81SC Heat Backdate Hose Help

SP2 · 03-25-2007, 09:15 PM

Hello,

I am restoring my SC and I went with a backdate heat idea. My problem is I can't get the hose to bend enough for installation on the driver's side. The right side was no problem because there is a hole in the engine tin and it is a straight shot to the heat exchanger. But on the driver's side you gotta go from shroud port to tin port, and then from tin port to HE. So the driver's side has two separate short hoses. I am posting photos from both sides. I am using the stock hose which looks like aluminum on the inside and brown paper on the outside. While trying to flex the hose on the driver's side, the aluminum just tears.

What do you recommend. I know you will say more flexible hose, but do you have any specific hose brand that I can buy (soon). Thanks!

JP911 · JP911's Garage

I like to use the ducting similar to the stuff that goes from the front of the heat exchangers to the flapper boxes on the chassis. It's a fabric hose with a wire wound inside to retain its shape. I think you can buy it from Pelican, but a similar product is also available at aircraft parts/supply stores.

island911 · 03-25-2007, 10:14 PM

There's a different piece of sheetmetal, which holds the thru-pipe, a bit more forward --from the early cars.

Else, it's tough (but doable) to get the lower hose on both.

SP2 · 03-25-2007, 10:26 PM

Anyone know a good aircraft suppy store in the Seattle area? I would get from Pelican, but I would like to bolt up my engine tomorrow.

Thanks Jon and island911. Is it easy to cut the wire tubing? I guess the early car sheet metal piece must mirror the right side's?

island911 · 03-25-2007, 10:32 PM

Yes, exactly, it mirrors the right, and makes a nice straight path. You might ask JW if he has anymore of those pieces for sale. (that's where I got mine.)

IIRC, back when I had to make that tough lower bend, I either dropped one SSi, or lifted the sheetmetal. --anyway, if you can get the hose on, it will flex easlily enough to make the S-bend when pulled together..

tahoe_snow · 03-25-2007, 10:45 PM

I'm starting on the heater backdate for my 3.2. I'm at a loss at where to get the engine tin. Basically the same problem that is in the first picture. Is it only available used?

island911 · 03-25-2007, 11:01 PM

As far as I know, used is the way to go. I imagine that someone somewhere makes a CF 'tin'.

If you're good with sheetmetal, you can make a nice flanged hole yourself. oh, and for the thru pipe not used, use a cap from a spray paint can to close it off . ..keep mice out.

tahoe_snow · 03-25-2007, 11:14 PM

Hmm. I was hoping for more of a plug and play solution. Where should I look for it used?

KFC911 · 03-26-2007, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tahoe_snow
I'm starting on the heater backdate for my 3.2. I'm at a loss at where to get the engine tin. Basically the same problem that is in the first picture. Is it only available used?

Here's was my approach for a stock Carrera (i.e. you don't need to replace engine tin, only the left hand side hot air duct):

Gratuitous pics of Carrera heater backdate...

SP2 · 03-26-2007, 06:55 AM

Thanks Keith. Your engine tin is a little different than mine. The 81SC thru pipe is more to the left and goes straight up and down. It looks like my solution will first be an attempt with more flexible pipe so I can use my current sheet metal. I don't want to look for a piece of old sheet metal at this point. I gotta get this car done.

Keith, on your photo of your engine mount I see that you put your big concave washer concave down. I thought it was supposed to go concave up, like a bowl.

KFC911 · 03-26-2007, 07:17 AM

Hi James, You are correct, that my solution is only applicable for a Carrera and not the earlier cars. As far as the big concave washer goes, I'm pretty sure mine had never been removed (I even snapped my crossmember in the process) on my car (< 50K miles at the time), and I replaced them back the same way I removed them. I too think I have seen them both ways, but I'll defer to the experts.

Mysterytrain · 03-26-2007, 07:22 AM

You need to buy a section of engine tin for the drivers side. Part number 16 in the drawing below. It is a mirror image of the one you have on the passenger side, part 17.

Then once the hose is re-routed you need to cover the old opening in the tin.

JP911 · JP911's Garage

To be clear, replacing the engine tin with the old part is not absolutely necessary for heater function, but it is the "right" way to do the job.

Mysterytrain · 03-26-2007, 05:08 PM

That looks like a very nice engine rebuild. It would seem foolish to cut corners on a 3 dollar part..ok, used...new its likely to cost several hundred.

SP2 · 03-26-2007, 10:18 PM

Hello. I came up with a solution. John Walker didn't have the tin part. I went to National Aviation at Boeing Field locally and bought some 2.5 inch SCAT tubing. Super flexible. The hard part was cutting the wire until my friend Tony told me to just use my Dremel. Photos of left top and bottom tubing. Engine ready to go. Engine bolted in tonight after work. Thanks for your help guys!