Audi 80 Fuel pipes

**johnlyn** · 15-12-2007,09:55 AM

Hi all
I have got a fuel leak on my 80 2.6 somewhere above the rear axle area, I notice that there are three pipes that run along side each other front to rear of car, Iam aware that there is a fuel flow & fuel return but what is the third pipe for? And does anybody know which pipe does what, I dont want to cut into the corroded pipe section & have petrol going everywhere. (I intend to cut the corroded area out & put flexible fuel hose as a temporary cure).
Must do today.
Any help much appreciated.

**kenney** · 15-12-2007,02:29 PM

Hi I think you will have to trace the pipes,the supply pipe runs from the tank to the fuel filter,and the return comes from the engine,the third pipe is a breather pipe which runs to the charcoal filter.The pipes are under pressure,but once released there should not be so much petrol running.

**johnlyn** · 15-12-2007,04:20 PM

Thanks kenney, would the charcoal canister be under the drivers side front wing by any chance, as there seems to be a pipe dissapearing in that direction.
I managed to cut out the corroded section out but it sprang another leak elsewhere

What sort of job would it be to re-pipe it & roughly how long to do ?

**scotty33** · 15-12-2007,09:43 PM

I've not done it so could not say how long, but I read that stainless steel microbore central heating pipe is a good alternative. I guess you cut out most of the original pipe, leaving the ends with their adaptors etc, then join the new pipe in with repair hose and fuel pipe clips.

**Crasher** · 15-12-2007,11:24 PM

They come from Audi as a set assembled and are a complete pain the rear end to fit as they go behind the steering rack, a total git of a job, I have done lots of them.

**johnlyn** · 16-12-2007,10:25 AM

Thanks guys,
I wont be going to Audi to get pipes, would not want to guess how much from them !!!
[SIZE=2]Will be off to the motor factors soon to get replacement cupro-nickel fuel line (£22 for 25ft) & hopefully make a start on it today, I can see where pipes dissapear towards the front under a heat shield & into the engine bay where space is a little bit limited due to the size of the 2.6 V6 squatting in there, but it is a nice smooth powerfull lump,
Think i had better go & find my thermals as it is a bit frosty up here in the Highlands this morning.
John

**kenney** · 16-12-2007,11:15 AM

Hi Most fuel lines nowadays are plastic,and you can buy them by the meter,there is nothing wrong in cutting the damage steel pipe and replacing it with plastic pipe, were they join you use fuel line hose and jubile clips,i have done it many times.

**johnlyn** · 16-12-2007,11:26 AM

Kenney
These pipes are corroded beyond belief & what with the amount of salt the Highland council use at this time of year the remainder of pipe would just fall off in a couple of months & i dont relish laying in 2ft of snow in Jan/Feb time repairing it.
John