Replace coolant hard line with flexible?

[warcow105]

So I finally decided to dig into this leaking heater core but stopped the work when I realized I am probably going to destroy the soft line in the engine compartment that connects to the heater core. Since I can't get it to come off non-destructively I am going to get some heater hose before proceeding.
While I was in there I noticed there are a few hardline-softline connections for the heater coolant, has anyone replaced that all with flexible line? I figure it will be quite a few less possible leak points and it will be easier to work on than rigid lines.

Any thoughts?

Michael

 

[Milcommoguy]

That's exactly what I did. Saw those hard lines and thought .... Those HumV engineer's are over - thinking the simple again. I used silicone hoses and the special clamps. Routed them to avoid any rubbing interference to engine moving parts / brackets. Like you stated, or I say "less monkey motion" making extra connections and no need for special formed hoses. A couple of buck more to do and done for a long long time, plus cool colors, LOL

All the boy's like silicone... hose, CAMO

 

[warcow105]

That's exactly what I did. Saw those hard lines and thought .... Those HumV engineer's are over - thinking the simple again. I used silicone hoses and the special clamps. Routed them to avoid any rubbing interference to engine moving parts / brackets. Like you stated, or I say "less monkey motion" making extra connections and no need for special formed hoses. A couple of buck more to do and done for a long long time, plus cool colors, LOL

All the boy's like silicone... hose, CAMO

Awesome, that's what I was hoping to hear. I should probably take the same route and use silicone hose. It is 5/8 right?

Thanks!
Michael

 

[Mogman]

That's exactly what I did. Saw those hard lines and thought .... Those HumV engineer's are over - thinking the simple again. I used silicone hoses and the special clamps. Routed them to avoid any rubbing interference to engine moving parts / brackets. Like you stated, or I say "less monkey motion" making extra connections and no need for special formed hoses. A couple of buck more to do and done for a long long time, plus cool colors, LOL

All the boy's like silicone... hose, CAMO

Not all the boys, I prefer good ol Gates safety stripe! IMHO it seals easier, does not require "special" clamps, and hoses should be black, the silicone is too dang shiny again IMHO.
But our differences are what makes the world go round!!

 

[87cr250r]

The EPDM (Gates Safety Stripe)hoses are sensitive to damage from oil exposure so if you have a leaky engine silicone will be a better option. Otherwise, they'll both provide long life at vastly different price points.

One interesting note about silicone hoses is that they are permeable. Water will evaporate off their surface but of you have oil in your cooling system from a failed oil cooler the oil will sweat through the hose. Quite odd to see.

 

[Milcommoguy]

Not all the boys, I prefer good ol Gates safety stripe! IMHO it seals easier, does not require "special" clamps, and hoses should be black, the silicone is too dang shiny again IMHO.
But our differences are what makes the world go round!!

Yes, the green stripe Gates products are a go to, USA standard that we grew up with.... and to add... if you can find them. The point being the work around of the hard lines to move water thru a distant of 22 inches.

I was messing with you on the silicone boys. Guess you like the hard rubber ones. LOL

As the world turns, CAMO

 

[juanprado]

I am a fan of the rubber double walled red hose for heater applications.

 

[87cr250r]

Don't judge a hose by its color. It's the material that matters. For hot water hose you want EPDM tube and EPDM cover or silicone tube and cover.