Pre-formed vs. Standard Hose

[yorab]

I'm replacing all hoses on my 1963 75hp Starflite during my rebuild. Some need replaced and some not so much. But, since I'm rebuiliding I figure, "why not?" The cylinder head-to-thermostat housing hoses are pre-formed. It looks like it'll be $40-$50 to replace those two hoses. Could I use standard hoses from an auto parts store that is rated for hot water? I could get the hose for less than $2 from there. Thanks.

 

[yorab]

Re: Pre-formed vs. Standard Hose

By the way, it has been brought to my attention that there is a risk of hose kinking if I don't use the pre-formed hoses. Has anybody used hoses that were not pre-formed?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Pre-formed vs. Standard Hose

Are those the real short ones from the thermostat box to the head? If so, I think I used some standard automotive heater hose, when I replaced mine in the 70s.

Do you think you will be able to find the OEM hoses, in this day and age?

 

[yorab]

Re: Pre-formed vs. Standard Hose

Yes, it is the short hoses from the t-stat housing. Maybe 10 inches in total. I found one of the hoses for sure and I think that I have a lead on the other. However, the cost for both hoses ends up being about $60 per foot after shipping. Too much. There is a hose manufacturer in Pittsburgh that does custom hoses. I might call them to see if they can put a bend into a hose for me. That way, I don't have to worry about kinking. I just don't know much about hose forming. They may need to build tooling first for the bends which would again put the price out of range.

 

[F_R]

Re: Pre-formed vs. Standard Hose

You may get the one on without kinking, but lotsa-luck on the S-curved one.

Edit: check the price of the plastic thermostat housing. The one you are going to break the nipple off of as you try to cram that hose in there.

 

[yorab]

Re: Pre-formed vs. Standard Hose

I found some decent replacement hoses from Advance Auto. They are water bypass hoses made by Dayco. I used Dayco #71624 for the starboard side and #71692 for the port side. The Dayco #71624 had a nice S-curve that fit the application very well. I had to cut to length both of the hoses, but the fit was good and I didn't have to worry about breaking off the thermostat housing connectors. I randomly searched through the preformed hoses that Advance had until I found the two hoses that had a good shape and were still supple. I noticed that some of their hoses were a bit stiffer than others. Could be that some are a bit older than others, but I'm not sure. It was much, much cheaper than OEM hoses.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Pre-formed vs. Standard Hose

Your approach may be the answer for a lot of people trying to keep these great old motors going. I know it applies to my 1968 Johnson 100. After you get some run-time on your motor and declare the hoses "a victory", the Moderators should make this thread a "Sticky". Good luck!