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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Radiator hoses

Whilst undertaking a routine under-bonnet check, I noticed that the radiator hoses have started to show signs of developing cracks at the ends. Not wishing to experience a hose failure while driving, the time has come for replacement and this coincides nicely with the time for a coolant change.

In view of the reports about the quality of rubber goods, can anyone recommend a source of good quality replacement hoses. I've looked at silicone, but am put off by the expense.

Can't complain about the present hoses, though. They were bought from MGOC 14 years ago!
Peter Blockley

I bought silicone hoses from Moss in their December sale with decent discount. If you can wait for the next sale they may be an attractive price.
Bill Bretherton

Thanks, Bill. I'll look out for their next sale.
Peter Blockley

Peter, go for silicone, not rubber hoses. More expensive but far superior especially considering the poor quality rubber currently in use. Silicone hoses are also softer and seal better when clamped with jubilee clips as the material moulds to slight irregularities on possibly eroded fittings.
GuyW

Peter, the following are the ones I fitted nearly 10 years ago - and as unusual I offer to email you, if you want it, my simple but thorough coolant(/heating) cleaning method(s). Most either don't use them or don't report back but a few on here have reported back and even recommended it, in the Archives somewhere.

Classic Silicone Hoses Ltd. - http://www.classicsiliconehoses.com/
Nigel Atkins

A few years ago Daniel S who posts occasionally had some made by Samco for the Cross flow rad - top and bottom hoses at a good price - not sure if he still has any for sale.

The 120 degree ? one onto the cross pipe I bought later from Merlin ISTR.
richard b

Thanks to everyone for their help in deciding to go for silicone.
And Nigel. Yes, I have seen your coolant "instructions" in the past, but if you are prepared to e-mail me a copy it will save me searching the archives.
I'll e-mail you.

Thanks again everyone.
Peter Blockley

I also have silicone hoses. Good value compared to an engine rebuild or the hassle of being stuck in the middle of nowhere.
G Lazarus

Peter, you have (e)mail.
Nigel Atkins

Here is my latest update.

I purchased set of silicone hose from Classic Silicone Hoses Ltd and they arrived very promptly. Unfortunately the kit did not include the expansion tank hose, so I purchased some 7mm fuel injection hose as a temporary measure and will get some silicone hose if and when it shows signs of distress.

I drained and flushed the coolant and found no crud whatsoever in the radiator or block, so the last drain down had been effective.

I replaced all the hoses apart from the by-pass hose which looks OK, because I didn't fancy taking the head off at this stage and I know from experience that were is insufficient clearance on my engine to manoeuvre a new piece of hose (even silicone or the concertina type) into position in situ.

The main problem was the bore of the heater take-off hose which really was too small to fit on to the copper pipe. It took half an hour of struggle and expletives to persuade it to fit.

Re-filled with ForLife coolant. Ran up to temperature etc before taking for a run and I'm pleased to report a leak-free system - and the heater works fine in spite of the narrow bore.

Incidentally, the owners of Classic Silicone Hoses Ltd are retiring and selling the business on as a going concern.
Peter Blockley

Peter,
good news on no crud, especially if you included the reverse-flush and scrapping at block aperture in your procedure.

The hoses don't sound right - admittedly the expansion tank hose isn't shown on the photo but it came with my set and I had no problems with the size of heater hoses. The straight heater hose was over-length so IIRC could be cut down and used for by-pass.

I think the chap was ill when I contacted a couple of years back and originally at least IIRC they had someone else make the hoses.

The external diameter of the three-ply heater hoses I have are 20mm and expansion tank hose 15mm OD if that helps at all.



Nigel Atkins

Peter

You can replace the bypass hose by removing the water pump.
Dave O'Neill 2

Samco do silicon hoses for Frogeyes in black.
Alan Anstead

Thanks

One or two further observations.

Nigel, yes the cooling system was reverse flushed and scraped.
It was the heater take-off T from the main hose that was too small bore; the heater hoses are perfect.
Alan, Samco do a kit. It's more comprehensive than the Classic Silicone kit, but lots more money too!
And thanks, David, removing the water pump is an option, but which is easier: head or pump? Not much in it I guess and removing the head gives the opportunity to inspect the top end of the engine.
Peter Blockley

I would use silicon hoses without hesitation. They are so much better quality and worth the extra cost, providing you don't mind the shiny finish. I don't mind it at all if they last well and don't let me down. I've had a set of black ones on my BV8 for over ten years and they look as good as new.
Mike Howlett

Alan, Mike. Sorry to be pedantic but wouldn't silicon hoses be pipes?

I think they might be a bit too hard and inflexible as well as brittle.

I suspect you really need silicone hoses!

I guess it's what comes of being a former teacher who now proof reads workshop manuals!

As the saying goes: I'll get my coat. :)
C Mee

As a former lab scientist I knew that and yet I seem to leave the "e" off for some reason. Here is what Wikipedia has to say:

"Silicone is often confused with silicon, but they are distinct substances. Silicon is a chemical element, a hard dark-grey semiconducting metalloid which in its crystalline form is used to make integrated circuits ("electronic chips") and solar cells. Silicones are compounds that contain silicon, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and perhaps other kinds of atoms as well, and have very different physical and chemical properties."

Wikipedia also says:

"The discovery of the structural differences between Kipping's molecules and the ketones means that silicone is no longer the correct term (though it remains in common usage) and that the term siloxanes is correct according to the nomenclature of modern chemistry."

So maybe we are all wrong. Anyway I really like my siloxane hoses.

Mike Howlett

Peter,
well done on having a previously clean (as possible) system before.

Again I had no problem with the bottom hose of my set, I'll put up the OD of that t-take-off tomorrow for you.

I do know that the metal (now copper) heater pipe for our age of car that was(/is still?) sold was wrong it's the same shape as for the earlier cars so slightly points the wrong way.

If you have the radiator out then removing or replacing the water pump is easy and gives access to replacing the bypass hose.
Nigel Atkins

Sorry Peter only just remembered (due to Mike's post) the OD of the t-take-off is 20mm too.
Nigel Atkins

I got my (green) silicone hoses from Classic Silicone Hoses Ltd. I bought an extra metre of heater hose so that I could have my breather and carb overflow hoses the same. So far, so good.
b higginson

Bernie the Bling. :)

Up a bit, left a bit, down a bit, fit those hoses, you've won the Golden Cup. :)
Nigel Atkins

Classic Hoses can produce silicone hoses with a dull finish and also with a vintage "wrapped" cloth appearance that look really good
S G Macfarlane

Anyone tried Samco kits in classic Matt black for our cars? See that they available from Merlin Motorsport etc

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Mike
I have Samco classic black from Merlin Motorsport on my Sebring rep and also my Frogeye. No problem fitting them and, to me, they look the part. They have not been fitted long enough to comment on longevity
Alan

Alan Anstead

Underbonnet picture of my Sebring rep with the Samco hoses.
Alan

Alan Anstead

This thread was discussed between 30/04/2019 and 20/05/2019

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