Audi A8 Crankcase breather Hose Improvised Replacement
I bought a car at the Auto Auction on Thursday. It's a 1999 Audi A8. It's a lot of car, but it spoke to me and I had to have it. Unfortunately it has a few issues.
I've got a number of trouble codes that point to a vacuum leak. I pulled off the engine covers and started poking around. I found that the crankcase breather hose between the cylinder heads has taken on the consistency and structural integrity of an overcooked spaghetti noodle.
The Audi Part number is [URL="http://www.jimellisaudiparts.com/products/Vent-hose/5441626/077103221E.html"]077-103-221-E[/URL]. The local dealer price is $180.00 and has to be shipped in. Even worse, it's the weekend before Christmas, so the correct replacement part is at least 7 days away. I'd like to fix it before then.
I've discovered that Auto-Zone Heater Hose Part number 80416 "Dayco/Hose (Lower)" can be trimmed to an acceptable fit for replacement. It costs $10.99. I was originally concerned that the hose would collapse under vacuum, but in initial testing that has not been an issue. If it becomes a problem I will insert a length of 1/2" ID Convoluted Tubing (the stuff you use to organize wires into neat bundles) in the long section.
To install it:
Here is a terrible picture of the completed installation.
I hope this helps someone else.
I've got a number of trouble codes that point to a vacuum leak. I pulled off the engine covers and started poking around. I found that the crankcase breather hose between the cylinder heads has taken on the consistency and structural integrity of an overcooked spaghetti noodle.
I've discovered that Auto-Zone Heater Hose Part number 80416 "Dayco/Hose (Lower)" can be trimmed to an acceptable fit for replacement. It costs $10.99. I was originally concerned that the hose would collapse under vacuum, but in initial testing that has not been an issue. If it becomes a problem I will insert a length of 1/2" ID Convoluted Tubing (the stuff you use to organize wires into neat bundles) in the long section.
To install it:
- Remove the engine covers over the valve covers with 4 5mm cap head allen screws.
- Remove the 4 cap head allen screws for the center engine cover.
- Remove the two worm clamps, one near the oil filler cap, one on the passenger cylinder head.
- Pull the hose off. If it's rotted like mine it will come off in pieces.
- Trim ~2 inches off the short end of the AutoZone part.
- Test fit it on the oil filler cap end.
- Test and Trim the appropriate length from the passenger cylinder head end of the hose.
- Install the hose with new worm clamps Note: These are a -tight- fit. I could not use the OE clamps and had to use flat clamps from AutoZone. I had to push them into place with a screwdriver.
- Tighten up the hose clamps.
- Replace the engine covers.
Here is a terrible picture of the completed installation.
I hope this helps someone else.
Comments
I'm happy with the repair on the front hose, it works great. The rear two hoses don't really fit right, and I would prefer to have the correct parts for them. The cheapest I was able to find them was around $85 each. I'm hesitant to spend that unless forced.