Cooland Hose Question & Answer

[Curt Sprenger]

I'm responding on the forums so others get the information...I received
several emails asking about the condition of the hose from the engine to
air compressor.

I've only disconnected the air compressor end of that coolant hose. That
was a PITA, until I made up my own tooling. That is why I buy China
Palace tools, cheap, and to cut them up to make up tools. In the next
couple days I'll remove the starter, and in turn disconnect the other
end of that hose. Once that is done I can tell you what condition the
hose is in. I'll post what I find.

The coolant hose Bluebird installed from the engine to the air
compressor is the same type hose installed from the coolant expansion
tank to the top of the radiator. I have that hose removed and have
examined it, and others; hose is very brittle/stiff, internal separation
below or inside of the SS braiding, and a black/rust appearance inside.
I'm not sure what this is telling me at this point, but my thinking is
it is time the hoses are replaced.

To remove the hoses from the fittings, they are extremely difficult to
remove, I use a die grinder with a cutting wheel, cutting in parallel
with the hose, cut through the outer covering and the SS braiding
(sparks here), being careful not to cut into the fittings. After I'm
through the SS, I use a screw driver to push the hose off (around) the
fitting.

I'll post more as progress is made.

Curt Sprenger
1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
Anaheim Hills, Calif.