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V8 Formula
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MAY 30, 02:27 PM
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Hi all, I've searched the archives for info on crimped tubes and came up with some good answers and solutions. But my question specifically is, is it possible to un-crimp a tube by putting a c-clamp on the sides and tightening down to sort of open the tube back up a bit? Anyone try this before? I just found that my driver's side tube is crimped by a PO and the rubber hose leading to the engine compartment is pushed up and touching the cradle. I'm not talking long term, but I would like to just get a little more flow in the tube until I can replace the pipe or replace the crimped section. Thanks.
Rick Stewart
Yellow 5-spd Formula[This message has been edited by V8 Formula (edited 05-30-2019).]
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Tony Kania
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MAY 30, 02:41 PM
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No. I could imagine a good fab guy could straighten it out a bit with a lot of heat, but basically no.
Differing opinions will come in. Take mine for what you will. 
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olejoedad
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MAY 30, 03:15 PM
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I've used a vise and a pry bar to open up crimped tubes with the tube out of the car.
You've got to be careful, stainless steel work hardens very quickly and will split.
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Mickey_Moose
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MAY 30, 05:19 PM
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If you are look at replacing it, I would leave it as it is to avoid creating a problem as mentioned above.
That being said, if it is "rubbing" on the cradle you may want to address it somewhat to prevent (more) damage to it from the rubbing. 
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Will
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MAY 30, 05:28 PM
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The only real way to fix a crimped tube is to mark it, cut it at the crimp, swage the cross sections round again, then weld it back together using the prior marks to align the pieces. [This message has been edited by Will (edited 05-30-2019).]
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V8 Formula
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MAY 30, 06:26 PM
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Thanks for the advice fellers, that's about what I expected.
| quote | Originally posted by Mickey_Moose:
If you are look at replacing it, I would leave it as it is to avoid creating a problem as mentioned above.
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I need to drive about 80 miles to get to Carlisle in June. I don't want to touch anything if I don't have to as every time I fix something I find something else that's broken or half-assed. Can I drive with the tube crimped , mostly on the highway without putting undue back-pressure on already old hoses and the water pump?
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Gall757
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MAY 30, 06:54 PM
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Heat up the car so the radiator fan goes on. Then take it on a little 10 mile trip in stop and go traffic. If nothing goes wrong with that, you are good for the interstate.
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theogre
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MAY 30, 08:44 PM
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clamping to straighten will make More problems and even destroy them.
Even "Minor" bending often causes big headaches.
See my Cave, Crushed Pipe
Cut tube at crush zone.
Expand to open.
Splice w/ straight rubber hose and 4 clamps.
If one part of pipe can move around you much stop and support this section to lock it down.
W/o locking both sides... The SS tube doesn't have blowout bumps and near impossible to make here like other joints and just a little loose clamps simply slide off under system pressure well before it would leak at other joints.
Could weld but most people can't weld thin parts w/o blowing holes or leaking after cooling.
ETA---> Exhaust pipe expanders might help some once to get the open big to use them. Can get if free thru AZ loaner tools w/ deposit you get back when you return it.
------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)
The Ogre's Fiero Cave[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 05-30-2019).]
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V8 Formula
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MAY 30, 09:50 PM
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Thank you Gall. Last time I did that it overheated and I ended up replacing the heater core! I thought I had every thing worked out in the coolant system, but as I was running a backup camera wire, I noticed my coolant pipe is crushed. SMDH- it's no wonder the PO had to replace a head gasket and ended up selling it! It's OK, I'm determined to get this classic little beauty road worthy!
Thanks Ogre, great idea about epoxying a ring on the pipe so it doesn't blow out. Is there a particular type of epoxy that will work even if coolant gets on it?
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msweldon
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MAY 30, 10:04 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Will:
The only real way to fix a crimped tube is to mark it, cut it at the crimp, swage the cross sections round again, then weld it back together using the prior marks to align the pieces.
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A competent muffler/exhaust shop should have no problem welding the then stainless
http://steventsnyder.com/ca...y/cars/fiero/page/2/
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