Replacement fuel pipes

[robg]

Hi,

New board member here. I own a 1989 Mk3 Transit camper van (2.5D non-turbo). Unfortunately, it recently broke down due to a sheared fuel pipe (probably due to metal fatigue). Having been recovered to home, I contacted a local garage to see about getting all the fuel pipes replaced. They said they couldn't find any aftermarket parts, and upon contacting Ford they were told they are not able to supply the parts for this model.

I've just spent an hour searching on parts websites and more or less drawn a blank (apart from some cheap used pipes which for all I know could be just as likely to shear as the ones I need to replace).

This is the first old vehicle I've owned. I'm not a mechanic and have absolutely no experience of sourcing these kinds of spares. I'd appreciate any advice as to how best to go about it.

TIA

Rob

[robg]

Update: I've now spoken to another local garage we've used in the past, and they've spoken to a local company that makes custom pipes and hoses, mainly for industrial use. This company says they'll be able to make replacement pipes but can't quote a price until they see the existing parts. The garage are going to collect the van on Friday, remove the pipes and get them over to this other company for a quote.

I'm still keen to hear from anyone with advice and/or experience in what to do when these kinds of parts are not readily available.

[Altransit]

I'm assuming that you mean the steel pipes Back in the day, most decent garages or even Motor Factors could make up new pipes from a pattern
Maybe it's no longer the case, or maybe you just need to seek out a more "old school" garage

Someone will be along with a better idea than me perhaps

[robg]

I'm assuming that you mean the steel pipes Back in the day, most decent garages or even Motor Factors could make up new pipes from a pattern
Maybe it's no longer the case, or maybe you just need to seek out a more "old school" garage

Someone will be along with a better idea than me perhaps

Yes, the shaped steel pipes with flared ends that are attached to the back of the fuel pump with union nuts.

I've tried the local motor factor/parts supplier, who have been here forever and are normally very knowledgeable and helpful, and they simply said "Sorry, can't help you with that". As regards "old school" garages, I wouldn't really know where to start…

[Mislaid]

Run the pipes in copper matching the diameter. Easier to flare.

If looking to get them made, local hydraulic reconditioners, steering racks, rams etc should be able to make them. Cost wise, not got a clue.
I would make myself reusing any fittings if needed

[robg]

If looking to get them made, local hydraulic reconditioners, steering racks, rams etc should be able to make them. Cost wise, not got a clue.
I would make myself reusing any fittings if needed

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Sadly, I don't have the ability to even think about making them myself, so I'm at the mercy of the garage and the company that's told them they can make up some replacement pipes.

[Chug]

I assume you mean the fuel injection pipes, four pipes from the back of injection pump each going to one injector?

I would ask at your local fuel injection specialist.

[robg]

I assume you mean the fuel injection pipes, four pipes from the back of injection pump each going to one injector?

Yes, those are the ones.

I would ask at your local fuel injection specialist.

Until you said this I didn't know there was such a thing as fuel injection specialists. Thanks, that gives me another possible lead to follow. (Though for the moment the van is booked in at the garage round the corner, who are going to get a price to get replacement pipes made up by a local firm that makes custom hoses and pipes.)

[MinorMatt]

Which injection pump do you have? A lucas CAV or a bosch? I have a number of these pipes on the shelf. TBH I have never heard of them failing so I don't think a 2nd hand set would be a problem

[robg]

Which injection pump do you have? A lucas CAV or a bosch? I have a number of these pipes on the shelf. TBH I have never heard of them failing so I don't think a 2nd hand set would be a problem

Just had a look under the bonnet and it's a Lucas CAV fuel pump.

[MinorMatt]

ok, will check what I have

[robg]

ok, will check what I have

I've also found a second-hand set online, but TBH I'm not qualified to know 100% whether they're the right thing or not. I'd happily pay you for a second-hand set of pipes if they're definitely the right bit and in decent condition.

[Chug]

what is the link to the online ones? I'll have a look

[robg]

what is the link to the online ones? I'll have a look

The link is here: https://www.transitcenter.uk/injecton-pipe-lucas-ford-transit-1988-1994-p-1928.html

The strange thing is that it's listed as injection pipes for 1988-94 Transits with a Lucas CAV fuel pump (which mine has), but the heading above the product image says "Shop > Transit MK4 > Fuel system". I'm reliably informed by MinorMatt that the Lucas CAV pump wasn't used in Mk4 Transits, so there's a discrepancy here: these pipes are either for a Mk4 or they're for a Lucas CAV pump; they can't be both.

[bambi mk 1]

Early mk 4 had a Lucas pump. If you can wait till early next week I may have a set.