Hoses and pipes

[StefT]

Hi Di Ho Cerb fans.

Before I get in too deep with the screwdrivers and spanners again, can someone tell me, on a scale of 1 to 10, how easy replacing the coolant hoses is? Are there any common problem areas or things that I need to pay close attention to? I want to change to the ACT silicone items. I'd also like to fit ACT stainless coolant pipes whist I'm at it too.

This year is likley to be re-map year too

[optimax sniffer]

Although I haven't done it, I believe that its a bad idea to take them all out at once. Can be bit of a nightmare to puzzle it all out / orientations etc

Do a few at a time

[JensenA]

It's not difficult, just fiddly easy to get confused when you fit the new bits.
Take fotos before you dismantle everything.
Get a thick Magic Marker pen, and mark clearly on the Hose and the steel pipe to identify which bit goes where.
Remove all the old bits - it's easier to use a dremel to cut through the rusty Jubilee clips.
Once off, lay the old ones on the floor in the right position using the identifying marks that you made.
Use the old ones as a pattern, lay out the new bits, mark them up, and off you go.

Edited by JensenA on Sunday 29th May 12:57

[cerdad]

9
You have to drop the front roll bar to get to the water pump hose.I take it you are replacing with silicon ,if so a can of silicon spray saves a lot of effort when fitting.I also changed to stainless pipes and it took me 6 hours,dont forget, the silicon hoses have to be retightened as they relax .

[scotty_d]

Not too bad a job took me around 3-4 hours all good advice not much to add just make a note of how it all came apart and it will be fine. You may need to trim them back a little too

Edited by scotty_d on Sunday 29th May 19:15

[Onzlouk]

Remember to fill it up properly afterwards. Raise the nose slightly, fill through header tank and top up rad through plug, stopping when water comes out of water rail bleeders. Get this bit wrong and youll wish you hadnt started!

[caduceus]

The hoses will need trimming slightly for a proper fit. Also, check the ends of the pipes for steel sheer. My ACT ones needed alot of filing to get a smooth finish.
Make sure you get the thermostat the right way up too!

[Mr Cerbera]

It is fiddly, as people have said, but Doable for most.
I was fortunate enough, with my 2001, to be able to undo all my Jubilee Clips by hand but I know that Morebeanz, with his 2000 model, had to saw through every one of his.

If yours is a '98 I guess it will just depend on how well the engine bay has been kept (or if you've had any steady oil leaks )

No special tools just several ratchet extensions to reach the Clip heads.

Good Luck


JensenA's photo saved my life

[Rufus Roughcut]

I found the temperature sensor 'bulb' was stuck fast in the old rail, after three days and liberal use of penetrating oil it still wouldn't budge. One final go at removing it and the pipe twisted off, sent the gauge to speedy cables for a repair (who were speedy!) jobs a good un.

[StefT]

How rude of me! Thank you all for the replies and advice, I'm not sure whether to give it a go or let whoever carries out the next service due in July/August do it. An average of 4 hours a specialist independant rates might be a bit pricey though!

[ukkid35]

Leave the Capillary Temp Sensor in place until you've removed the coolant pipe, then after removing hex shaped retainer press the sensor out carefully from inside.