I'm installing a used single turbo kit, and the previous owner used what appears to be heater hose to connect the turbo oil drain line to the oil pan fitting. Any problem with this, or should I be looking for specialized line. I'd really rather avoid having to get braided line and fittings.

 

"Correct" hose can look like regular heater hose. At least, it does on a lot of OEM's.

But you're right in being concerned. Standard heater hose does not like oil very much, and will deteriorate rapidly under constant exposure. The same goes for many other rubber parts as well. (One of the leading causes of death for '83-85 12A's is oil leaking from the stupid oil cooler onto the heater hoses, causing them to burst after a while, and you don't know you have no coolant until it's too late)

 

stainless braid

 

I used industrial hydraulic line...it's tough as hell to work with though.

Good to 3000 psi (not that's I need it to be) and flame resistant. We'll see how long it holds up.

 

Thanks for the info. I think I could get away with hydraulic line/power steering hose, but braided line is only a little more so guess I'll go that route. Unfortunately, I have to buy 3 feet at $7/ft and I only need 8 inches...

 

I used -8 braided steel but that was to small so i went to -12.

~Luke