Necessity is the mother of invention. My 1999 Audi A8 3.7L (non-quattro) has a crankcase breather hose that has taken on the consistency and structural integrity of an overcooked spaghetti noodle. The Audi Part number is 077-103-221-E. 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 need the car quicker than that.



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.



I hope this helps someone else.

Elizabeth Greene
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Follow up and correction:

First, the car is a quattro model, not non-quattro as previously stated.
Second, the other breather hoses #2 and #3 in the diagram above are also spaghettified. Additionally, the bottom end of #2 is held in place by a single use clamp. The correct approach appears to be to remove the throttle body to reach and replace these. The incorrect approach is to destroy the single-use clamp with a screwdriver and hammer. I will be off to the AutoZone again tomorrow to attempt to locate sub-$100 alternative parts for these.

This is a hack, I know. I just can't fathom paying over $300 for three non-pressure rated rubber hoses.

I sincerely hope that this will resolve my numerous misfire trouble codes.

 

I was able to fabricate serviceable repair parts for the other two hoses from generic right-angle preformed 3/4" heater hose. The generic parts are fine for the front and driver side hoses, but I do not recommend the hack for the rear passenger side hose. It is an extremely tight fit and the hose is partially crushed. Bad times. I'll likely buy this part from the dealer in time.

The good news is that of my 12 trouble codes...
P1138 - Long Term Fuel Trim Add.Fuel,Bank2 System too Lean
P0455 - Evap System
P1250 - Fuel Level too Low
P1509 - IAC Electrical Malfunction
P1201 - Cyl 1 Fuel Inj. Circ. Malfunction
P1205 - Cyl 5 Fuel Inj. Circ. Malfunction
P1204 - Cyl 4 Fuel Inj. Circ. Malfunction
P1208 - Cyl 8 Fuel Inj. Circ. Malfunction
P0300 - Random Misfire
P0304 - Cylinder 4 Misfire
P0306 - Cylinder 6 Misfire
P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire

I am now down to two:
P1250 - Fuel Level too Low
P1509 - IAC Electrical Malfunction

Sweet.

These hoses really appear to be a defective material design, and I recommend anyone working on one of these with a laundry list of codes check this first.

Good Luck.

Elizabeth Greene
Extra Parts