Vacuum Hoses: 3.5mm vs. 4mm ----->
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Vacuum Hoses: 3.5mm vs. 4mm ----->
I recently developed an upper fuel leak on the front Primary Injector so I'll be sending both off for O-Ring replacement, flow testing and thorough cleaning. I might as well do a vacuum line replacement while the Rat's Nest is out.
Are there any known problems associated with the replacement of the OEM 3.5mm [petrified lines] with 4mm silicone lines?? Of course, ..I'll be using zip ties on all the new lines??
Are there any known problems associated with the replacement of the OEM 3.5mm [petrified lines] with 4mm silicone lines?? Of course, ..I'll be using zip ties on all the new lines??
#3
Mr. Links
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Baker Precision:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/baker-precision-high-temp-silicone-vacuum-hoses-330365/
As you can see, quite a few members use them.
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/baker-precision-high-temp-silicone-vacuum-hoses-330365/
As you can see, quite a few members use them.
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Originally Posted by Bad_Karma7
You would be ok, but why don't you just use 3.5mm silicone?
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Originally Posted by Mahjik
Baker Precision:
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=330365
As you can see, quite a few members use them.
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=330365
As you can see, quite a few members use them.
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Originally Posted by YoshiFC3S
I was able to get 3.5mm lines at Autozone, I dunno what ur talkin' about.
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Originally Posted by areXseven
I can't locate 3.5mm silicone hoses in any local auto parts stores. Plus,...A'Zone sells a silicone hose kit that consists of 4mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm lines in various lengths. Not bad for 15 bucks and they're available in three different colors.
I tried using one of those kits and changed only a few lines. The test run was fine for a couple of miles then at the end of a five mile run, my car was running like crap. The hoses had collapsed and got sucked closed from the vacuum and the heat. These cheap hoses did not have anywhere near the structural integrity nor wall thickness of the quality silicone lines (hose techniques).
They did give me my money back though.
chuck.
#11
Hightemp silicone have a kit for fd car but I think is expensive
http://www.hightempsilicone.com/product/RX7VITONKIT
but why we need 6-8mm hoses?
and also why 3,5mm and 4mm? if we have 3.5mm i think that we dont need 4mm.
http://www.hightempsilicone.com/product/RX7VITONKIT
but why we need 6-8mm hoses?
and also why 3,5mm and 4mm? if we have 3.5mm i think that we dont need 4mm.
#12
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3.5mm is what I recommend. The 4mm fits, but it's not as snug. A proper vacuum line will fit nice and snug, and won't need any help to stay on properly.
DO NOT buy any vacuum line from a local auto parts store. You will waste your money and have to do the job over again. Buy QUALITY silicone vacuum line from either HighTempSilicone or Hose Techniques. They're thick-wall, proper fitting line that will last damn near forever, fit right, and not give you problems.
Quality line is nice and thick-walled, and will not kink on a tight radius bend. Also, it won't suck shut under vacuum, and with a proper fit it won't pop off under boost.
Do it once, do it right.
Also, proper fitting vacuum line does NOT need zip-ties or glue to help hold it on. Many of the early vacuum hose writeups were done by people who had line that didn't fit super tight and they had to compromise for that.
Dale
DO NOT buy any vacuum line from a local auto parts store. You will waste your money and have to do the job over again. Buy QUALITY silicone vacuum line from either HighTempSilicone or Hose Techniques. They're thick-wall, proper fitting line that will last damn near forever, fit right, and not give you problems.
Quality line is nice and thick-walled, and will not kink on a tight radius bend. Also, it won't suck shut under vacuum, and with a proper fit it won't pop off under boost.
Do it once, do it right.
Also, proper fitting vacuum line does NOT need zip-ties or glue to help hold it on. Many of the early vacuum hose writeups were done by people who had line that didn't fit super tight and they had to compromise for that.
Dale
#13
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Originally Posted by DaleClark
3.5mm is what I recommend. The 4mm fits, but it's not as snug. A proper vacuum line will fit nice and snug, and won't need any help to stay on properly.
DO NOT buy any vacuum line from a local auto parts store. You will waste your money and have to do the job over again. Buy QUALITY silicone vacuum line from either HighTempSilicone or Hose Techniques. They're thick-wall, proper fitting line that will last damn near forever, fit right, and not give you problems.
Quality line is nice and thick-walled, and will not kink on a tight radius bend. Also, it won't suck shut under vacuum, and with a proper fit it won't pop off under boost.
Do it once, do it right.
Also, proper fitting vacuum line does NOT need zip-ties or glue to help hold it on. Many of the early vacuum hose writeups were done by people who had line that didn't fit super tight and they had to compromise for that.
Dale
DO NOT buy any vacuum line from a local auto parts store. You will waste your money and have to do the job over again. Buy QUALITY silicone vacuum line from either HighTempSilicone or Hose Techniques. They're thick-wall, proper fitting line that will last damn near forever, fit right, and not give you problems.
Quality line is nice and thick-walled, and will not kink on a tight radius bend. Also, it won't suck shut under vacuum, and with a proper fit it won't pop off under boost.
Do it once, do it right.
Also, proper fitting vacuum line does NOT need zip-ties or glue to help hold it on. Many of the early vacuum hose writeups were done by people who had line that didn't fit super tight and they had to compromise for that.
Dale
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Thanks guys. Good solid information and advise. Sometimes a little slap of reality is all it takes!!
I'll get online and order the hoses. I'm thinking about 20ft of 3.5mm and 5ft each of 6mm and 8mm??
I'll post a few photos of the Nest once it's completed.
Q1)- What do y'all recommend I use to clean the Solenoids and electrical connections with?? I was thinking of spraying a little engine degreaser on a small cotton towl and wiping everything down??
Q2)- Who on the Forum can I contact for parts polishing. I'd like to get my alternator done.
I'll get online and order the hoses. I'm thinking about 20ft of 3.5mm and 5ft each of 6mm and 8mm??
I'll post a few photos of the Nest once it's completed.
Q1)- What do y'all recommend I use to clean the Solenoids and electrical connections with?? I was thinking of spraying a little engine degreaser on a small cotton towl and wiping everything down??
Q2)- Who on the Forum can I contact for parts polishing. I'd like to get my alternator done.
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Originally Posted by bajaman
I just wish Baker or HTS had yellow 3.5mm available.....
Baker does not sell 3.5mm silicone hoses. They only sell 4mm at $1.20 p/f.
And you're right, Baker and HTS do not offer the color Yellow.
Last edited by areXseven; 12-28-05 at 08:25 AM.
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Originally Posted by Mahjik
You don't want yellow, trust me. Unless you are very meticulous (read ****), you'll get those dirty just installing them. And they don't look that good once they do get dirty.
#21
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Originally Posted by bajaman
Dale, when you say do not buy from a local auto parts store, are you referring to the silicone hoses only, or to rubber also? I picked up some GATES 4mm heavy walled rubber vacuum line the other day with the intention of replacing my rat's nest lines (I am not completely sold on the idea of silicone yet) but I defer to those with more experience in the matter. I bent a 6" long piece into a a pretzel and it didn't collapse when I applied either vacuum or pressure.......
BTW, I'm using black vacuum lines. Most all of the colors simply look dirty over time. Also, I like the "stock enhanced" look with the black, but glossy, vacuum lines.
Dale
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Originally Posted by DaleClark
.........BTW, I'm using black vacuum lines. .... Also, I like the "stock enhanced" look with the black, but glossy, vacuum lines.
Dale
Dale
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I'll throw in another $0.02 worth just to give you something to think about.
I did my vacuum hoses with 4mm I.D. instead of 3.5mm like everyone suggests. I had originally ordered the hoses from hosetechniques. They used to advertise 4mm and actually ship you 3.5mm. Anyway, so I sent it back and bought OBX silicone hose from a local speed shop. The quality is the same as the hosetechniques or baker precision. I also bought a crap load (about 30-35, I think) of the OEM spring clamps @ ~$1.00 per clamp. I personally like this method better than the 3.5mm and tie-wrap method because:
If you're not replacing the solenoids, they are probably very brittle from the heat and age. Ask me how I know? I broke about half of mine trying to very carefully install the 3.5mm hose from hose techniques. I think the 3.5 is just too tight. If you ever have to go back to repair any of the lines, chances are that you're gonna have to cut the lines to remove them because they are so tight, to avoid damaging anymore of the solenoids. And those solenoids aren't cheap. ~$50 a pop for the ones under the intake manifold and ~$200 for the unit (wastegate and precontrol) bolted to the front of the intake manifold. The OEM spring clamps hold the hoses on tight and they don't ever loose their tension. So, you get the benefits of:
a.) ease of installation
b.) ease of removal
c.) less likely to damage a solenoid during the process
d.) more cost effective - long term
e.) no difference in effectiveness or performance vs. 3.5mm
The only disadvantage that I can see is that the hose wall thickness is less with the 4mm. So, you cannot bend the hose as tightly as the 3.5mm, which means that you just have to extend the hose length just a little to correct this.
I did my vacuum hoses with 4mm I.D. instead of 3.5mm like everyone suggests. I had originally ordered the hoses from hosetechniques. They used to advertise 4mm and actually ship you 3.5mm. Anyway, so I sent it back and bought OBX silicone hose from a local speed shop. The quality is the same as the hosetechniques or baker precision. I also bought a crap load (about 30-35, I think) of the OEM spring clamps @ ~$1.00 per clamp. I personally like this method better than the 3.5mm and tie-wrap method because:
If you're not replacing the solenoids, they are probably very brittle from the heat and age. Ask me how I know? I broke about half of mine trying to very carefully install the 3.5mm hose from hose techniques. I think the 3.5 is just too tight. If you ever have to go back to repair any of the lines, chances are that you're gonna have to cut the lines to remove them because they are so tight, to avoid damaging anymore of the solenoids. And those solenoids aren't cheap. ~$50 a pop for the ones under the intake manifold and ~$200 for the unit (wastegate and precontrol) bolted to the front of the intake manifold. The OEM spring clamps hold the hoses on tight and they don't ever loose their tension. So, you get the benefits of:
a.) ease of installation
b.) ease of removal
c.) less likely to damage a solenoid during the process
d.) more cost effective - long term
e.) no difference in effectiveness or performance vs. 3.5mm
The only disadvantage that I can see is that the hose wall thickness is less with the 4mm. So, you cannot bend the hose as tightly as the 3.5mm, which means that you just have to extend the hose length just a little to correct this.
Last edited by quicksilver_rx7; 12-28-05 at 11:57 AM.