thinner and silicon hoses

[rrubel]

A quick question for the engine gurus.

I'm replacing some of my hoses with red silicon ones. It was impossible to get the identical sizes I needed for everywhere; the darned engine must have 6 different ID's.

Question #1. How much pressure will silicon hoses take before bursting? These are RS Akimoto (yes, rice, but all that was available locally and they're actually from California...) and while they claim good to 350 degrees there's nothing about PSI ratings. I intend to use one for the rear coolant line that goes from the heater core to the back of the intake manifold. It's under pressure, but probably not any more than the rest of the coolant lines - what, 25 psi?

Question #2. Is it OK to replace some of the hoses with slightly-smaller ID ones? The PCV valve hose, for example. It's something like 3/8ths ID, but the closest hose I could get was somewhere around 1/4. The hose is stretchy, and fits just fine over the various nipples, but is narrower... will this be an issue? I also noticed that since the silicon is slicker than the rubber, a hose with the same-size ID will not hold itself in place via friction, and either requires the smaller diameter or a hose clamp.

Thanks.
[RICHR]

 

[bill5674]

Hey Richr, We use silicon hoses all the time on diesel rigs all the time .Very high temp very long lasting, pressure will not be any problem .Don`t see where that hose size will make a difference, But if you suddenly get a driveability issue you know where to look.

 

[FX GS]

I'm replacing some of my hoses with red silicon ones.
These are RS Akimoto (yes, rice, but all that was available locally and they're actually from California...) [RICHR]

RICHR, where are you obtaining these from?

 

[rrubel]

A local sport-compact shop called HP Racing, but Summit Racing sells them online as well.
[RICHR]

 

[FX GS]

A local sport-compact shop called HP Racing, but Summit Racing sells them online as well.[RICHR]

I found their web site and checked them out

 

[plumcrazy]

got mine at a&a autoparts here in pa. should be one near you fxgs. they are a keystone autoparts store. think 40.00 or so for the whole kit.

 

[rrubel]

FWIW, I got a response from RS Akimoto today to my question about using their hoses for coolant. Apparently the "standard" set of silicon hoses is NOT for anything liquid; however, they sell a high-pressure version direct (ie, not through any reseller) that was designed for coolant. I'll give them a call and ask about it.
[RICHR]

 

[FX GS]

got mine at a&a autoparts here in pa. should be one near you fxgs. they are a keystone autoparts store. think 40.00 or so for the whole kit.

Thanx, there is actually one of these part house just a few miles from me