Hi all

New member, got a 2009 fiat panda, 1.1. Had historical problems where I live with rodents chewing my fuel line, thought I’d got rid of them but they’re back. They’ve chewed a fuel line plus a second larger pipe. I want to replace them all with pipes that have an external metal weave to stop them from being chewed.

I don’t know what size pipes to get. I’ve attached pics showing the damage to the pipes so you know which ones need replacing.

Any help greatly appreciated.

James

Talk to HEL in Exeter. https://auto.helperformance.com/ They sell braided brake and fuel hoses. I have HEL brake lines on my Panda. However the steel braid has a plastic sheath. Rodents wont chew through the braided layer but it would look unsightly.

Venhill are another option. https://www.venhill.co.uk/ They probably have larger bore AN lines for fuel and oil. This is one of their DIY brake line kits.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AN-3-universal-brake-hose-2-x-20-degree-chrome-banjos-washers-1m-long-Venhill/201516319078?hash=item2eeb4f0166:g:v9YAAOSwFNZWw4Fc.

You can also get slip on braided stainless wire sleeves, but if you are replacing chewed plastic you might as well use braided hose. This is not stainless but says it's rodent proof
https://www.hypex.co.uk/Techflex-Sl...avy-Duty-Sleeving/Flexo-Rodent-Resistant-RRN/

i have had lots of rodent issues so i do feel for you. they do seem to prefer fiats to any other cars

fortunately they havent nibbled any fuel lines on mine, only my ignition leads and the engine firewall cover material.

i think i have finally got rid of them now though! give me a shout if you require any advice on stopping them as i have got quite good at it over time

Thanks dac69er and DaveMcT, really helpful. Got homestart with the AA so they've come out and done a temporary repair to the fuel line and the breather pipe. The fuel line repair will probably be good to stay (but I know the AA have to tell me it "temporary"). The breather pipe will need replacing, does anyone know where I can go online to buy a new one of these?

When I get the parts I'll put that Hypex sleeve over all the pipes and see how that goes.

You can order fuel compatible hose on eBay. Oil grade silicone hose should be ok for a breather but check with supplier. Standard silicone rubber is definitely not OK. It swells and softens in petrol or diesel.

It will need protecting with anti rodent sleeve. Rats love silicone rubber. Yum Yum.