Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Silicone hoses or what ???

[KOwens]

Hello TDR Gurus,



My 1995 Diesel Ram (189,000 miles) is in need of some new hoses... for both the coolant and the turbo lines. All of them are original equipment at this time... I know, I'm overdue! What should I use? I plan to have my truck in both hot locations (deserts) and also cold winter locations (like winter in Norther Arizona)... so I want to use the right hoses the first time around. If any of you have experience in this area, I'd love to get your advice before doing the old triple-bypass surgery!



Also, if I should replace the water pump... thermostat... or anything else for that matter at this stage in the old girls life... please let me know.



Thanks.



Kevin

 

[WDimig]

new hoses

i dont know a source other than dodge, napa, any auto store for coolant hoses, but i would reccomend piers diesel for you intercooler boots. they make a complete kit, and the boots are extremely rugged, and comes with heavy duty clamps. replaces all 4 boots, or if you only need to replace one or two boots, than can be done as well



wes

 

[1dslram]

The dealer turbo hoses are over priced for less you can get competition hoses from Piers Diesel Research. As for the coolant silicone hoses are the best and will last the longest. Silicone hose is available online from several companies, Mc Master Carr carries hoses to fit our trucks, many of the local hose dealers that make custom hoses carry the hose also. Check your water pump for any looseness with the belt off, if the bearing is loose replace it and always replace the thermostat the new thermostat that will cure problems from the older models.

 

[supersonic]

SPA Tecnique makes some nice coolant hoses for our trucks. I believe Scheid diesel sells em'. I'll second on the charge air hoses. The performance ones are the way to go if you can afford them, never had one blow off yet, PITA to put on though.

 

[KOwens]

Hey Supersonic,



Thanks for the tip on Peirs... ordered their 3KGST (I've wanted to do that for a while) and also their "deluxe" boot kit with the heavy duty spring clamps.



Again, thanks for the help.



v/r Kevin

 

[Bob4x4]

There will be a complete silicone hose kit for the 2nd gen trucks in the not too distant future. I have been working with a vendor to try to put together all the different variations. . stick,12v 24v etc. They will be made in the USA.

The initial offering will be in blue ,and will include upper & lower,heater hoses,90's & straights,and all 4 charge air hoses. No definite time table for intro yet.



Bob

 

[DPinkston]

Mc Master Carr carries hoses to fit our trucks

What type of hose should one look for in the McMaster-Carr catalog? What properties, etc. ?

Danny

 

[1dslram]

DP:

Do a search for silicone coolant hose in the Mc Master catalog. The SPA Hoses are for the 24 valve only at the present and carry a tag of about $400. 00. This it too much for most of us. For radiator hoses you can get S\S ribbed or Brass ribbed chrome plated. Also available is S/S braided hoses and fittings.

Bruce

 

[LandShark]

KOwens: Yes you can spend 400 bucks on silicone, but why not just use stock OEM or similar hoses for way less money. yOU GOT 9 YEARS AND 189,000 MILES on the oem hoses. Are you looking for longer life hoses? Any complaints about the oem hoses?



I've used Gates hoses and belts for replacements on other cars and have been happy. I only have 162,000 miles on my original hoses and they are in good condition! Just my 2 cents.

 

[JohnE]

Silicone hose has draw backs, too. Every manufacturer of silicone hose specifies constant torque clamps such as Breeze, Oetiker, Clampco, or RG Ray. Silcone hose softens much more than regular rubber hose when hot. A standard clamp will not hold.

That said, silicone hose withstands much higher temps and pressure than conventional rubber hose.



On the coolant side, I will stay with OEM equivalent replacements such as gates or Dayco.