question about vacuum hoses
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 594
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From: Peoria IL
question about vacuum hoses
Hi all ,
I am planning on changing the vacuum lines on my 82 and can't make up my mind whether to stick with the rubber type or go with silicone tubing. My reason for looking at the silicone is that presumably the shiny finish will keep all of the hoses looking clean and new for longer and will be easier to keep clean too . It seems that it doesn't take too long for the rubber hoses to loose that new look and go dull or grey.
So...... I have two questions:-
Has anyone got experience with silicone (good/bad) and where is the best place to get it (price/quality)?
Also what length of what sizes would be needed to change all the hoses out ? If I go with rubber replacement , is it as cheap to go with a kit from Dr Rebuild or to buy by the foot from Auto zone etc ?
Ok I know thats 4 questions but you get the idea.
Any advice/info happily recieved
I am planning on changing the vacuum lines on my 82 and can't make up my mind whether to stick with the rubber type or go with silicone tubing. My reason for looking at the silicone is that presumably the shiny finish will keep all of the hoses looking clean and new for longer and will be easier to keep clean too . It seems that it doesn't take too long for the rubber hoses to loose that new look and go dull or grey.
So...... I have two questions:-
Has anyone got experience with silicone (good/bad) and where is the best place to get it (price/quality)?
Also what length of what sizes would be needed to change all the hoses out ? If I go with rubber replacement , is it as cheap to go with a kit from Dr Rebuild or to buy by the foot from Auto zone etc ?
Ok I know thats 4 questions but you get the idea.
Any advice/info happily recieved
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I was thinking about going with silicon tubing too, but I eventually won't have any vacuum lines with the exception of the distributor, PCV, and transmission so I backed out of that project.
I think the silicon tubing would be fine, considering the most vac they'll see is around 15-17hg.
It should be much easier to keep clean, not to mention you can get almost any color you like to match a color scheme.
I think the silicon tubing would be fine, considering the most vac they'll see is around 15-17hg.
It should be much easier to keep clean, not to mention you can get almost any color you like to match a color scheme.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,347
Likes: 418
From: Seattle Area WA
The advantage to silicone is the ability to withstand more heat before degrading. My BMW 750's engine bay maintains a lot of heat and hoses go to h*** quick. The red silicone vacuum hoses have solved that problem. You can find them at Napa in limited sizes.
The advantage to using a kit from Dr. Rebuild is the look of the hoses, the factory style ribs etc for judging purposes/restoration. If this is a driver, I'd go to Autozone and save a bunch of money.
The advantage to using a kit from Dr. Rebuild is the look of the hoses, the factory style ribs etc for judging purposes/restoration. If this is a driver, I'd go to Autozone and save a bunch of money.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 594
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From: Peoria IL
Thanks for the replies guys.
I have no intention of showing my car (not my thing) and so although I want to keep her "looking" stock , I have no problem changing out parts that are improvements on the originals (gas shocks replacing oil , 85 fuel pump instead of 82 etc). I still haven't decided which type of hose I am going to go with. If I go silicone , I would go with black anyway but have not been able to find a stockist locally to go and have a look at the stuff. I will go check out Napa and see what they have - Thanks
Anyone with those details on lengths and sizes of hoses needed to do the job?
I have no intention of showing my car (not my thing) and so although I want to keep her "looking" stock , I have no problem changing out parts that are improvements on the originals (gas shocks replacing oil , 85 fuel pump instead of 82 etc). I still haven't decided which type of hose I am going to go with. If I go silicone , I would go with black anyway but have not been able to find a stockist locally to go and have a look at the stuff. I will go check out Napa and see what they have - Thanks
Anyone with those details on lengths and sizes of hoses needed to do the job?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 1
From: Rosemount MN
The best vacuum hose I've run across is from Honda.
Lives up to heat very well, doesn't crumble like most of the generic automobile hose.
Can be purchased in bulk from either an automobile or motorcycle dealership.
Lives up to heat very well, doesn't crumble like most of the generic automobile hose.
Can be purchased in bulk from either an automobile or motorcycle dealership.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
The easiest and least expensive way to clean-up engine compartment hoses is to wipe them down with mineral spirits OR paint thinner (just a bit on a rag and run it down the hose..don't get any on exterior paint) so they are very clean and free of grease/oil. Then buy some Nu-Vinyl or other polymer based vinyl surface sealer and wipe a coating of that on all hoses. If done properly, the hoses with look new..even if they are the original hoses. (You can find Nu-Vinyl at Tru-Value hardware stores...or have them order some if they are out.) It's great for interior vinyls, also.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 594
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From: Peoria IL
The easiest and least expensive way to clean-up engine compartment hoses is to wipe them down with mineral spirits OR paint thinner (just a bit on a rag and run it down the hose..don't get any on exterior paint) so they are very clean and free of grease/oil. Then buy some Nu-Vinyl or other polymer based vinyl surface sealer and wipe a coating of that on all hoses. If done properly, the hoses with look new..even if they are the original hoses. (You can find Nu-Vinyl at Tru-Value hardware stores...or have them order some if they are out.) It's great for interior vinyls, also.
Ok .... so if I fit new rubber hoses and do the Nu-Vinyl thing before fitting , will this keep the hose looking clean and new for a while or is it a constant battle to keep clean and so will need constant re-application?
The attraction for the silicone stuff for me is the whole just wipe off and its good as new thing.....but the downside is the whole modern shiny plasticky (if that is a word) look is close to too far away from stock looking for me.
If this vinyl treatment will give me a good new look without constant maintanence then that sounds like the way I might go.
Can't believe no-one has an idea on length of what sizes , if I remember correctly , if I go and buy the stuff by the foot it would be real handy to have a rough idea of how much to get. If no-one chimes in , I will keep track of what I use and post the results for future reference.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
New hoses + Nu-Vinyl yields the best of all possible results. This stuff stays on the surface, doesn't peel (even in heat), and you can put additional layers on whenever you want. And it will look like new. You know how some of the petroleum based "protectants" just put a glossy film on for a day or so...and they don't look real....and eventually, the surface starts to be degraded by that stuff. A Nu-Vinyl surface has the dull sheen of a factory new car. Give it a whirl on your hoses and interior pieces (not the leather). You won't be sorry.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 594
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From: Peoria IL
Thank alot for the tips , I am thinking I will go the Rubber hose replacement route and give the Nu-vinyl treatment a go
Thanks again
Now just need an idea on length of hose to buy .... Anyone?
cheers
Thanks again
Now just need an idea on length of hose to buy .... Anyone?
cheers
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Maybe email Jim Shea or Doc about tube lengths. I would have no way of knowing without removing all of mine to measure and you can do that.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 594
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From: Peoria IL
Come on - call it your first good deed for 2008 !!!
Seriously its not a huge deal , I am just surprised that no- one has done the job and not took note of the amount of tube involved.
As I said before , I will post my useage after I have done the job - if no one else chimes in
Seriously its not a huge deal , I am just surprised that no- one has done the job and not took note of the amount of tube involved.
As I said before , I will post my useage after I have done the job - if no one else chimes in
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 1
From: AL
i've gone the "cheap" (budget) route before, and the only thing to watch for is the wall thickness of the replacement hoses. on the headlight relays for example, i had to trim the outside of the hoses to get them to fit. if your lucky, your supplier will be stocked better
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 5
From: the land of a never ending frame-off resto-mod. May Visa have mercy on my soul.
If you plan to replace the hoses for the vacuum actuators for the headlights, I strongly recommend Dr. Rebuilds hose kit. All the hoses are pre-cut, proper size, no trimming and fit right. I used them on my 80.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 1
From: Collinsville MS
St. Jude Donor '08
I have bought the kit to replace all mine. I was thinking like you, I could buy the different hoses locally. Fit, cut and replace. I ended up in 4 different stores trying to buy the different lengths and diameters, nobody stocked enough of it to go everywhere it needed to go so I ended up buying a kit.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Finding the odd-sized and color-coded tubing anywhere other than a Corvette aftermarket catalog will be difficult. Your best bet is to just buy a hose kit (using Nu-Vinyl on them before you install) or taking an inventory of only those hoses you feel are getting "old" and will not clean up well, then ordering just what you need. Option #1 is by far the easiest to do.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 1
From: AL
on the 74, the "budget" hose job lasted 25 years; then installed Dr Rebuild kit.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 594
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From: Peoria IL
The trouble with the Dr Rebuild kit is that I want to replace ALL of the rubber vacuum hose in the car . Why I hear you scream
Because apart from the cosmetic advantage of having nice clean looking hoses , the biggest cause of problems on a Cross-fire engine is vacuum leaks , and all of the vacuum hose on my 82 is 25 years old and in some areas looks it. If I replace all the hose and get my TB shafts re-bushed (which I have arranged for and is the biggest cause of Vacuum leaks) then I will have gone a long way towards eliminating the possibility of this problem.
Dr Rebuilt Headlight Kit is $65 , A/C hose kit is $30 and so on , I will very quickly build up a big bill versus buying by the foot at a parts store. The car is off the road for the winter anyway and so time is not the issue but with the TB rebushing , the hose replacement , fixing my Cruise control and doing the 85 Fuel pump upgrade all planned before she goes back on the road in the spring , $$$ are an issue. As S489 mentioned his "budget" option lasted 25 years , the Dr Rebuild kits seem to be a convenience rather than performance advantage , If I get 25 years out of the Budget option , I will be pretty happy with that.
Because apart from the cosmetic advantage of having nice clean looking hoses , the biggest cause of problems on a Cross-fire engine is vacuum leaks , and all of the vacuum hose on my 82 is 25 years old and in some areas looks it. If I replace all the hose and get my TB shafts re-bushed (which I have arranged for and is the biggest cause of Vacuum leaks) then I will have gone a long way towards eliminating the possibility of this problem.
Dr Rebuilt Headlight Kit is $65 , A/C hose kit is $30 and so on , I will very quickly build up a big bill versus buying by the foot at a parts store. The car is off the road for the winter anyway and so time is not the issue but with the TB rebushing , the hose replacement , fixing my Cruise control and doing the 85 Fuel pump upgrade all planned before she goes back on the road in the spring , $$$ are an issue. As S489 mentioned his "budget" option lasted 25 years , the Dr Rebuild kits seem to be a convenience rather than performance advantage , If I get 25 years out of the Budget option , I will be pretty happy with that.
Last edited by britvette; Jan 10, 2008 at 05:58 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: punta gorda florida
I bought a hose kit the rubber kind I cant recall if the instructions had the lengths now or not I will ck for you Have to dig up in the garage are you doung under the dash too
Last edited by 69small block; Jan 10, 2008 at 07:03 PM. Reason: spelling
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Peoria IL