Coolant pipe adapter tips and tricks

[Loring]

For me and future builders who end up with coolant adapters that are tight fitting (both on the hard side pipes and the corrugated piping), post your tricks to get them installed.

For most of mine, I've used a vise to install the adapters onto the corrugated pipe. Gently clamp the pipe into the vise, use some pliers to pre-stretch the adapters slightly, and with some silicone based grease, they go on with some patience.

Obviously, this doesn't work in some places or if the pipe ever needs to be serviced.

[Loring]

Boiling the adapters in water:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?16595-side-coolant-tubes-questioin

Lubricating the inner sleeve and adapter and pressing them together. Presumably only works for the pipe side:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?11115-818-assembly-tips-add-yours&p=131469&viewfull=1#post131469

A few suggestions in Harley's thread:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?14763-Harley-s-818S&p=176411&viewfull=1#post176411

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Throw away all the corrugated pipe and adaptors.
I've got 2 cars worth if any one needs them
Bob

[lance corsi]

Throw away all the corrugated pipe and adaptors.
I've got 2 cars worth if any one needs them
Bob

Agreed. It really isn't hard to make your own tubes. I made mine. I too have the kit supplied corrugated tubing if anyone needs some. Free, just pay shipping.

[SixStar]

Third on that.

Throw everything in the trash.

[RetroRacing]

agreed, don't use it. Get some tube, weld thick washer onto a pair of old vise grips and grind a half moon into the other jaw. Then use them to pinch a knurl into the tube ends to hold the silicone elbows you will need to buy. Your hand will not thank you, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy to do well. Put tape around the tube where you want to put the knurl and follow that around the tube so you don't run off. Mock up the whole system before you knurl, makes it super simple to dry fit the hoses.

[Hindsight]

If you do end up using the corrugated tube from FFR, don't use the adapters. Instead buy a long radiator hose from the auto parts store that is mostly straight and is the right diameter (bring a tube from home with you to check it). Then cut the hose into 3" sections to use as couplers. Use these instead of the FFR-provided couplers. That is what I did and (knock on wood), haven't had a leak yet after 1300 miles. I did use constant-tension spring hose clamps everywhere though (no worm drive clamps).

[iblackwe]

agreed, don't use it. Get some tube, weld thick washer onto a pair of old vise grips and grind a half moon into the other jaw. Then use them to pinch a knurl into the tube ends to hold the silicone elbows you will need to buy. Your hand will not thank you, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy to do well. Put tape around the tube where you want to put the knurl and follow that around the tube so you don't run off. Mock up the whole system before you knurl, makes it super simple to dry fit the hoses.

Do you have a picture of the tool you have made? Because I like the sound of it but can't quite grasp the concept

[flynntuna]

Here's a couple videos of the home made tool that he's talking about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAXSwmsvqUQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVDUM2ZxoW0

I also saw this at motor geek.com. http://www.motorgeek.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21298

[RetroRacing]

Will post asap.

[RetroRacing]

The first video, but I just ground a half round for the washer to sit into on the upper jaw, instead of using the muffler clamp piece.

[Hindsight]

You can also borrow a bead roller from someone or send the pipes to someone with a bead roller. I know Wayne has one. A lot of fab shops have them too. I borrowed one from a friend.