Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)
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    • #2519
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      Keymaster

      As your bus nears the 10-year mark, it’s a good idea to start replacing your hoses if you haven’t already.

      The picture shows a hose that Liberty Coach typically installs to supply engine coolant to the hot water heater jacket. This hose is about 10 feet long, starting from a quarter-turn ball valve on the engine (left side), running over the drive axle, and ending at a copper pipe above the right rear tag axle.

      If this hose fails, it’s not an easy fix. As seen, the dry rot cracking becomes evident with even slight pressure. It’s likely that all original hoses (except for the silicone ones) are in similar condition. This particular hose is in a spot that is prone to excessive heat.

      #2521
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Thanks for the tip Paul, looks like another project coming up. You going to Silicone hose?

      JIM

      #2522
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Jim,

      I could only find silicone hose in 3-foot lengths without placing a special order. To avoid dealing with multiple spliced connections, I replaced this hose with marine-grade reinforced exhaust hose, which is the original material. I expect this replacement to last another 10 years.

      While I was at it, I also replaced the coolant and filter.

      #2523
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Paul, I found this hose at McMaster-Carr. Is the correct size listed?

      Check the second item, High Temp Coolant Hose, available by the foot up to 12′ long.

      http://www.mcmaster.com/#radiator-hose/=d6eew3

      JIM

      #2524
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Looks good to me, Jim. My original was the green stripe hose….

      #2525
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Paul,

      How deep were the cracks in the picture? I notice a heat blanket near the hose. Typically, the outside finish on heavy-duty hoses is mostly cosmetic, a thin wrap for appearance. The inner rubber compounds provide the heavy-duty service needed for the application.

      That said, if you see cracks, replacement is definitely needed. A smooth outer finish can be helpful when installing through tubes, etc.

       

      #2526
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      I replaced all the coolant hoses with silicone over this past Easter. It was a big job but well worth it. The peace of mind knowing the system is solid is greatly appreciated. It took three long days and left me with lots of cuts and bruises on my arms. IMPORTANT: Use the correct clamps—at a minimum, lined barrel clamps or T-clamps. I was able to purchase lengths of silicone hose through Green Line Hose (here in Canada), in sizes 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, and 2″. The project included not just the engine but all coolant hoses in the Webasto system as well.

      I’m getting there with my vintage of coach—last year it was all new air springs and most of the Norgren valves, and this year it was the coolant lines and all eight tires.

      #2527
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Once I stressed the hose by bending it, the cracks were close to 1/32″ deep.

      It was a real eye-opener. Before bending it, the hose looked “fine.”

      In the event of a failure, I believe this hose, in particular, could be isolated to stop the leak. However, the resultant discharge of coolant wouldn’t be pleasant to deal with, especially if it happened on the road, at night, and in the rain.

      #2528
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      Here is another thread worth revisiting. Liberty uses Gates green stripe hose all over them.

      Since I guided Paul to this, I’ve replaced similar hoses on two other Liberty coaches—one as a preventive measure and another while on the road.

      These hoses are also used for the flexible coolant lines in the generator bay.

      #2529
      MyPrevost
      Keymaster

      My hose of choice for this application is Goodyear Hi-Miler heater hose. Check its temperature range and burst pressure. Truck parts places will often sell it by the foot. Otherwise, it’s sold in 6-foot or 50-foot rolls.

       

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