Scale Radiator Hose

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Does anyone have a source for scale radiator hose, I’m looking for 3/16″ ID and preferably a wall thickness of less than 1mm as it is a 1/5th scale engine. I have tested the water pump with clear aquarium air hose but one it looks wrong being clear and two its a bit thick as you can see.

 

Model Engine Builder recently had an article on using a thermoplastic hose called “Santoprene” but from what I have Googled the 3/16″ bore has a 1/16″ wall thickness. I know Blackgates and Bruce do silicon tube but from what I recall they are quite thick walled as well. I seem to remember having a black fuel line at one time on an RC car but don’t remember where it came from.

 

Anyone got a source.

 

Thank, Jason

[Les Jones 1Participant @lesjones1]

Hi Jason,

One possibility is the tubing used for drip irrigation systems. The wall thickness is about 0.6mm and the bore about 4mm (0.157″) and it is black in colour. I do not know if it will be suitable for use around 100 Deg C. I will try putting some in boiling water tomorrow.

Les

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Thanks Les its a possibility, hopefully the Hit & Miss engine won’t be running that hot maybe just enough to show a bit of steam so 55-60deg.

 

I have just found a bit of that black fuel line (was on a helicopter not a car) but although it looks perfect with a slightly textured matt black finish at 3mm bore its too stretched out to look right

 

J

[Jeff DaymanParticipant @jeffdayman43397]

Jason, you might look for car windshield washer hose, and sand down the OD. It does come in 3/16″ ID black neoprene or EPDM rubber, both of which will be fine for hot water.

 

If you put short lengths of it over a suitable wire mandrel in the lathe and use a Dremel with a sanding drum in the lathe toolpost it can be reduced on the OD in a few minutes. Do cover up your slides and bed though, it will thow rubber bits everywhere.

 

Don’t know where you can find gear type hose clamps to suit though, but wire ones close to scale could be bent up.

 

JD

[Les Jones 1Participant @lesjones1]

Hi Jason,

I tried putting some of the irrigation tube in almost boiling water. It became very soft so I do not think it will serve your purpose.

 

Les.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Thanks Jeff & Les

 

I’ll have a look under a few car bonets to see if there is a bit of slack I can use.

 

Another thing I’m going to try is electrical sleeving, like the green/yellow sleeve but in black.

 

J

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