intercooler pipe problems

[John_GST]

I have a 96 eclipse gst and i have put a T04b turbo. Ever since i have put the turbo on I have had problems with the pipes staying on. I have a hard pipe kit and have the stock intercooler still on also. I have tried tighting the hose clamps numerous times but the pipes seem to always blow off once the car starts to get into 14-15 psi. I have tried watching the boost gauge for boost creep but haven't seen any. Could that still be the problem? any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John_GST

P.S.
the pipes always blow off on either the J-pipe or right above the intercooler. Not sure if that matters but it might. thanks again for any help.

 

[B-lackGSX99]

I had the same problem, but once I put on better clamps it never happened to me again. The band clamps that you've probably got on there are terrible for the PSI you're pushing, the silicone sleeves can be quite slippery. I suggest you go with a good t-bolt clamp, they should be able to hold upwards of PSI's in the 20's. Plus, if you can, make sure that the ends of your piping are beaded...that little lip really helps the clamps hold on. Good luck!


Edit: I remember them only costing about $3 each...but you should replace all your IC clamps (once one is strengthened, it's just gonna pop off the next weakest one), which means you'd need to pick up 14 (maybe 17? can't remember) of them. It's a pain getting them all done, but you could always get a mechanic to do it for you.

 

[romeen]

If the pipes do not have a bead on them you can make your own with either a welder or by using JB Weld/epoxy. I am also using T-bolt clamps, they clamp with much greater force than worm gear clamps and don't cut into the coupler.

 

[DSMunknown]

It is said that applying hair spray to the coupler (or the end of the IC pipe) will also help keep the pipe from blowing off. And yes, a stronger clamp (such as T-bolt, spring clamps (aka constant-torque clamps), or similar) and/or JB Weld will also work quite well.

You can also take a file to the ends of the IC pipes (usually done when JB Weld is going to be used) and scuff them up.

 

[dsmspike]

If your ic pipes aren't beaded then even the t-bolt clamps won't help. That would be the first thing to do but you'd still benifit from the t-bolt clamps after beading the pipes. If you do both than you shouldn't have any problems at all. I'm running 24 psi on a daily basis with no problems. Also I really don't like the idea of the epoxy beading technique. Just seems to me that it wouldn't last all that long. I know that the epoxys out now are very good and jb weld is almost a godsend but either have them beadrolled or weld on some beads.

 

[c4uldr0n]

take off your problematic pipes and have them bead welded , file the beads down so they are not sharp... put them back on with t-bolt clamps, you'll be happy

 

[DiamondStarAwd]

Hair spray and t-bolt clamps.

Get the ic and j-pipe beaded, put hair spray on it, t-bolt clamp it then you shouldnt have a single problem.

 

[John_GST]

I had the same problem, but once I put on better clamps it never happened to me again. The band clamps that you've probably got on there are terrible for the PSI you're pushing, the silicone sleeves can be quite slippery. I suggest you go with a good t-bolt clamp, they should be able to hold upwards of PSI's in the 20's. Plus, if you can, make sure that the ends of your piping are beaded...that little lip really helps the clamps hold on. Good luck!


Edit: I remember them only costing about $3 each...but you should replace all your IC clamps (once one is strengthened, it's just gonna pop off the next weakest one), which means you'd need to pick up 14 (maybe 17? can't remember) of them. It's a pain getting them all done, but you could always get a mechanic to do it for you.

i will deffinately go with the t-clamps, thanks for the advice. i already have all my pipes beaded so i dont have to get that done i will try to get the t-clamps this weekend and give it a try and i will post an update on how it worked. Thank you for everyones great advice i will deffinately remember it.
thanks again,
John_GST

 

[Zmann42087]

Here are a couple things that would help...

- beaded intercooler pipes
- quality silicone hose couplers (TurboHoses, Samco, HTS, or similar)
- T-bolt clamps

 

[DSMunknown]

Here are a couple things that would help...

- beaded intercooler pipes
- quality silicone hose couplers
- T-bolt clamps

A little late to the party.

 

[Zmann42087]

A little late to the party.

better late than never.

 

[John_GST]

better late than never.

better late than never is right. thanks for the input,
Thanks again eveyrone