I recently did some research here about removing the PS pump and such and ended up asking some questions (via PM) about bypassing vs plugging of the holes in the rack. I got some good feedback and came to the conclusion/agreement that hooking up a bypass line was the best solution.

To this end I started looking for how to get a bypass. Crooked Willow lists one on their site for $75 but I could not get a response from them.

I tried a lot of local places to make lines but everyone said they couldn't do it. I finally ran into a guy with a solution.

Take the hard line from the rack (that went to the "cooler"), and cut it back to a few inches long. Cut the flex line (from the rack to the pump) at the pump end. Then insert the hard line into the hose and put a hose clamp on it. That's exactly what I did and it appears to be working great.

A couple notes:

1. There is a hard, flexible line inside the hose section. I used a PVC-pipe cutter to cut into my hose and then spun it around the hose (like a pipe cutter) to cut through the rubber part. The hard, flexible line was only attached at one end and pulled right out.

2. You have to tighten the hose clamp around the hose very tight or it will leak.

I haven't had mine on there long enough to know how it will hold up but it's working great so far and didn't cost me a dime (I already had spare hose-clamps lying around). There's no real pressure in the system so it doesn't have to be tough, it just allows fluid to move from one side to the other.

BTW, I filled the hose up before tightening, just for good measure.

HTH someone

Tubbs

 

Interesting i'd like to see some pics. I used the crooked willow bypass line and love it.

 

Plugged all holes on mine with a small about of fluid still left on both sides. No issues, yet.

 

likewise..

 

I would also like to see some pics of your setup. Plus, can you tell me how exactly does it feel with it removed now?

I don't want to cut my pipes, as i might not like it and want to remove it. So what is this willow bypass line?

 

Clayne, what did you plug the holes with? Just a bolt? You remeber the size/thread needed?

TIA

 

I used plastic caps from a hardware store.

Not the most hermetic, but if you know the proper thread dimensions, use threaded metal plugs.

 

one of the best mods for the fd. congrats on doing it and welcome to road feel. i ditched mine in 99. looped the lines on the rack, plugged the rest.

howard coleman

 

Ditto.

Anyone know of an alternate source?

 

actually i talked to the guy at crooked willow, and he told me the bypass he has is just for bling, and its not really worth the money, he is the one who told me to just make my own. i did it just like stated above... works great.

 

That's what I did about two years ago, and have never ever considered going back. It feels soooo much better.

 

I've also rigged up a bypass...my question is why does the feel change from just removing the belt to looping the lines? does it deal with the fluid being moved? Please guys post some pics of your custom loop. I'd like to cut the hardline to mate with the pump line but i'd like a more specific pic. thanks!