Bottom Radiator Hose

[lomondbob]

Here we go. Another numpty question!! I need to determine the exact route for the DAX bottom radiator hoses/pipe on my SBC. I've looked at the threads on this one and though an answer is not given I feel DB may know the answer. As it is, it looks as if the SS section goes under the chassis cross member. This puts the water system in a rather vulnerable position. There must be a better solution. Thanks.


Bob

[craggle]

Remind again if you have the standard or the De-Dion chassis.

Craig.

[lomondbob]

Craig. Its the standard chassis. Can you help? Thanks.


Bob

[kdavies3]

You are correct the stainless pipe does run under the chassis.
I looked long and hard to find an alternative route but to no avail.
I have now covered 9500 miles without catching the pipe (touching wood), although it's lowest point of the car other than the lip of my Mcleod steel bell housing.
That's with the car set at Dax's recommended ride heights, which is pretty low.

[dave]

Ditto to Kev's post.
If you are going to hit something that is capable of tearing the bottom hose off you are going to punch a hole in your sump anyway, So unless you think you can hit a speed hump at 20mph, detect that you have knocked the bottom hose off and stop within 18"you are going to have a hole in the bottom of your engine anyway.

[craggle]

I personaly seriously disliked the idea of running it under the chassis.

I brought the dax cooling pipe kit and then fitted the bottom one in reverse. The pipe I was supplied was a 90 degree bend with one leg a lot longer than the other one. I fitted a 45 degree silicone elbow to the bottom of the Rad then joined a 90 degree pipe to that. Another 90 degree pipe fitted to the engine and the stainless pipe fitted in between. I shortened the stainless pipe by about 3 inches to get the right length. The cut off piece was used as the joiner between the 45 and the 90 degree bends on the rad. I ran a couple of welds round the cut off ends to prevent the pipe popping off once it got hot just like Dax did with the other ends.

It works great and it looks far neater than running under the chassis. It would be the lowest part of my car too if it run under the chassis and I know I have been places that have caught the bellhousing so the rad pipe would have been history long ago.

[craggle]

Not too clear in the photos but the pipe is about 1" above the brake line that runs across the chassis.

Craig.

[lomondbob]

Thanks guys that's very helpful. I like Craig's solution and will give it a shot.

By the way Craig, do you have a contact for your sticker collection? I recall some one in the Club many years ago had a few sets made up but his email address no longer works. Thanks.

[craggle]

Bob

Did you not get my PM I sent the other night? The sticker details were all on there. I can re-post if not.

Craig.

[legend]

Hi Bob, Craig is 100% right, another Thames Valley member has done the same mod after several scary moments, no more worries. Good luck Tony.