Before I put everything back in... gas tank.. suspension, etc. Wanted to put this out there. The heater hose I got from Superformance is significantly less rigid than the OEM hose. I looked at some Gates heater hose here in the States and that too is more rigid than the Superformance hose. Just want to make sure this hose is up to the task before I put everything back in... OR should I go with the Gates hose for piece of mind?
where did you get a length of the gates green stripe hose long enough for the run from the back of the car to the front?
Thanks, I think I'll do the same for peace of mind. Anyone want to buy some superformance heater hose cheap
Thank you for the link to the gates green stripe, 5/8 heater hose. I'm trying to round up all the hose types/diameters/lengths for my upcoming hose replacement. Are you also replacing the vacuum hose to the brake booster? Do you know what size that is? Thanks again
Yep I'm replacing everything. The vacuum hose I got from Superformance. It's good quality and braided just like the original. Look on their site... I believe it is titled "Brake servo hose"
Vacuum hose from SF since it's the original brand and quality. Gates for heater hoses (and petrol for that matter) since the quality as per my experience is better than what certain other suppliers offers. Best, Peter
I'm no expert in Gates hoses, but maybe blue stripe is normal duty vs. green stripe which is heavy duty? The fact that Green Stripe says "extended use" is enough for me to choose that one (i.e. I dont want to do this hose replacement again ever) Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
For long term hoses that don't age harden, you might want to look at the silicone based lined hoses as used by the over the road trucking industry, and race teams. Generally thinner overall and more flexible as well. I buy mine from Pegasusracing.com but they are available from many sources, like Grainger, siliconehose.com, and others.
How is it with silicone hoses, I believe to have heard that the leak rate through the hose wall is greater than on normal rubber hoses? I’ve change all the hoses on my 512bbi and need to top up the coolant level a couple of times during the driving season. Could this be due to the silicone hoses? Best, Peter
Never heard of that with silicone. Been using it for a long time now, and just love it. 20yrs, on same hoses. Great for coolant and vacuum lines, but not much else. I like the idea of doing something once, without planning on going back redoing later due to age. Running hoses once per lifetime is enough.
Started using quality silicone hose in the early 90s. Used on all my hobby cars (~20) since then. Never a leak. None have needed replacing. You should use the fully lined hose clamps for best results,
Blue is premium grade for wet marine environment, you see the higer temperature rating over green. but you have green now so the job is well done already
Thanks for the comments to my worries about fluid loss through silicone hoses (Silicone is many times more porous than epdm rubber). I'm not convinced that silicone is the ideal product for radiator systems in street cars that's been used regularly. This unless you don't mind checking your cooling level now and then and potentially top up with water. Few searches on google reveals several articles about the issue. Maybe it's not really a big problem if you only drive your car occasionally - I don't know and would like to hear if anyone driving ferrari's have experienced dropping coolant level using silicone? Coolant loss with Silicone radiator hoses | Fiesta ST Forum Best, Peter
I simply don’t understand your concern about silicone hose. To be clear, when I refer to silicone hose, I am referring to a multi layer, linered, rated for automotive coolants hose such a I referenced in an earlier post. There is zero lose of coolant with this. Frequency of use has no practical impact on this type of hose life. Simple, single layer silicone hose would not be suitable for coolant, unless for overflow lines.
I’m concerned because I don’t know better and that’s why I raise it here. I’ve only heard about multi layer silicone hoses when using them for petrol. None of the standard coolant hose’s I’ve bought from trusted vendors have been multi layered? It makes perfectly sense that a silicone hose with a liner of rubber or nylon is great for the job but I have never seen these one sale as coolant hoses. Maybe you can make a reference to a product that you recommend? Best, Peter
