[MSV]

Hi all.

Been off for a while, but Im back...

I've been having some problems with my water pipes and their clamps recently. Here are a few things that have happened:

- One pipe was cut through because of an extremely tight clamp (at the coolant reservoir).
- One pipe cracked along its length because it was too close to the exposed exhaust branches (between engine and radiator). This same pipe, continually has its clamps rattle loose (at top, near engine, and bottom, near radiator).

The suspension on my car is extremely hard, and the clamps rattle loose over time, so I tighten the clamps every few days now, just to be safe. But its a bit ridiculous, dont you think?

I was wondering what my options are? Ive been looking at getting the standard rubber hoses replaced with silicone ones and then clamping or using some sort of sealant/adhesive to keep them in place?

Any other ideas? My car is now "unreliable" because of stupid water hoses :rant:

Please help!!

 

[richardk12]

Hi Msv how hard is you suspension, it cant be harder that my GT with 18 rims on?
Have you changed the clamps from standard? If they are the screw type just put some lock tite on that should solve it.

 

[Ian Lusso]

If they are the screw type just put some lock tite on that should solve it.

I agree:thumbs:

 

[MSV]

@ richardk12: Its extremely hard, lots of vibration, which I assume plays a big role in the clamps coming loose. I changed the clamps when I bought new pipes... they are the screw type. Ill try the lock tite thing.

Thanx for the input guys.

 

[MSV]

Quick question: where can I get hold of the correct/original water pipes for my car? The ones I have on now arent perfect fits because I couldnt find the right ones here in Potch. Must I order them from Alfa or that AK Spares place you okes are always talking about or what?

 

[ysman007]

Quick question: where can I get hold of the correct/original water pipes for my car? The ones I have on now arent perfect fits because I couldnt find the right ones here in Potch. Must I order them from Alfa or that AK Spares place you okes are always talking about or what?

Try both for a quote, AK usually little cheaper.
Stupid question: tyre pressures correct?

 

[MSV]

Thanx ysman007, I will give both a call.

My tyres are usually 2.2 or 2.4 Bar all round...

 

[MSV]

Here is an update on this:

I replaced the two problematic pipes (the one between the reservoir and the block and the one between the block and the lower radiator). I used good quality clamps and used lock-tite to secure them. But, somehow I have leaks again !?!? Every morning there is a nice puddle in the garage (about 20cm in diameter). I have no choice but to top it up and carry on.

The leaks are from the pipe at the bottom of the radiator and the pipe connected to the block (from the reservoir). This is getting ridiculous. I think the exposed branch is maybe doing this?

Isn't there anywhere where I can have silicone pipes moulded? And then heat-wrap the branch?

Any other thoughts?

 

[turbonutters]

New Pipes tend to collapse at first but it should not keep on collapsing. The hard suspension is far fetched in other words I doubt if that’s the cause.
Put a bit of silicon on the pipes sealing surface before you put it on and then tighten the clamp that should stop the leaks completely.

 

[corriedw]

Do you have the correct radiator cap on, is the pressure not to high?

What clamps are you using? The ones with the screw riding in cuts in the clamp are rubbish. On turbo cars we stopped using them a long time ago. Find clamps that have ribs pressed in them, for the screw to ride on.

 

[MSV]

Alright. Thanx TN. I'll give it a go this weekend. And I think I'll heat-wrap the exhaust just in case.

 

[MSV]

Do you have the correct radiator cap on, is the pressure not to high?

What clamps are you using? The ones with the screw riding in cuts in the clamp are rubbish. On turbo cars we stopped using them a long time ago. Find clamps that have ribs pressed in them, for the screw to ride on.

No idea about the radiator cap. It's the same as when I bought it from the previous owner.

I'll check the clamps too. If I have the wrong ones, I'll buy the better ones.

Thanx corriedw :thumbs:

 

[MSV]

Do the 1.6 and 2.0 systems run on different pressures? My car was a 1.6. It only had the engine of a 2.0 put in. Everything around the 2.0 motor is standard 1.6 equipment...

 

[MSV]

Okay, so the water leak is getting ridiculous now. There are 5 distinct puddles below the car every morning. I think a set of high quality silicone pipes will finally sort this problem out.

I've found these:

EBay - SAMCO SILICONE COOLANT HOSE KIT ALFA ROMEO 147 TS - £110 [about R1410]

Alfisti.net - Samco Silicon Hose Set for Twin Spark 16V Engines - 147EUR (incl. VAT) [about R1512]

...and from the original site: SamcoSport.com - Alfa Romeo - £99.72 and £12.88 for clip kit (excl. VAT) [about R1443]

Any thoughts? Is there an SA alternative I'm missing? What would shipping and tax be, more or less?

Worth it?

 

[Guili]

Yes do it!!!!Just don't get red or blue pls! Get the samco gloss black hoses will look good under ur bonnet!

 

[Gertie]

Yes do it!!!!Just don't get red or blue pls! Get the samco gloss black hoses will look good under ur bonnet!

+1 What Guili said. Alfisti's service is :thumbs: - You will not get alternative parts locally - Only OEM - Have you asked your friendly agent yet for comparitive price?

For import reckon about 50EURO shipping - Credit card exchange rates are much higher than xe.com or equivalent (by a good 10% ), S.A. VAT added will offset the European VAT deducted. Then it is the question IF they will klap you 20% import or not - I have not figured out the formula to avoid that yet. I think its to do with 500EURO threshold - then you should be fine - but that was true for one shipment and false for another

 

[MSV]

Yes do it!!!!Just don't get red or blue pls! Get the samco gloss black hoses will look good under ur bonnet!

I actually like the red...haha. But I'll probably go black. If you scroll down on the ebay link, you can see the 16 different colours that the pipes are available in...

+1 What Guili said. Alfisti's service is :thumbs: - You will not get alternative parts locally - Only OEM - Have you asked your friendly agent yet for comparitive price?

For import reckon about 50EURO shipping - Credit card exchange rates are much higher than xe.com or equivalent (by a good 10% ), S.A. VAT added will offset the European VAT deducted. Then it is the question IF they will klap you 20% import or not - I have not figured out the formula to avoid that yet. I think its to do with 500EURO threshold - then you should be fine - but that was true for one shipment and false for another

The same 4 OEM pipes from Alfa are around R1000.

According to your numbers, final price for the hoses would be over R2000! Hmmmm... it's quite a lot

 

[Gertie]

The same 4 OEM pipes from Alfa are around R1000.

According to your numbers, final price for the hoses would be over R2000! Hmmmm... it's quite a lot

Yes that is the truth - not all imported parts are cheaper than dealer - you have to do your research every time. Dealer price is OK IMO.
Ok this is something different - so if you want to be different - import for that reason and get red

 

[MSV]

NEW PROBLEM

I went to the local Unichip guy to test my Unichip. While there they saw this:

View attachment 147526

My heater hose seems like it's about to explode! And that little valve thing at the top didn't seem to help. Some water trickled out, but made no difference to the pipe.

I'm going to order a new one right now! I was just wondering if someone could please help me with the FIAT ePER part number/s? I think it's the hose, valve thing and rear hose? Not sure if it's one piece or three? I'm not sure which sub-category to select...

Any help would be appreciated :thumbs:

 

[NICUS]

FIAT ePER