's a flip side that says if the injectors are already seized, any 'prevention' will be too late - and you won't know until you have an injector failure and try to remove them?
Or are they just like spark plugs? (excuse ignorance if not) ie, you can try to screw them out when viewing/checking a van, with an ordinary tool kit?

[big al]

Hi Mosel, my son had a Vivaro on 58 plate and he had no end of trouble with the wiring loom.
It took me ages to find the problem in the end I found the wiring that goes over the gearbox
And through the bulkhead into the cab was all corroded and deteriorated and i eventually replaced about 2 foot of the loom. The van before this would just cut out and die even in the fast lane of the motorway without any warning. (thumbs)
Hope this helps.
Al

[Dutchgit]

[video width=425 height=344 type=youtube]BA6IncsdaT4[/video]

[Locksmith]

I done a fair bit of research when i was looking for a van and the above put me off, along with gearbox failure and injector pumps eating themselves.
I bet it only happens to a small percentage though, but would be my luck it would happen to me. I went for a Toyota Hiace in the end with no regrets.

[johnnyboxer]

I done a fair bit of research when i was looking for a van and the above put me off, along with gearbox failure and injector pumps eating themselves.

I went for a Toyota Hiace in the end with no regrets.

That would be my advice (thumbs)

[Mosel Bikes]

Thank you all for the input and advice, hadn't thought of the Toyota as an option. Will have to check if big enough - perhaps the lwb.