Silicon Radiator Hoses

[LandyDude]

G'day

Being always on the lookout for how to improve reliability for that next outback trip in Arthur, I've seen these silicon hoses pop up on eBay plenty of times :

Land Rover Series 1 - 3 2.25 silicone Radiator Hose kit - eBay Other Performance Parts, Performance Parts, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 06-Jan-10 13:13:16 AEDST)

Whilst I don't really need new hoses at the moment since I changed them only a few months back, it would be interesting to hear if others out there have put these on (or similar) and of their experience. I don't know much about the benefits of silicon hoses or even if they are worth thinking about on a IIA.

Thanks

[Wolfman_TWP]

I'd be interested in knowing the answer to that question also??!!... Pity these only seem to be available from China.. IF, they are good, it would also be interesting to see, if any resellers here in Australia have them available..

Wolf

[peterg1001]

They're available in Supercheap, in a variety of sizes.

Peter

[incisor]

one of the systems supporters, SamcoXDB supplies silicon hoses etc,

[Wolfman_TWP]

So as LandyDude asked... Are they any good, and what are their benefits??

Wolf

[isuzurover]

So as LandyDude asked... Are they any good, and what are their benefits??

Wolf

In theory, silicone hoses:

(1) Last longer
(2) Stay flexible throughout their life (i.e. don't harden like rubber)
(3) Are more resistant to high temperatures, oils and solvents

That said, I don't think I would ever bother with silicone rad hoses unless they were very cheap.

[Johnno1969]

I don't know if they're worth it of not. I have had the same rubber hoses on my vehicle for nine years now, and they are in perfect condition. I've just changed the coolant a few times and kept an eye on them. Unless silicon hoses are that much cheaper or that much better than rubber ones, I couldn't really see the point. I always carry a spare set anyway....

[isuzurover]

I don't know if they're worth it of not. I have had the same rubber hoses on my vehicle for nine years now, and they are in perfect condition. I've just changed the coolant a few times and kept an eye on them. Unless silicon hoses are that much cheaper or that much better than rubber ones, I couldn't really see the point. I always carry a spare set anyway....

Exactly. I have never blown a rad hose. I check them regularly and carry spares.

I have silicone hoses on the intake of my 4BD1T, and deperately need a silicone hose for my turbo oil drain though (standard hoses just can't cope). I also have silicone heater hoses, though only because they were cheap (and they are often neglected... Mine are 10 years old and still like new... Silicone hoses are basically fit and forget.

[LandyDude]

Thanks for the all the reponses so far.

My estimate is that a full set of 3 regular rubber hoses will set you back about $50. The silicone ones advertised on eBay are $99 (+ $25 freight) which I don't know if this is reasonable or comparable with other rubber vs. silicone hoses prices.

Twice the price might seem reasonable if they last more than twice as long and give a little more peace of mind that they won't fail at an inappropriate moment. Of course you'd still always keep a spare set in the toolbox.

[isuzurover]

Personally I would be slightly dubious of these no-brand silicone hoses on ebay.

All the silicone hoses I have bought to-date came from places like QLD Diesel Spares, Truckline and Engine Protection Equipment. They were all branded, and from major manufacturers (and usually with temperature and pressure ratings on them).