I just read about the test that compares neoprene, silicon and viton.

(http://us.share.geocities.com/sdrx7_club/technical.html)

and it was very enlightening. I was wondering why, knowing the results of that test, so many people still use silicon hoses (instead of viton). Am I missing something?

 

PRICE

 

exactly...price

 

because most of the lines are not subjected to a constant stream of oil or gas (or at least we hope not! ) and because of price

There is no question that viton is greatly superior.

Look back a few days, there was a large thread about this.

 

I'm going with the silicon myself

Matt

 

Viton is like $2.25+ per foot, silicon is around $0.50 per foot. Silicon works fine; Viton is WAY overkill for this application.

 

I'm deciding which way to go right now, while in search of my missing secondary boost. Viton would cost about $240 for the same quantity that's in the Hose Techniques kit, which sells for $118. I could stomach the cost, but the hose size requirements aren't as well established for viton, and I'd hate to order a bunch of hose to find out that it wouldn't fit.

The problem is that the standard (for US anyway) sizes have 1/16" walls, so they'd be better than the metric sizes, which have 1 mm walls. Of course 1/8" ID hose is 3.2 mm, and I'm not sure how stretchy viton (60A) is. Can this easily be made to fit in place of the 3.5 mm hose? Unfortunately, some metric sizes would still have to be used, because the standard sizes are not close enough to the required metric size. Would 1 mm wall thickness be too thin, kink, collapse, etc?

Has anyone actually used viton yet? How did it fit?

The whole subject gives me a headache. Maybe I'll just order the the Hose Techniques kit, but then I'd get a headache trying to pick colors

Cheers,

 

Actually, McMasters has viton tubing in 1/8" wall thickness in english units. BTW, 1mm < 1/16"

There are arguments on both sides but I have seen several people post that the Hose Techniques tubing is ****. RonKMiller recommended Duroblue, I have also heard good things about the Baker Precision tubing. McMaster's also has very good quality tubing.

 

Thanks, I had overlooked the 1/8" wall tubing. Just what I need, more choices.

I've read a bunch of threads, and noticed that some people swear by the HT kits, and some swear at them. At the very least, I'm sure they're adaquate. I've also seen threads where people say the Baker stuff is crap, and the HT is good. Go figure.

 

Viton is overkill because the vacuum hoses are not exposed to oil as shown in the tests where the silicon hoses failed. Simply put, the oil tests were unrealistic for hose used in vacuum applications. Plus, Viton is way expensive.

Silicon hoses are fine for vacuum hose application. Plus the silicon hose comes in many different colors for those interested in dressing-up their engine bay. Make sure to get silicon hose with a thick side wall to decrease the likelihood of the hose pinching closed in sharp bends.

I don't agree the criticism of the Hose Techinques silicon hoses. I have their silicon hoses and the wall thickness is fine.

 

There are some shops that sell a roll of silicon hose. The one used on my car was even thinner than Mazdatrix's roll. The hose technics kit is thick walled and you get more than just one size hose.

I think the Viton hose should be used for the home depot/Robinette boost controller kit. Those hoses are easily exposed to oil and mine keep breaking.

 

I got tired of thinking about it, and ordered a bright yellow hose kit from Hose Tech. Feeling better already

 

Freedom of choice ...dun dun dun dun. There was a dog that had two bones. He went in circles and he droped dead. (Devo)

 

Can someone please decode this for me