(repost from Tech section) Had a hard time finding a metal replacement for my old tee connector (right). Walked into Home Depot and found a match (left). The difference is obvious: the ridges. I probably won't get a definitive answers. A slew of educated guesses would be great. Would the ridges create more opportunity for seepage or would they allow the rubber to hug the tee connector more after a solid clamping? Any input is appreciated! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I agree...the ridges are designed to hold hoses. I recommend using clamps. BTW, what's wrong with your t-junction anyway?
That's a pex crimp plumbing fitting! The ridges are for the pex pipe to dig into and form around when you use the proper crimp which is a lot tighter than a hose clamp. It may leak. If the old one is broken why not have it brazed?
That new fitting is typical of marine hose fittings for any sort of liquid connection on a boat. Assuming it is of decent quality, it will outlast you. BUT...I had two such fittings, made in China, that leaked THROUGH the metal due to porous material. Admittedly, that was 6-7 years ago so probably the quality is better now. But you can be pretty sure that if they are at a hardware store in the US, they are Chinese-made.
The inside had a BUNCH of corrosion. I went to clean it out and the interior metal lining was coming up. I guess I can have it repaired but it appears to be waaaaay too far gone and the new piece was $1.39. OR Just fab a new one. Sent from my iPhone (which probably means I'm sitting at my car, confused)
This concerns me. But, in reality, there is no way to guarantee something is truly made in the US. This may be specific to the fashion industry but, if you make a shirt in Honduras, and sew a tag into it at your where house in Downtown Los Angeles, your shirt was "made" in USA. So-- Who knows anymore...
There are so many parts guys out there I can't belive we need to resort to plumbing parts. I'm sure someone has it. Also check the Alfa, Porsche etc.. guys I'm sure it was a common part.
I can't remember which would be the sacrificing part, but you may introduce corrosion into the system with brass as a dissimilar metal.
Most anodic will be the zinc in the brass fitting and that will get consumed first. Next will be aluminum, lastly the copper in the brass. Amount of corrosion will depend on the antifreeze. If it is a really good conductor, well, you know what can happen. I have thought that using a sacrificial zinc anode in the radiator or block might be a good idea to protect the aluminum, but have never seen it done by car manufacturers. ALWAYS done for marine engines and changed often. Just for grins, look at the impeller in the water pump... brass. So apparently Ferrari did not think it a problem. Then again, look at that little nipple in the water crossovers under the plenum (or intake). It is always a mess after a few years due to corrosion. Probable caused by the aluminum throughout the cooling system acting as a sacrificial anode for whatever other metals may be involved, the cylinder liners, water pump impeller, maybe some others. Small amounts lost in the block are no problem, but those thin walled nipples cannot afford to lose much. And dont forget that huge piece of brass up in front of the car. ALL the coolant runs through there. Maybe we should remove that as well. All that being considered, will it be a problem to use the brass tee? Not so much as that big piece of brass in the front of the car. It is always easy to tell someone they should spend a ridiculous amount for some worthless piece of plastic or metal. I would buy the piece at H-D, then spend the rest of the 100.00 on gas and go drive the crap out of your car.
Try NAPA, they have a selection of "T's" wyes, and bends listed in ther Balkamp line.You need to find a gray haired counter guy that wont ask you make and model and engine size. One that can read a catalog and will drag it out from under the counter and let you look at the "picture book" Forget the damn "puter" go to the books. Howard Musolf 1981 308gtsi 1982 400i Cabriolet 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo.
I am going to check Napa tomorrow. But, thanks to some open convo with Fave, he found it for me --> http://ferrparts.com/details.php?part=12801 My parts book did not have the image of the piece I was looking for which prevented me from even knowing what the PN was. Thanks Fave! You're my fave!
Found a freshie for $20, shipped... Pretty sure I got super-duper lucky. Image Unavailable, Please Login
looking online Napa didnt have a t section that runs from one large, into two smaller hoses (either same size or going from small to large).
Napa had nothing like this. (at least, this is what was determined by the team I had looking for one) Sent from my iPhone (which probably means I'm sitting at my car, confused)
Is the OEM piece made of brass, or some rare metal only found on the cliff sides of Turkey with an, even more, exotic finish? Thanks!
