Technical Rodents attack my fuel pipes ..

Currently reading:
Technical Rodents attack my fuel pipes ..

Al Bondigaz

Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2020
Messages
12
Points
55
My Hymer motorhome is in a storage yard about 15 miles from home.

Last drove it a few weeks ago but went to start it yesterday and it just spurted diesel over the ground.

Has a look and found damage to the flexi pipes which connect the metal fuel lines to the pump.

Damage is shown as item 1 & 2 on the pictures. Looks like could possibly rodent damage - see item 3 on picture.

The engine is:

DUCATO 150 MULTIJET (290) [2016-...], ENGINE: F1AGL411C

The pipes appear to be a push fit as there are no obvious jubilee type clips on the connecting ends.

Anyone know if this a job that could be done in situ without needing recovery to a workshop ? Is it a case of just swapping out the two damaged pipes and how hard is that to do?

Thanks for any advice.
 

Attachments

  • Fuel pipe - 1 (1) 2.jpg
    Fuel pipe - 1 (1) 2.jpg
    291.4 KB · Views: 83
  • Fuel pipe - 1.jpg
    Fuel pipe - 1.jpg
    325.3 KB · Views: 58
I'm not 100% certain without looking at an identical van, but are you sure that they aren't push-fit quick release couplings? There are a few different types in use, one of which is pictured in this thread:

https://www.fiatforum.com/ducato/347864-plastic-fuel-filter-housing-disconnecting-fuel-lines.html

If so, they will be complete replacement pipe sections with the relevant connectors pre-fitted. You should be able to replace them at home, but you'll need to obtain the correct pipes first.

I find this a good site for looking up parts on new Ducatos:

https://fiat-pro.7zap.com/en/d06/4y/
 
I'm not 100% certain without looking at an identical van, but are you sure that they aren't push-fit quick release couplings? There are a few different types in use, one of which is pictured in this thread:


If so, they will be complete replacement pipe sections with the relevant connectors pre-fitted. You should be able to replace them at home, but you'll need to obtain the correct pipes first.

I find this a good site for looking up parts on new Ducatos:

Very useful info - really appreciated ! (y)

I've worked out the part numbers and the part looks like the attached (not my) picture. So it's got connectors both ends.

I'll go back and photo the part number tags just to double check and then get some on order.
 

Attachments

  • 6a1a8026475ba78d94917bb7f767.jpeg
    6a1a8026475ba78d94917bb7f767.jpeg
    94.1 KB · Views: 26
I haven't had a chance to get back to the Motorhome storage yard to fit the new pipe but should be able to in the next few days.

Question re the white clips that hold the pipes to the bulkhead - is there a knack to opening these - ?
 

Attachments

  • Fuel pipe - 1 (1) 2-1.jpg
    Fuel pipe - 1 (1) 2-1.jpg
    291.9 KB · Views: 27
The clips are often a bit of a pain. They clip together easily, but separating them can hurt the fingers.
Study them to see how the outer part clips on. Then try to slide that outer sideways, rather than pulling it off. As long as the clips are still flexible they'll let go OK. If they break, you can often tether the pipes with cable ties. New clips can be bought, but can take a bit of time identifying the correct part number.

Are you then going to relocate the van? As the rodents will still be there. They like to nibble rubber for some reason, until they get a face full of fuel, but they have short memories, so will attack again. I used to have a lot of problems with this in the mid-eighties with stored new cars, despite cat paw prints all over the vehicles. I've no idea what rodent repellant might be available to attach to the van or pipes.
 
In addition to portland_bill's advice, when you've identified how the clip mechanism works, careful and judicious use of a small flat bladed screwdriver as well as slipping one part sideways can also help to release them!
 
This is not the most exciting of threads but I really appreciate the replies, help and advice. :)

I've updated below, hopefully might be useful info for someone else in the future.

The clips are often a bit of a pain. They clip together easily, but separating them can hurt the fingers.
Study them to see how the outer part clips on. Then try to slide that outer sideways, rather than pulling it off. As long as the clips are still flexible they'll let go OK. If they break, you can often tether the pipes with cable ties. New clips can be bought, but can take a bit of time identifying the correct part number.

I can confirm sliding away from the tab with a flat screwdriver opens them quite easily.

I fitted the new fuel supply pipe - £36 inc vat from the Fiat dealer. Clips in either end and then into the various pipe clips.

Ignition on and fired it up pretty much straight away .... but still spraying diesel out. This time its coming from the return pipe. :bang:

I can't replace this pipe with the van where it is as I can't get at the fuel tank disconnect that end of it. I can't drive it to a workshop so I'm going to have to cut and splice a new section in. Fortunately its easy enough to disconnect at the engine end and pull the pipe out far enough to work on.

I noticed previously that this pipe had been attacked but I didn't think they actually bitten through it.

Are you then going to relocate the van? As the rodents will still be there. They like to nibble rubber for some reason, until they get a face full of fuel, but they have short memories, so will attack again. I used to have a lot of problems with this in the mid-eighties with stored new cars, despite cat paw prints all over the vehicles. I've no idea what rodent repellant might be available to attach to the van or pipes.

At the moment I can't move it as I have nowhere else to put it. As soon as it's mobile I can move it to a different spot in the yard.

I've spayed peppermint and cinnamon oil rodent repellent over the engine bay, wires, and pipes.

I've put perimeter rat traps just away from the van and various mouse traps in the engine bay.

Also fitted two ultrasonic rodent deterrent things, one in the engine bay and one underneath along a slow red flashing led bicycle light in the engine bay powered by a huge E Bike battery so it should last about month before I need to recharge it.

Underneath I have a big tray of sand under the engine bay area - this is soaked in diesel which also is apparently a deterrent.

Apparently these are all the steps to take!

In the last four weeks there has been no new evidence of rodents so ...fingers crossed!
 

Attachments

  • fuel pipe clip.jpg
    fuel pipe clip.jpg
    1.4 MB · Views: 27
  • return pipe.jpg
    return pipe.jpg
    2.1 MB · Views: 26
  • Supply pipe damage.jpg
    Supply pipe damage.jpg
    3.5 MB · Views: 27
Attached is the fuel pipe diagram incase that's useful to anyone.
 

Attachments

  • fuel pipe diagram ducato.png
    fuel pipe diagram ducato.png
    103.3 KB · Views: 27
Yeay !! Its running again.

Just in case its useful info for anyone....

The fuel send line / pipe is 6mm internal diameter The return pipe is 8mm.

I used brass Barbs from Amazon to connect the pipes, about a quid each, and hose clips.

You need to heat pipes to make them pliable enough to push the barbs in, I used hot water.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2642.jpg
    IMG_2642.jpg
    2 MB · Views: 23
Back
Top