Help Me Get Hosed!

[learsfool]

I need to replace the engine cooling water intake hose. I purchased the proper hose for both heat and size, however, I am having the dickens getting the thing on the fittings. I've only been able to get it over the first rib.

Question: To get the new hose over the ribs on the fitting should I use something like Vaseline to aid in slipping it on?

Thanks for your help!!

[fullkeel7]

I'd try some heat on the end of the hose (hair dryer, hot water). Lube is a good idea, but try some full strength dish washing liquid first...Vaseline seems to never go away! I've also heard of driving a lubed up tapered plug to stretch the hose end slightly.

[brak]

I use silicone spray. Just spray a bit on the inside of the hose and on the fitting - and it will slide right on.

Incidentally, that "apply heat" idea never worked for me.

[learsfool]

Thanks, I think I'll try the silicone. I hate Vaseline and like fullkeel said the stuff just never goes away!

[GaryHLucas]

Vaseline, a petroleum product is a bad choice unless you know what the rubber is, it can cause the hose to deteriorate quickly. I'd start with the soapy water. Silicone will help the hose go on, AND come back off!

Gary H. Lucas

[brak]

Originally Posted by GaryHLucas

Silicone will help the hose go on, AND come back off!

Not unless you forget to actually clamp it. It is the clamp down compression against the barbs that holds the hose - not surface friction.

I've been using silicone spray to install hoses for many years now and yet to see any evidence of connection being anything but solid once clamped. And, frankly, silicone effect is short lived anyway - it tends to disappear well by the next time you need to remove/reinstall the same hose, so you need to reapply it again.

[labatt]

When you apply heat, you generally need to use a torch that will heat super quick. A standard propane torch will heat gradually. This is usually more of an issue when removing an item than when installing one. When you apply "slow heat" to something installed, it will end up expanding both the outer layer and the the inner areas, so you never gain any leverage. Using the right type of torch and "flash heating" the outside hose will allow you to expand the outside while leaving the inner tube alone. We found this out the hard way when trying to remove our prop.