Will stretching 16mm bore radiator pipe over 20mm last?

Post Mon Dec 03, 2012 9:52 am

As per title, I bought 16mm bore generic radiator pipe not realising that one end was a 16mm stub and the other stub was 20mm. I managed after much effort, hot water and chamfering the inside of the pipe with a blade to fit said pipe and it is holding.

What are people's opinions, will this last or do I need to fork out for the proper dealer supplied pipe?

Or is there a cheaper reliable solution other than the £50 dealer supplied pipe?[/quote]

Post Mon Dec 03, 2012 10:32 am

Doubtful - it will split eventually... What's the hose for??

Post Mon Dec 03, 2012 10:38 am

get the proper size pipe, at least you avoid the risk of it splitting on you mile's from anywhere.

Post Mon Dec 03, 2012 11:33 am

The cheaper (but a touch bodgy) option would be to go 20mm all the way with a bit of the 16mm over the small stub then clip both down tight.

Or a better solution, knock up a but of metal tube to reduce from 20-16mm while on your lunch break and fit it mid hose with an offcut of the origional 20mm tube.

Whats it for? the focus?

Post Mon Dec 03, 2012 12:13 pm

You can get hose connectors that step in sizes, I think I got mine from one of the motor factors in Taunton, I expect halfrauds also sell them.

I used one my on S50 conversion for the pipe from the header tank to the back of the head as the stubs are different sizes.

Post Mon Dec 03, 2012 1:33 pm

this is the trouble of having a 5wk old baby, complete & utter loss of intelligence, thanks guys.

Post Mon Dec 03, 2012 2:18 pm

e301988325i wrote:this is the trouble of having a 5wk old baby, complete & utter loss of intelligence, thanks guys.

As excuses go,that must be up there among the best!

Just hope the little 'un gets her looks and brains from her mum...

Post Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:09 pm

jmc330i wrote:You can get hose connectors that step in sizes, I think I got mine from one of the motor factors in Taunton, I expect halfrauds also sell them.

I used one my on S50 conversion for the pipe from the header tank to the back of the head as the stubs are different sizes.

securd a suitable stub from halfrauds for a couple of quid. Just can't remember why now.

Post Mon Dec 03, 2012 8:05 pm

HairyScreech wrote:Whats it for? the focus?

As I asked in E30 tech help, yes I was Focusing on my E30 at the time.

Post Mon Dec 03, 2012 9:55 pm

Stretching hoses is usually ok up to a couple of mm, clamping hoses down as they are too large and they are doomed to fail, split around the jubilee clip is imminent.

Post Tue Dec 04, 2012 11:42 pm

e301988325i wrote:
HairyScreech wrote:Whats it for? the focus?
As I asked in E30 tech help, yes I was Focusing on my E30 at the time.

Hmmm. Very much so.

How's the kid? Keeping you up all night?
Will have some time off shortly, will have to swing down your way.

Post Wed Dec 05, 2012 5:40 pm

HairyScreech wrote:
e301988325i wrote:
HairyScreech wrote:Whats it for? the focus?
As I asked in E30 tech help, yes I was Focusing on my E30 at the time.
Hmmm. Very much so.

How's the kid? Keeping you up all night?
Will have some time off shortly, will have to swing down your way.

Not too bad at all, from what I hear it's the 2nd ones that cause the real trouble. She seems to take up all available brain power though. Be good to catch up, those pistons are currently lost with the courier FFS!

Hose adaptor fitted, total spend being around £12 Vs £50 from the stealer.