hadyn Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Hi all, I think the stock rubber heater sender hose which I've blocked off in this pic on the right, has sprung a slight leak: My question is, what is securing this hose to the block? I cant seem to see any form of clamp or clip when I put my hands around it. Does it just pull off or is it actually secured to the engine in some way? Your advice will be gratefully received as I dont want to start pulling at this pipe and damaging something... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedrosixfour Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 It's (should be) a spring clip bud, of the most stubborn design. I'd say the only way to get that one would be a very good quality (grippy) snipe-nosed pliers. i.e. very long and slender jaws, straight will suffice but possibly with a 45 degree kick to them would be better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 If its the one with the hex head in, its secured on the back of the head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadyn Posted August 21, 2009 Author Share Posted August 21, 2009 i think i can feel the spring clip at the back - how much of a bitch is this to remove and reinstall? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 i think i can feel the spring clip at the back - how much of a bitch is this to remove and reinstall? Bit of a PITA, but can be done. Some helping hands would be advised How come you have it blocked off? Are you aware that's a bad idea? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevansio Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Bit of a PITA, but can be done. Some helping hands would be advised How come you have it blocked off? Are you aware that's a bad idea? I thought blocking off was the preferred solution? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadyn Posted August 21, 2009 Author Share Posted August 21, 2009 was advised by multiple people on here that it is the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 I thought blocking off was the preferred solution? was advised by multiple people on here that it is the best Could have got this wrong, but I always understood it was best to place a narrower gauge link between the two so that not all water flow was forced through the block (i.e. sort of replicating the stock coolant flow levels). There's been a few cars that have blown their HG's while running these blocked off, so the assumption was that it could be caused by the heater matrix bypass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadyn Posted August 21, 2009 Author Share Posted August 21, 2009 i was told that linking the pipes could blow a hg... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 Could have got this wrong, but I always understood it was best to place a narrower gauge link between the two so that not all water flow was forced through the block (i.e. sort of replicating the stock coolant flow levels). There's been a few cars that have blown their HG's while running these blocked off, so the assumption was that it could be caused by the heater matrix bypass. Has been debated a few times and no real consensus has happened. I'm a fan of the blocking off or at the very least a restriction. Bear in mind the original matrix valve will just shut it down. The few that I've heard of with blown HG's have always just been joined with a bit of pipe with no restriction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky-Ricky Posted August 21, 2009 Share Posted August 21, 2009 I really cant see how bypassing the heater matrix can cause a head gasket to go, in fact it doesn't make any sense, no flow or full flow, which in effect is what the heater control does, can in no way influence the cooling system,(unless you already have an overheating problem) as the thermostat an rad control the overall engine temp, and the matrix is just a sub flow to the main circuit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Sorry guys, I got it all wrong above The issue is caused when the pipe is linked together without restriction rather than limited or no restriction. Feeling rather embarrassed now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadyn Posted August 22, 2009 Author Share Posted August 22, 2009 Dont be embarrased Homer, we're all human beings on here (well most of us anyway ) and humans do indeed make mistakes from time to time.. Now any tips on removing and refitting this pipe please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadyn Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 bump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Have a word with Wez, we spoke about it a while back and removing all the pipework that wasn't need, I can't seem to find the thread where we covered it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Its not that easy to get to mate I had to use a remote control pair of grippers borrowed off a mate, then took hours of attempts to get the clip off. I even considered cutting the clip off with a dremel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 It's a bastard of job. The spring clips take some serious pressure to get them opened up. I found I could get to the clip with some long nosed pliers but I couldn't get adequate power/leverage to hold the clip open long enough to pull the pipe off with my spare hand. I think I eventually closed the clip with pliers just enough, and just long enough, to get some mole grips clamped on it. And then it's still a struggle to pull the pipe off! Just the rubber hose on its own has some serious grip on the pipe. Just take your time and try not to get annoyed with it (easier said than done in my case). You'll get there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadyn Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Thanks Jake and Rob. Its a pretty tasty leak now as its drained a lot of water from my rad now I hope its a loose cracked hose - the outlet isnt likely to crack or break is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevansio Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 IIRC, on mine, one of those clips (ones onto heater matrix side) had an outer clip on too (bit like a double clip) which was a particular buggar to get off, I did it in the end by removing the outer clip first ('bout an hour with various tools & bleeding hands at end), then removing the sprung clip was easier HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadyn Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Is this outer clip the plastic type wrap that is around the pipe?? This wrap is broke on mine now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadyn Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Also, once its off is it just as hard to get back on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevansio Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 No it was metal. You know the standard metal type, like an O with 2 tabs on that you use pliers to grip to open, now imagine a C clip that goes over the O, basically making it even harder to open the O, it was like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hadyn Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Are these pipes known to fail or could it be down to the build up in pressure of having it blocked off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Are these pipes known to fail or could it be down to the build up in pressure of having it blocked off? The pressure in the pipes would be no different, should be around 0.9bar if you are running a standard rad cap. Given their age, I wouldn't be too surprised if they are getting weak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky-Ricky Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 They are a pain to get off, but i can't remember having such a bad time with mine, i took all of the pipework off and junked the spring clips in favour of stainless hose clips, and i also got rid of the std metal pipes, and made up some rubber (but with metal inside to form them) and got the whole lot looking really tidy, so you can't really notice them any more, will try and take some pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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