Leaking fuel hoses

[Fly17]

Already on the fifth plane meet leakage of fuel hoses, which are four to five years, although their service life eight. In the cold season in the cockpit can be present smell of kerosene, as one of the pipeline passes near the heating pipe. The figures marked with colors problematic fuel hoses.

[Colin]

Have you replaced any of them? How difficult is it? My DA42 is 2007 and I do not believe any have been replaced.

[Fly17]

Have you replaced any of them? How difficult is it? My DA42 is 2007 and I do not believe any have been replaced.

All hoses have I changed repeatedly. Change is difficult only position 30 in the figure. Use a hose of another company established in the plant is less reliable. Manifested wet green braid hose. Cause leakage-design-manufacturing flaw in the sealing of the hose. Teflon bellows poorly kept zadelke as less zhostkaya and passes fuel, as it has a smaller contact area with the incorporation of the hose.

[carym]

Have you replaced any of them? How difficult is it? My DA42 is 2007 and I do not believe any have been replaced.

A couple of years ago I had to replace one hose that developed a leak. It was an oil hose, not a fuel hose.

[Fly17]

Have you replaced any of them? How difficult is it? My DA42 is 2007 and I do not believe any have been replaced.

A couple of years ago I had to replace one hose that developed a leak. It was an oil hose, not a fuel hose.

Tell me what you changed Oily hose. There hoses except in the venting system does not

[FTEJerez]

We currently operate a fleet of 6 DA42NG (and growing) aged 4 years and younger.
On all aircraft that were manufactured in 2013 (4 of them) we have found evidence of leaks in the fuel line that connects the main fuel tank to the fuel selector valve assy.

Problems started 5 months ago with reports of fuel fumes in the cabin, but because this is a low pressure line (pressure is below ambient when fuel pumps are running), the fuel would just soak and not drip, making it very difficult to identify. The leak was only discovered recently on one of the aircraft and further inspection revealed that all 2013 aircraft were affected.
Diamond was contacted and replied that all lines were changed from S/N 125 and up (our 2 newer aircraft have "new hoses"), and a change was made in the IPC to reflect this modification (we inquired as the P/N's of the hoses being removed did not match those of the hoses being installed).
Again we inquired on the issue of an SI, SL or SB to reflect this change as it is was evident Diamond was aware of the problem, but they have yet to comment on that.
P/N installed on A/C with S/N<125: A24344-03
P/N currently on IPC and S/N>125: A24570-03

It is a "relief" to find other operators/owners with the same problems we are facing, I just wish I had found this forum sooner!
If anyone requires any more information or description on this particular issue, don't hesitate do let me know as we are more than willing to share any information regarding the sustainability and reliability of these aircraft.

[Steve D]

Is this problem on all 42's or only on Austro powered 42's?

I have a 2008 DA42TDi and have had no problems so far.

[Aart]

'Thielert' DA42, no problems so far. Note: hoses and pipes need to be replaced every 5 years under EASA rules, Airworthiness limitation.. Did that in 2013. Different in SA, Steve? And how about FAA, Colin?

[FTEJerez]

Steve, the best I can offer is that the NG has a different P/N in the IPC (24570-03 vs 24562-02 on the DA42 and DA42AC). However, and seeing how close those P/N's are, I would physical confirm the P/N on the installed line (metallic tag) to make sure that Diamond hasn't changed the IPC reference on the non-Austros as well.

Aart, could you please tell me where you have found that info regarding changes in fuel lines? I can't find an AD on the EASA website relating to that issue.

Thanks!

[Aart]

Hi Daniel,
It's not an AD, it's in the Maintenance Manual(s): The Aircraft MM (chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations) refers to 'possible Airworthiness Limitations' of vendor equipment, and lists the engine MM. The 'Thielert' MM states (chapter 5, Airworthiness Limitations): 'Every 60 months replace all fuel, oil and cooling lines'.
Correct me if I am wrong!