I recently replaced the upper radiator hose with the aluminum pipe. I noticed the nipple where the small coolant line (also newly replaced) plugs in was machined on the ID where the o-ring seals, but not on the OD, where the clip engages to keep the line in place. Today as I was doing some heat runs to bed my brakes, that line popped off. It was spewing coolant when I opened the hood. I burned my finger plugging it back in, but was able to limp home having to stop a few times to let things cool down. I have rigged up 3 zip ties now to help hold that clip on, but I don't like that solution. Thinking I might use some heat shrink tape, I just don't trust that clip alone now. Has anyone else had an issue with the coolant line staying clipped on the aluminum pipe?

 

I'd use safety wire rather than anything plastic...

 

Decided to wrap it in 4 tight stretches of normal electrical tape, and then put a zip tie around the whole thing. I pulled on it pretty hard and it stayed engaged, so we'll see how it goes. May keep some water in the car for a while until I build up some trust.

 

Are you saying replacing the original failure prone plastic coolant pipe with the aluminum one just creates /shift the failure point to new location so you are actually no better off ???

any photos ??

 

My fitting popped out, but no one else has posted that they have had the same issue. The part isn't broken, so the failure mode is different. If my "belt and suspenders" rigging on the clip works, I'm happier with the state of affairs with the aluminum pipe in place. Except for the OD where the clip attaches the aluminum part is a quality piece. I don't understand why they didn't machine the OD as well, it would add less than a minute of machining time.

 

Here's a photo of what I did to ensure the clip would stay in place, holding the hose in place: