| The next exciting episode in: "Murphy's Son's Pantera" We last left off when Murphy's Son was bolstered by success. The next task is replacing the heater hoses with braided line and shut-off valves. The valves are ~1/2 which fits the -12 braided hose. These parts were found at the swap meet. I picked up 8 Earl's "econo-fit" hose clamp fittings (~$5.75 each) from a local speed shop. I figured that if I shut the valve currently in place, I might not spill much (any ?) coolant. Maybe this was too optimistic, but since I've had the car only a year, if I had to flush the system that would be OK. It has "some" red colored coolant, of unknown type or brand. I prefer green coolant, as it is easier to see rust, or "chunks". One should not mix coolants, extended-life or otherwise. Anyway...I measured the current hoses, and the previous owner had them a bit long ..it would be easier to reach the valves if the hoses were a little shorter. I cut some "-12", installed the valves with the new fittings, got the right sized tools handy and figured I was "good to go". |
| The interior panel was out and I could reach the hose clamps at the firewall, and the engine side of the hoses were easy to reach.The current valve was closed (one valve not two). Here we go... After loosening the clamps from above, I slid under the car next to a bucket. (I could reach the hoses from above, but I knew the braided hose would be less flexible, and I'd get better leverage from under.) The current hoses come from the pipes, makes a very sharp 90 degree turn, go in front of the AC bracket (My AC has been removed with the bracket still in place), then there are two flexible straps attached to the frame that hold the hoses. (This is stock.) Then the hoses go up to the valve(s), and over the alternator to the nipples on the motor. I had already size-checked the new hose on the motor nipples to insure correct fit. From under the car, I then pulled off the hose from the driver's side, letting it drain into the bucket. Very little coolant. With the 1 3/8 ? lower hose that goes between the stainless coolant tubes in the way I could not get enough leverage or the right angle to get the new hose on the tube that goes through the firewall to the radiator. I pushed the larger hose out of the way and S P L O O S H ! It came apart....coolant all over me...I directed the flow into the bucket....I should have known this was going to happen. |
| With the hose out of the way...I STILL could not get the heater hose on ! I look at the hose and see that the inside rubber part has rolled in on itself...the diameter is too small to go on the firewall nipple. I need a break, so I clean up, then figure that maybe I'd try the end of the new hose that has had the valve stuffed in it (over night) ..Perhaps it is stretched out a little more...several more tries the next day with no success. I think I've ruined one section of "-12" hose. I try another piece....I've lubed the nipple, lubed the inside of the hose, and I've stretched it out with a 1/2" ratchet extension...still no luck. The next day (Sunday) A friend tries it himself several times... Should I have told him the carpet was now a large coolant sponge ? (hee hee !) It seems that the hose clamp fitting squeezes the hose down just enough that the hose won't fit over the nipple. I could go back to the rubber hose....but that would be admitting defeat...I could choose not use the blue hose clamp fitting with the braided hose, but with the sharp bend, I felt the hose could use the support. I rule out other methods of support too. I decide that I should file out the inside of the hose clamp fitting. Then slide the fitting down the hose, put the hose on, still not easy, then force the fitting back over the end of the hose & nipple. Not easy but this works ! Then I take off the passenger side hose at the firewall. Guess what ? The passenger side pipe is LARGER in diameter than the driver's side ! What the hell was Antonio thinking ? OK can I use the same technique ? (Filing the inside of the clamp fitting ?) No...Not enough room for two fittings side-by-side....OK, clamp it without a supporting fitting....Nope... The "-12" hose won't fit on the larger pipe end. The inside of the hose rolls in...Lovely. |
| What is the point in having braided hose everywhere, except one hose ? (I keep thinking: A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link.) So I guess the "result" is to use a rubber hose on the passenger side up to the "second" valve, then braided from there to the engine. But now I am getting the "roll in" effect on the engine side. Shoot. Cut the end off and try again. Now the hose is just a little too short .....Crap ! The last hose end goes on the engine without "frustration"....Now that the coolant system's seal is broken I might as well flush it and change from the unknown coolant type to my preference. Remember the list discussion about silica in coolant and it's effect on the water pump seals and other aluminum parts ? Well it seems that my preference "Prestone Green", has silica, not that the label would tell you, but the Prestone extended-life stuff says "Silica and Phosphate Free !" Hmmmm. Now I need to replace the "lower" hose...it has a 90 degree bend....Jack suggests a copper elbow, and two straight hose sections.... OSH (Supply store) closes the door in front of me ! Bastards...by their clock I had 90 seconds ! Ah....time for a beer...or several... |