Coolant hoses

[Cock Womble 7]

The hoses on my Seven are showing their age somewhat, so I thought I'd look into replacing them.

Had a butcher's on the Caterham site and, as always, am a little perplexed by the options on offer.

Firstly, are silicon hoses "worth" the obvious premium over rubber ones?

(I must admit the magpie in me likes the colourful blue silicon ones.)

Secondly, this "package" that Caterham offer:



That isn't a complete set, is it? I haven't counted, but I'm sure mine has more than three hoses!


Advice and opinions gratefully received, as always.

Edited by Cock Womble 7 on Sunday 10th July 13:38

[snapper seven]

A few people have commented that the quality of the current CC rubber hoses are not good and do not last very long. The silicone ones will last a very long time, plus as you say look a whole lot better too.

I have silicone all round including the heater hose. A fair bit more expensive but well worth doing I think.

As a VX guy I can't comment on the CC K-series package but sure someone will be along in a mo.

Cheers
SS

[mickrick]

Have a look throug this site before you buy.
http://www.viperperformance.co.uk/index.php

Finish the job off with some nice stainless Mikalor clamps (They buff up nice on a bench polisher )

Not keen on having Caterham branded all over my car personally.

[Bahnstormer]

I've replaced my crossflow hoses with these. I didn't ever have a failure with the original ruber ones , but they did seem to perish quickly.

They seem a good 'fit & forget' idea !

[Gingerbread Man]

I have the silicone hose set. But the hoses from the water rail - heater - thermostat housing are black rubber.

[Seven Smiles]

You're right, the set Caterham sell for the K doesn't include the pipe from the water pump to the heater / water rail and the pipe they sell for that isn't long enough to reach anywhere so you'll need a metre of straight hose too.

[Ca11um]

I found these people very helpful. Kits with or without heater in a choice of colours (and several more hoses?!?)... In their 'Customers Cars' section is a couple of photos to give you an idea of what the K-series kit looks like when fitted.

[braaap]

another vote for classicsiliconehoses.com
I got a set for my 1999 K series as the CC rubber ones were badly perished. not cheap but a pleasure to deal with and they should last a long time.

[Cock Womble 7]

Ca11um said:

I found these people very helpful. Kits with or without heater in a choice of colours (and several more hoses?!?)... In their 'Customers Cars' section is a couple of photos to give you an idea of what the K-series kit looks like when fitted.

Thanks for that link.