S3C Bottom Radiator Hose

[darbyp]

Following the overheating and missing otter switch episode last year I have got a new silicone hose kit and the two stainless steel radiator pipes (complete with an otter switch)
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The problem is that the bottom steel hose section is totally different than what is on there already. The replacement item is a shortish length with a slight kink in it (it looks similar to the one on Ketvrin's photo album (http://ketvrin.myphotoalbum.com/) - man that is a shiny chassis . But the section on my car is twice as long with a U bend on the end which turns back on iself and connects the the rubber (soon to be silicone) hose connecting to the thermostat housing.
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Is this unique to the S3C, or any S Series with the fan in front of the rad or is this just a TVR quirk? The installed pipe looks different to the diagram on page 149 of the bible too, so I wonder if the supplied pipe may work anyway.
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Has any else had this issue?
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Thanks

[davedogfish]

Apologies for resurrecting such an old posting but I have exactly the same query. On fitting the (excellent quality) ACT silicon hose set I can't get the bottom hose from the water pump to fit the original long 'J' shaped steel pipe to the radiator. I just end up with a very kinked hose resulting from bending the 45 degree item supplied to meet the 90 degree angle required. I'm not sure whether this steel pipe arrangement is peculiar to the S3C (to avoid heat from the cats?) or whether it is common to all S3s froma certain date (mine is a late 1991 car). I would really appreciate feedback from anyone who may have encountered (and perhaps resolved) this problem. Failing this I guess I'll have to buy a 90 degree 35mm silicon elbow with long straights at each end or replace the 'J' shaped pipe with the more common short straight one.

[chiefyo]

I had same problem the long metal pipe was I believe originally fitted to clear the cats. Mine has been decatted so I fitted a straight pipe with a couple of bends.

[davedogfish]

Thanks Dave, i'll give ACT a call this morning and get their take on the situation but it looks like I need to do the same as you.

[davedogfish]

Problem sorted, ACT confirmed that the S3C does have a J shaped steel hose from the radiator's bottom feed. As thought this is to avoid the n/s cat. (no longer present on my car). ACT promptly despatched a more suitable 90 degree elbow and this totally resolves the problem. This may be worth bearing in mind when other S3C owners are ordering a silicon hose set.

[davedogfish]

Problem sorted, ACT confirmed that the S3C does have a J shaped steel hose from the radiator's bottom feed. As thought this is to avoid the n/s cat. (no longer present on my car). ACT promptly despatched a more suitable 90 degree elbow and this totally resolves the problem. This may be worth bearing in mind when other S3C owners are ordering a silicon hose set.