Tips on replacing 1991 Testarossa upper rad hose? | FerrariChat
Buy

Tips on replacing 1991 Testarossa upper rad hose?

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Shamile, Jul 19, 2008.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #1 Shamile, Jul 19, 2008
    Dear Ferraristi,

    ( For 1991 Testarossa US Version )

    Well, finally got the car running with the new module.... but my TR always wants all my attention. I thought this is why I'm NOT married.

    OK, I'm in the garage cleaning the suspension on the Lambo and my eye runs down the TR and I notice a patch of coolant under the car....ughh !

    I trace it to the upper radiator hose on the driver side. I try tightening the clamp ( yeah I know...it was worth a shot :) ) and notice through the strakes, the drip is coming on inside of the hose where the clamp goes around.....darn !

    Seems simple ( but long ) to get the hose off. I can cut the hose off with an exacto knife and just slit it across.

    OK, now to put the new hose on....

    Should I just slip it over the aluminum tube with silicone lubricant and then slide it back over the rad....or is there another trick. I've found with the F & L cars, what looks simple never is. Will the hose slide over the aluminum? or is it too tight. I will be buying an OEM Ferrari hose...too much effort to try and match it with the amount of work just to get in there.

    Any tips would be helpful. I just don't want to get in there and...."oh boy!"

    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice !
     
  2. carguy

    carguy F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2002
    3,426
    Alabama (was Mich.)
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #2 carguy, Jul 20, 2008
    Good question.....I have not changed these hose segments out with everything in the car. It does seem like an awefully tight spot to flex and bend and wrestle a piece of hose into. I'm sure it's been done by somebody out there. I read where people have changed the upper water pump hose with the engine in the car, and it's about as tight as that radiator hose.
     
  3. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #3 Shamile, Jul 20, 2008
    Dear Ferraristi,

    Uh oh....

    When carguy seems stumped, you know there's trouble. I do like his answer though...." I didn't have this problem since I had the engine out" Haaahaha.

    Um...er...ah....carguy, would you like to take my engine out? :D


    Anyone else done this?

    I remember someone changing their thermostats with the engine in.....can't remember who.


    Vince....any thoughts?

    Let me guess....you didn't have this issue when you had your engine out...right?


    I'm getting "engine out " envy. :)


    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice !
     
  4. jratcliff

    jratcliff Formula 3

    Sep 7, 2004
    1,024
    Texas
    #4 jratcliff, Jul 20, 2008
    I replaced the upper water pump hose and have the scars to show for it. Since I take blood thinners it was really a blood sport. Good luck and I look forward to commentary.

    John
     
  5. carguy

    carguy F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2002
    3,426
    Alabama (was Mich.)
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #5 carguy, Jul 20, 2008
    Shamile...I'd imagine if you loosen up everything - not necessarily remove things - but get some wiggle room, you can probably get a piece of hose in there. You may try soaking the hose in hot water to get it more flexible, and use some lubricant (no dirty jokes please) to help it slide in there (...hee...hee....sorry...can't help it...). If you ever want to remove your TR's engine....I'd be happy to come down there and help!
     
  6. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
    The fabulous PNW
    Full Name:
    Han Solo
    #6 Spasso, Jul 20, 2008
    A friend of mine changed the upper water pump hose on his TR with the engine in. To make the job easier he put the hose in the microwave oven to soften it up. Gloves required!
     
  7. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #7 Shamile, Jul 20, 2008

    Carguy....I almost choked on my coffee laughing at that. :D So, there is some life left in you married guys. :)


    I was looking at the coolant setup in depth today...no, nothing apart yet....too worn out from car stuff....mowed the lawn, trimmed the palm trees and scrubbed the pool today.

    I was wondering, what if I pulled the radiator out and replaced both upper and lower hoses? This way, everything would slide back. When putting things back, you would put the hose on the thermostat housing first, followed by the upper tube then rubber hose. Do the same for the lower coolant line then line up both hoses to the radiator.

    I think the rad comes out the wheel well. There is allot of room there. This way I could do all 4 hoses...you know...."while I'm in there " :)

    I remember Silvergts1998 ( Adam ) removing his rad ( core leak ). Don't know if the 512TR has a different setup because the engine frame is different.

    BTW, so far I've seen the hose for $75.00 EACH !! X 4....you gotta be kidding!

    Anyone know a better source ?


    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice !
     
  8. Mr.Chairman

    Mr.Chairman F1 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2008
    2,987
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Robbie
    #8 Mr.Chairman, Jul 20, 2008
    I think your on to something here. Once radiator is removed you should have some room. You would probably need a second set of hands on top to assist. Once you take the wheel off you can remove the inner quarter shield. I would also remove your quarter fin assembly as well. Use tape around the quarter to protect your paint edges. The quarter fin is a PIA to re-install. At least in mine it was. Hopefully some additional posts will come this way and concur with your proposal.

    Be well

    R
     
  9. carguy

    carguy F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2002
    3,426
    Alabama (was Mich.)
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #9 carguy, Jul 20, 2008
    I use Gates green-stripe hose on my car, reasonably priced and will last a very long time.
     
  10. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #10 Shamile, Jul 20, 2008
    Oh Oh Oh....the magical green stripe hose !

    Can you please tell me where I can get some....did I mention please!


    BTW, I was searching my subscriptions. I found Adams radiator removal thread.

    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172024&page=3


    Looks like I will go this way.

    Now if I can get the hose via Carguy...I'm set....digital camera ready !


    Shamile

    Freeze....Miami Vice !
     
  11. carguy

    carguy F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2002
    3,426
    Alabama (was Mich.)
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #11 carguy, Jul 21, 2008
    I live in a small hick-town, so we hardly have anything on the shelf. I had to order the hose through our local Napa store. It came in 3 foot long pieces....I ordered 2 of them. I don't remember the cost, maybe about $25 per piece. That was a couple of years ago though....
     
  12. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #12 Shamile, Jul 21, 2008
    Hey, guess what....we have NAPA here too. :) But.....they can't get Gates Green stripe. Do you know what size you ordered? I'm sure it wasn't metric but an imperial equivalent.

    Thanks carguy


    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice !
     
  13. vincenzo

    vincenzo F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2003
    3,373
    #13 vincenzo, Jul 21, 2008
    This is what I used on the thermostat housing to engine - fits great - very flexible. It'll last forever if installed correctly.

    It will snake into a tight spot way, WAY better than green stripe.

    Also used a smaller diameter version on the line that runs to the expansion tank. The smaller line was covered with a corrugated split loom cover (wiring cover) to provide additional scuff and wear resistance. The cover gives it an OEM look.

    This stuff is seen extensively & nearly exlusively on race cars these days. The green stripe is good - but heavy.

    http://www.bsrproducts.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=144&products_id=1700

    Good luck,
    Vince
     
  14. carguy

    carguy F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2002
    3,426
    Alabama (was Mich.)
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #14 carguy, Jul 22, 2008
    Wow that price is actually quite reasonable for what your getting. I don't mind the look of the stuff either. I'll be using that in the future. Thanks VINCENZO!
     
  15. vincenzo

    vincenzo F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2003
    3,373
    #15 vincenzo, Jul 22, 2008
    FYI..
    I tried the 45 degree ell on the water pump inlet... the angle is close, but not quite right & the hose was so flexible that it was nearly impossible to get mounted as the engine went back in.

    The non Fcar hose from our non-OEM 'major supplier' was a close cut off from a USA spec hose. It was adequate but not 'right'. If this hose was accessable, I'd use it.

    When the engine came out for the second time on my major - I went back in with the OEM Fcar hose from Ricambi. This water pump inlet hose is pricey but much better made than the USA spec hose. This hose is so critical that the extra bucks are warranted.

    For the straight stuff the silicon is great - just mitigate any potential abrasion issues.

    Some suppliers have it available in black too.

    Rgds,
    Vince
     
  16. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #16 Shamile, Aug 18, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Dear Ferraristi,

    Well, I finally got to the radiator hoses today.

    To be honest I was kinda avoiding the looooog job ahead, so over last week, I detailed the car and did a full polish and wax.

    First.....I got the Magical Green Stripe Hose ! Gee...that only took a week or so.

    Today, I got back on the job at hand. For the better part of the afternoon, I worked on getting the radiator out. Tomorrow....before hurricane Fay arrives, I should have the rest of the left side piping out so I can replace all the sleeves. I just took it slow and easy....of course some cool techno/trance music in the background.

    After I get all the piping off, I'll spend some time cleaning and detailing....you know...."while I'm in there". :)

    Pretty cool to see the strakes from the other way. I will definitely clean that to death as it's very tough to get all the surfaces clean from the door side.


    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice !
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  17. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #17 Shamile, Aug 19, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Dear Ferraristi,

    Got the rest of the hoses off today. While I was working in the garage, I could hear tropical storm Fay knocking on the door.

    I am going to force myself to limit my "while I'm in there " to just the left side of the thermostats. I will do the right side at my yearly tuneup time in Jan. I know, I know, sometimes I get carried away.

    Tomorrow, the job will be to clean off all the residue off the tubes then Thursday, try to put the new hose back.....ohhhhh, should be fun.


    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice !
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  18. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #18 Shamile, Aug 20, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Dear Ferraristi,

    Got the upper and lower hose sleeves on today. Cleaning went quite fast and the hose was easier to put on than expected. Still took 3 1/2 hours to put on 3 hoses.

    Tomorrow, I will tackle detailing the radiator area and perhaps....perhaps may even get the raw radiator on in position.

    All the hoses taken off were really in good condition. The reason for the split in the one hose was that the upper rad line has an angle in it. When the last major was done, the aluminum coolant line was angled slightly off and this put a slight pull/kink in the upper rad hose. When I put the rad back, I will rotate the aluminum tube to the best angle so the rubber sleeve is as straight as possible.

    ....it's really the little details that if overlooked, give you the most problems.


    BTW, doesn't the magical green stripe hose look great, or what !



    Shamile

    Freeze.....Miami Vice !
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  19. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #19 Shamile, Aug 24, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Dear Ferraristi,

    Well finally got everything done on the cooling system over the weekend. Got the radiator back in, put all the sleeves back and tightened them up. What a long job. !

    After putting all the other parts back, cooling fan, airflow tube to Alt., oil breather line, filled the coolant back and bled the system. I ran to full operating temp, bled and checked for leaks.....none thank goodness!

    Since the car was on the jack stands, I had to do an oil change anyways so got that done.

    So.....all done for now. I'll change the coolant sleeves on the passenger side rad come tune up time in Jan.


    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice!
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  20. Mr.Chairman

    Mr.Chairman F1 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2008
    2,987
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Robbie
    #20 Mr.Chairman, Aug 24, 2008
    Lookin good.. did you spray your radiators black. They look really cleaned up. I got to get some of that green stripe hose. When I do my 30K I am going to request that hose be installed.

    How much time you have in this project?

    R
     
  21. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
    6,712
    Lakeland FL
    Full Name:
    Shamile
    #21 Shamile, Aug 24, 2008
    Hi Chairman,

    Yes, I refinished everything I could. I resprayed the rad in satin black, scrubbed all the nuts, bolts, clamps with 3M wax/tar remover and re oiled. I also reassembled everything with copper anti seize.

    I took me about 9 days with both full weekends and all afternoons during the week.


    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice !
     
  22. Mr.Chairman

    Mr.Chairman F1 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2008
    2,987
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Robbie
    #22 Mr.Chairman, Aug 25, 2008
    Wow.. that is alot of time.. She looks good though. Are you done with her? Is she ready to drive?

    R
     

Share This Page