Silicon vacuum hoses for heater hoses?

[oldman]

Hey, have some left over 3/8" silicon vacuum hose and wondering if I can use them for the heater hoses, they're kind of beat. Thanks.

 

[Eclipse96Ryder]

whats a heater hose??

 

[leakyfaucet]

Is heater hose only 3/8" thick?? I could swear it was thicker than that!

 

[Defiant]

I'd suspect it'd kink when it gets hot if it's not a straight shot. I don't know if it'd get warm enough to baloon under pressure. Must be some reason it's not usually used for it, though.

Oh, and heater hose is what carries the water from your block to the heater core.

 

[oldman]

Thanks guys, I'll pick up some OEM hoses than.

 

[oldman]

whats a heater hose??

It's the two hoses on the thermostat housing to and from the firewall.
oh, I'm pretty sure it's 3/8" id, could be wrong.

 

[dave99gst]

silicone isnt designed for anything other then air -

 

[xcelr8n]

yup, and heater hose is 5/8"

 

[frigginlazer]

5/8 on most cars, some cars have 3/4 hose. Like my old mustang.... went out and had custom Stainless Steel hoses made, I specified 5/8. turns out I had 3/4 hoses. DOH!

Mike

 

[redeclipse7782]

Sorry to bring this post back from the dead, but I just wanted to make it clear to NEVER use silicone hoses for any fluid, especially a hot fluid like coolant. The silicone hose will stretch at it weakest part and then explode. I had this happen with transmission fluid awhile back with my avenger, it was not a fun experience.

 

[housegsx]

What about these? http://www.slowboyracing.com/more.php?id=6073&

But yeah, if they are just specified for vacuum hose use I wouldn't use them. Also, lines with oil or hydrolic fluid like Auto transmission/power steering fluid will use a different type of rubber hose than that of coolant lines.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

What about these? http://www.slowboyracing.com/more.php?id=6073&

If you actually look at a set of these you will find that they're a reinforced multiple ply silicone hose. Same scenario as a "real" coupler for your IC pipes. And you're correct, every type hose has a particular service.