mgf - mgtf silicon coolant system hoses

[frodomodo]

My 1998 MGf VVc developed a leak in a coolant hose. I thought I'd replace it with a silicon one, only to discover that no-one makes them! After much research, I spoke to a hose manufacturer who is happy to make slilicon hoses to order; however, the outlay costs mean that a minimum run of Twenty sets per production run would be required to make it viable. If anyone else wants silicon hoses for their cars, let me know and once we have the required number I will get the whole thing underway. (just Pm me here and I will keep everyone informed to the running total). thanks, Frodo.

[Geoff.F]

We cannot show any interest without knowing what pipes would be involved and the cost, particularly as a multiple of the OEM pipes.
As OEM are good for ten years, will we be keeping our cars for 10 X this multiple ??.
Any chain is as strong as it's weakest link. There is no point in upgrading anything but all the pipes and clamps.
Geoff.F

[Steve White]

I know of another owner who has also contacted a silicone hose manufacturer with regards getting a hose kit suitable for a 2004 TF160 into production. This was as a result of discovering several of the OEM hoses were now unobtainable new.

It did highlight an issue in that there are a few different hose configurations used on the F and TF. So IMO you need to be more specific about what hoses you intend to get made, as it will determine which F/TF variants they will fit.
There are at least 2 different configurations for the thermostat pipework for example.

Personally “I’m out”, not because I don’t like the idea of getting silicone hoses made, because I do, but because I know a hose kit ’98 VVC F wont fit my 2005 TF160.

[frodomodo]

I take all your points. I am simply trying to corral interest in getting silicon hoses. Certainly I would be wanting to do the full set. I can't be definitive on the price, except to say that the conversations I've had with the hose company have been on the assumption that it would be 'competitive' i.e in line with hose sets for other vehicles. And as for there being variants, I think there are three set-ups but the company I'm talking to seem very helpful and I'm sure they could incorporate those into a bulk deal. At this stage, all I'm looking for is statements of intent. Let's put our names down, see how many we can get ( for each variant ) and go from there.

[AndyG]

Yes very interested.

[frodomodo]

ok that's a start!!!

[Canalsman]

I'm interested for my 2004 TF 160 - subject to cost.

[Fastal]

I would be interested also depending on cost 1999 vvc

[frodomodo]

Update - That's four interesteds so far 3 Fs and 1 TF

[Rob Bell]

Would be interested in PRT set up

[David Clelland]

I know a few people that have fitted silicon hoses to their Fs and TFs and every one of them have had problems with leaks. In fact I'm sure that's what caused one of them to have a HGF. I'll just stick with the rubber ones.

I don't know if he still sells them but Mike Satur used to stock silicon hoses.

[frodomodo]

I cannot belive what you're saying. Silicon hoses have better flow characteristics and are more durable to heat, pressure and weathering than rubber. That's why they are an upgrade material. That being the case, why should they contribute to causing HGF? - and with silcon hoses being fitted to every other marque, why should MGf/tf be uniquely cursed with this bad luck? Don't believe it. Tell you what, can you find out where these hoses came from? After all, that's what this thread is all about - sourcing silicon hose!!!

[mgtfnut]

I cannot belive what you're saying. Silicon hoses have better flow characteristics and are more durable to heat, pressure and weathering than rubber. That's why they are an upgrade material. That being the case, why should they contribute to causing HGF? - and with silcon hoses being fitted to every other marque, why should MGf/tf be uniquely cursed with this bad luck? Don't believe it. Tell you what, can you find out where these hoses came from? After all, that's what this thread is all about - sourcing silicon hose!!!

Good points made here, silicon hoses are obviously better, but as Geoff says the one you don't change (like a heater hose behind the dash ) is the one which is going to fail and negate the cost of fitting superior hoses elsewhere - apart from the obvious coolant loss.

I guess the hoses at the front which run a bit cooler and have less external radiant heat will last the longest, while the engine compartment is a danger zone for coolant hoses.

[frodomodo]

Given the chance, I would hope to replace every hose.

[frodomodo]

Were up to five interesteds 3 f's 1 f with prt and 1tf.

[mgtfnut]

I'd be interested, although I've got a partial OEM TF160 set and some alterations to the engine campartment hoses.

Pic/mix?

[frodomodo]

Let's add you to the list: 6 interesteds so far.