Air comp. coolant line?

challenger440 · April 25, 2011, 12:12:37 PM

73 mc7 8v71 4spd.
The coolant line running from the engine cross over pipe to the head on the air compressor has been rubbed on to the point I'm going to change it.

But, near as I can tell, the line is a braided hard line of some sort. I don't think it is the original, it does not fit worth a darn. Dash 8 fittings on either end. I was guessing that it was just braided heater hose, but when you tap on it, it sound like metal.

So any idea's? Is it some sort of copper line? Can I replace it with a braided rubber hose? I don't want to take it off till I know what's what.

Thanks, John M.

bevans6 · April 25, 2011, 12:51:01 PM

It's around a 1" hydraulic hose, probably, chosen because it needs to have 45 degree JIC hose ends on it. Total overkill for a simple coolant line, but the compressor has the fittings so the line needs to have the fittings. If it is the right length and the end configuration works, just take it down to an industrial supply house and have them make one up for you. They may be able to make one out of softer line.

Brian

Joe Camper · April 25, 2011, 12:55:03 PM

Those are 2 piece reusable aeroquip ends.

Get some coolant compatable #8 aeroquip hose and take the exizisting hose off, seporate the reusable ends from it and put them on the new hose.

U can have a hose made up but IMO every time you replace one of these lines with reusable ends with a premade hose it both cost you more and makes any future replacement a problem if it occures out on the road.

The bus is probably loaded with these hose ends. Do a inventory of the random sizes you have get some extra hose in the various sizes to carry in spares and when you have a failure regardless of where you are you can do a repair.

The premade hose takes all that away.

artvonne · April 25, 2011, 12:56:57 PM

Now im confused. Is the AC compressor liquid cooled? I did not know that.

All the line ends around the engine compartment appear to be aeroquip type. Can we simply re-use the ends with new line?

Oh darn, question answered before I asked.

Joe Camper · April 25, 2011, 01:02:21 PM

This is the Bendix air compressor on the engine and it has a liquid cooled head.

challenger440 · April 25, 2011, 02:27:24 PM

Everything said here makes sense with one exception. When you tap on the hose with a wrench, it makes a distinct tink sound. Just like if you tap on a copper pipe.
And its stiff. Like no bend stiff.

So I figured PO must have created this. Then I checked the outlet line on the compressor. Same thing. Stiff metallic sounding hose with braided covering.

The rest of the hoses on the bus are as expected, aero quip ends with braided hoses.

And just to add drama to the project it looks like the lower fitting is cross threaded. Did you ever get the uneasy feeling when you turn one bolt and you end up with a two day project. Yikes.

John M.

gus · April 25, 2011, 03:58:19 PM

John,

Those old braid covered hoses are thick and get really hard so I can easily imagine it sounding like metal. It also probably has a metal braid between rubber layers.

That being said, my old rusty compressor outlet hose is clearly metal - almost like a flexible exhaust pipe. One of these days I'll remove it and find out just exactly what it is!

Busted Knuckle · April 25, 2011, 04:38:42 PM

Yes it can be replaced by reusing the ends and yes the hose will be SO HARD you will think it's metal. (until it snaps off while trying to take it off!)

Also on the output line don't be cheap buy the line from MCI, Bendix or whoever it has to withstand mega heat and high pressure both!

BK

challenger440 · April 25, 2011, 05:16:38 PM

Thanks everyone. Maybe I'll check w MCI and see what a new hose costs from them.

On a side note, are the cooling systems higher pressure than an automotive cooling system? jm

Busted Knuckle · April 25, 2011, 06:18:27 PM

Quote from: challenger440
On a side note, are the cooling systems higher pressure than an automotive cooling system? jm

no

eagle19952 · April 25, 2011, 08:27:54 PM

Go to an Areoquip hose vendor,(please) and learn how to rplace your own hoses. You'll be glad you did,
I bet MCI will simply sell you the parts you already have and make a new one for you.....OR
Go HERE:
http://hydraulics.eaton.com/products/pdfs/A-HOOV-MC001-E1_294-342_Accessories.pdf

PS -8 = 8..... 1/8's or 1/2 inch ID (probably single braid) (inside) hose.

Joe Camper · April 26, 2011, 04:02:28 AM

Here is some photos of aeroquip hose ends and how to remove them hope it helps

bevans6 · April 26, 2011, 05:45:47 AM

I like the shiny one better, for the $10 they cost for a pair... Bus Bling!

Seriously, the main reason I buy new hose ends is they are sure to match the hose, which may be a different type or wall thickness, and they are sure not to be pre-cross-threaded, which sometimes happens... But re-using can be perfectly fine.

Brian

Brian

Joe Camper · April 26, 2011, 06:01:00 AM

I'm with you. I thought you were suggesting replacing the reusable ends with crimped non removable ends in place of them.

I got to get some stuff done.............. tootles

challenger440 · April 26, 2011, 08:01:46 AM

Thanks everyone. Nice pics Joe camper. Napa has all the parts to make the new hose. I'm going to get new ends, keep the old for spare parts. jm

Air comp. coolant line?

artvonne