Alpha 1 Bell Housing Water Hose Installation

[qystan]

Discovered that the water hose hose is kinked. Hose was changed early this year and may have finally collapsed a couple of months back. That should explain the sudden hotter exhaust water, engine temp is still good at 150F<br /><br />The kink is behind the bell housing along the arc where it curves upwards to go around the u-joint bellow. Appears that its is too long and kink is worst with drive down, leaves only about a quarter or less.<br /><br />Need advice if the hose needs to be cut to length or used as supplied (its 14 inches long). If needs to be cut, what is the correct length? The old hose was discarded and I can't recall if I compared them.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.<br /><br />Qystan

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing Water Hose Installation

Huh. I've always used bulk hose and used the natural curve of it to fit the area. With care it works fine...

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing Water Hose Installation

I've found many of the "less expensive" heater hoses of either 5/8" or 3/4" do kink when used to replace the regular Mercruiser hose. Length also makes a difference. It's supposed to be 13 and something long. Sorry, don't remember the exact length. But if too long they will kink, especially when turned to port when trimmed down.<br />Using the natural curve of the hose is also very important, even if you use the Merc hose.

 

[qystan]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing Water Hose Installation

It is a Merc hose. It did not have the S-shape curve, just the normal arc you will see for something from a coil. It did come in the Merc packing. I may have fitted the arc into the gimbal bearing area instead of the connection to the bell housing.<br /><br />Looking at the kink and the hose position in full down, between 13 something and 14 would not have made a difference. Am going to trim it and reverse it around to figure out the correct length while waiting for the new hose. <br /><br />Changing it as-is, will probably end up in the same state.<br /><br /><br />Qystan

 

[qystan]

Re: Alpha 1 Bell Housing Water Hose Installation

As a follow-up<br /><br />I have replaced the hose. Cut it shorter by 3/4 inch. Looks much better. The curve still look a bit tight when steering is turned all the way to port.<br /><br />Thanks everyone for your help.<br /><br />qystan