Anyone know what the Pressure Ratings are (in PSI) for Fiero Radiator Hoses? I'm replacing some of the hose sleeves near the T'stat outlet and wheel well. So far, the "Macarco" High Pressure Hose sounds like it would last the longest.
Also, would anyone have info on the 10 year hoses used by some of the new cars. It seems that I heard favorable news on their durability some time ago. Anyone use them?

I'm not sure what the ratings for the hoses are but the coolant system is spec'ed at 15lbs and is controlled by the radiator cap. If you increase the pressure, I'm not sure how long the radiator, heater core etc will last. Are you trying to increase past the production pressure?

I'm only installing a second fill point in my V8. The high point of the system is at the t'stat outlet and there was never one put in by the installer. I wanted to use the best quality hoses for any replacements that I might need. My intention is to use the radiator cap at 15 lbs aand aa second cap near the T'stat at 16 lbs. Sorry bout the late response.

Can't help you much on cap choices for somthing like that... Seems to me you'd be best off to take the Fiero rear fill neck and use it to fabricate the needed hardware. that would let you use a Fiero rear fill cap.

Pressure rating on the line material isn't really an issue for what you're doing. All coolant hose is tested well above the rating of standard pressure caps.

For longest line life, You should be looking more at what material the lining is made from. Coolant hoses tend to "wear" more from the inside than the outside.

Check out the articles at www.gates.com as a start. There are also articles at www.motorage.com and/or www.motor.com on the topic of hoses. (You'll have to dig. I don't have any better links handy)

The most critical thing is that the concentration of the coolant is correct. 50% mix is recomended for most applications.

Next is that all the ground straps are good on the car. IF there's a strap missing/bad then the coolant may end up trying to make up for it. That problem can quickly cause all kinds of damage to the cooling system. (The ground strap between the block and body is not an option.)

------------------
11-Sept-01, The day the world as we knew it ended.

Ogre,
Thanks for the Links. I'lle check 'em. I always try to get a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol. You made a good point of assuring good grounds thruout the engine and frame etc. I periodically check for a good accessory ground.

After engine changes/conversions it's even more important, at least initially, to make sure all grounds are present and accounted for. The braided one is commonly damaged or left off. (That's the one that usually goes to the right hinge in most OE fiero.)

Ogre,
Its funny that you should mention the passenger side braided strap to the hinge, cause I checked and it was not there. Its on my 'to do" list as soon as I pick up the strap. thanks

[This message has been edited by Bazooka (edited 01-29-2002).]

Thinking of which... don't put the new strap on the hinge like GM did... lazy _____s... The hinge adds layers of dirt and paint to the circuit. (I'll move mine next chance I get... already have a new strap. have to do little jobs like fix the sewer for the house first.... It's been one of those days.)

Drill a fresh hole if needed in the side of the frame that the hinge is on or anywhere else you want to mount it. You'll get a better ground. Don't forget to scrape away the paint and grease it with dielectric compound to prevent corrosion. (Gotta love those silicone oils. resists about everything but direct application of pressure washers.)