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Tallandshort

We drive a 2005 Mondeo wagon (140k) and in the last 6months it seems that the plastic parts in the engine bay are failing. Is this a common occurance at this age? Already replaced plastic fuel line, plastic breather hose into inlet manifold (which is plastic), plastic radiator head. I'm struggling to think what left to do? Any one else have the same issues?

jbiddle

This is a common problem with a lot of different makes/models for our experience especially plastic top radiator tanks.

It’s not unusual for some of the European brands to suffer from other cooling system problems due to the use of plastic components such as thermostat housings etc.

As vehicles age these components need to be monitored very closely during servicing.

The fuel line failure is a worry however.