A6 Avant tdi 1.9 2003 leaking Fuel Cooling Pipe part no. 4B0201544DK Help! Can't find part.

[Bern D]

Can anyone suggest where I can obtain this part ?  Some say 'Oh! 2003 - that's too old' !  Others say it's not, and the part should be available from Audi.  I have tried EuroParts, 247 Spares, Audi Tradition, my local Audi dealer, and others. I found one on eBay from an Audi dealer in Latvia by googling the part number. Paid for it then suddenly they couldn't send it, or it was not actually available.  Unclear what exactly the problem was. Then Audi Tradition appeared to have one but they suggested my Audi dealer contacted them. They were surprised that A. Tradition could now deal with UK and said they would contact them. They asked me to forward to them the e-mail I had from Audi Tradition which said they had found a way to deal with the UK now. After 2 weeks - no response. But it's all mysterious and never resolved. The Audi dealer 'has not heard back from them'. Most people I talk to are astounded that I can't get the part from Audi... somewhere. (Used pipes seem to be a no-go from Salvage companies. Understandably they dismiss the idea of selling on used pipes). In the absence of a new pipe people suggest welding - where there is a small hole.  Where would you go to find someone who could do this ? And would that be acceptable for an MOT ? 

So can someone please suggest where on earth I can get this part, or alternatively where to go to get it fixed ? The car, though nearly 20 years old has only done 112,000 miles, is sound all round and only requires this problem to be solved for MOT. On the cusp of despair ...HELP !!

[Stevey Y]

2 hours ago, Bern D said:

Can anyone suggest where I can obtain this part ?  Some say 'Oh! 2003 - that's too old' !  Others say it's not, and the part should be available from Audi.  I have tried EuroParts, 247 Spares, Audi Tradition, my local Audi dealer, and others. I found one on Ebay from an Audi dealer in Latvia by googling the part number. Paid for it then suddenly they couldn't send it, or it was not actually available.  Unclear what exactly the problem was. Then Audi Tradition appeared to have one but they suggested my Audi dealer contacted them. They were surprised that A. Tradition could now deal with UK and said they would contact them. They asked me to forward to them the e-mail I had from Audi Tradition which said they had found a way to deal with the UK now. After 2 weeks - no response. But it's all mysterious and never resolved. The Audi dealer 'has not heard back from them'. Most people I talk to are astounded that I can't get the part from Audi... somewhere. (Used pipes seem to be a no-go from Salvage companies. Understandably they dismiss the idea of selling on used pipes). In the absence of a new pipe people suggest welding - where there is a small hole.  Where would you go to find someone who could do this ? And would that be acceptable for an MOT ? 

So can someone please suggest where on earth I can get this part, or alternatively where to go to get it fixed ? The car, though nearly 20 years old has only done 112,000 miles, is sound all round and only requires this problem to be solved for MOT. On the cusp of despair ...HELP !!

Hi if the pipe is metal it will be possible to weld it but it must be removed from the car to make that possible, you might get a better response if you can post a picture of it, as for who can do it, anyone with a bit of savvy and a MIG welder, as for acceptable if it aint leaking they can't fail it.

Steve.

[Magnet]

Hello Bernard,

I’m very much with Steve, and the repair road would be my preferred option - since all else seems hassle. 
You obviously know the shape and end fittings etc. of this pipe, but we don’t, so a photo would be useful.

Since you can’t buy a pipe then getting a replacement made up should be an option, but even if this isn’t practical ( and I can’t see why not), then can’t your cut the pipe at the damaged area, and use a piece of rubber fuel hose suitably jubilee clipped on, as a bridging piece - at least as a temporary repair?

Kind regards,

Gareth.

[Bern D]

Thanks for the suggestions given by Steve and Gareth. Much appreciated ! However, new info throws doubt on  welding.  My garage - who seem to be sincere and knowledgeable - tell me this morning that the hole in the pipe is on a bend and unfortunately that as the steel is very thin, it is simply not possible to weld. They are quite adamant about that. Also since the fuel is very hot passing through the pipe, rubber cannot be used to join the part cut away. Replacement seems now the only option ....and it has to be a new part.

I am presently negotiating with and between Audi Tradition (who have the part) and my local Audi Dealer. The dealer tells me there have been difficulties dealing with AT since Brexit, but that AT are just beginning a new trial with them (the dealer) in getting parts to the UK !  If this doesn't materialise I shall attempt to deal with AT directly through their  online shop - a  process which is, according to others who have attempted this  - like 'having teeth pulled out'. Ouch !

Any suggestions or feedback on dealing with Audi Tradition greatly appreciated. Thanks again to Steve and Gareth for their suggestions.

[Magnet]

Thanks Bernard,

It sounds like you are onto a promise - but a promise it is, and it seems that you are discounting the alternatives ( and of course that’s your free choice), which you may to have to consider if time passes, and the hassle becomes worthless. 
OK, welding no. 
Getting a new pipe made up?? Why not? I would simply be searching out a commercial vehicle hydraulics specialist and going to have a chat with them. Low pressure pipework should be a dozzle for them. 

O.D. of this pipe? 
There are thousands of folks renovating vehicles for which there is zero supply of replacement parts, yet they succeed by finding    businesses ( or enthusiastic individuals) who can make the necessary parts for them. 
Your situation is far from unique, and outside-the-box solutions will be possible and practical, if given a good coat of thinking about.

Good luck and all speed in whatever route you settle on. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[audia4b5kev]

ebay  best bet   got any pics the part  to  kev

[audia4b5kev]

 PIRTEK WILL MAKE YOU ONE  NOT BAD PRICE   LIKE  

Edited November 18, 2022 by audia4b5kev

[Bern D]

This is where I change from being someone asking for help, to being a b..... nuisance !  Part number search gives me only Audi Tradition - who seem to have the (new)  part - but reviewers are uncertain of whether/how to deal with them, due to Brexit, due to war in Ukraine ....who knows ? No one seems to know exactly why getting parts from them or Europe generally is so difficult or impossible.  May end up though risking that as last resort. As things are at present I don't have anyone who can take the part off and take a photo ...my declining years makes it no longer possible for me to do this myself. Days are over for doing car mechanics myself. So why do I have a 20 year old car if I can no longer clamber around under it ? Well, it's a well-made bit of engineering and frankly the only one I could find. Unrealistically perhaps never imagined getting parts would turn out to be so onerous.

Thanks Kev for your suggestion. I rang Pirtec both in Preston and Birmingham, but when they saw the picture/diagram on internet they said it was not their kind of thing ...not car parts ... unless hydraulic, maybe - which this isn't. Pictures  of this 'pipe' can be found by googling Audi A6 1.9 tdi  C5  2003 part no.  4B0201544DK   - fuel cooler pipe.  It's clearly not just a pipe, and certainly not hydraulic. I can't imagine a company making this up from scratch - to  make just one would not be worth their while ?  

My intention now is to look for same model someone may be scrapping. Failing that risk Audi tradition and carry on badgering Audi Dealership .....