I needed to replace the coolant return pipe - the one that connects the expansion tank to the supercharger manifold. Sourced the correct part (£26) but could I get the connector to go over the spigot on the supercharger manifold? No I couldn't!

I could get the plastic insert and 2 rubber o-rings inside the spigot but just could not get the clips to engage and ended up fracturing the connector at the elbow

I've managed a decent lash up and ordered another pipe.

Is there some special tool/technique required to get these connectors on? I noticed a sprinkling of them throughout the engine bay.

Steve

 

Have you converted the Miata to a monster miata yet?

 

Is it this type of Norma Clip giving you trouble?



If so, there is a special tool but a pair of pliers works just as well.



1. squeeze the two 'shoulders' arrowed in red together to release
2. squeeze the two 'shoulders' arrowed in blue together to close

The factory use these because they are quick to fit and give a constant pressure unlike worm drive (Jubilee Clips) which can easily be overtightened and shatter plastic cooling system components.

Graham

 

Hi Graham
No, I can/have sorted those. The one that screwed me up connects the small bore plastic pipe to the top of the supercharger manifold. There is a central plastic spigot with 2 rubber O rings - this pushes into the centre of the manifold spigot. The problem is that it is secured by an integral plastic clip that pushes over a notch on the outside of the spigot and I just cannot get it in far enough to engage.
The photo shows my "lash up" repair. The green arrow points to where the offending connector/clip goes but I have had to make do with pushing a piece of hose over and using a jubilee clip. I can't find a photo of the part but this link to eBay shows a pipe with the connector I mean JAGUAR XJ8 X308 1997-2002 COOLANT TANK HOSE PIPE | eBay
Steve

 

Did you lubricate the O-rings with soap to reduce assembly friction.

 

Indeed I did. I could get the 2 O rings into the spigot but the clips just would not engage - almost like the connector was too long.

 

Just heard from the Jag parts supplier that there is indeed a special tool that is Jaguar only!

 

What you find sometimes is there is a piece of the old pipe stuck inside and you have to dig it out, you should see clearly right through..... I do occasionally get stubborn ones and I use a large pair of pipe grips to help push the last bit on

 

Thanks for this - must admit I didn't inspect inside the spigot for old pipe debris

 

I broke mine too, I just went to auto zone and replaced the hard plastic hose with flexible hose and an elbow.

 

That's just what I have now done by using a 15 mm - 10mm copper converter. It's leak-free but I just hate "lash ups" when I know the OEM connector should be there (not very Zen and the art of MM)

Steve

 

Yup those hoses become pretty brittle, mine broke while cleaning the engine, as a designer I say what should i put next to alot of heat, plastic (or form of). I understand weight/cost issue in mfg but still, then again anything 10 + may have a shelf life.

 

Just spoken with my trusty mechanic (had to drop some bits in for the Mazda) - anyway he reckons don't need a special tool and will fit pipe gratis