$%&^*#(%$ Hoses! (archive)

Having dismantled the intakes manifolds and camshaft covers, I decided it wise to replace both the heater and fuel hoses. I wanted to replace the old, 1991 fuel hoses with the new and improved kevlar hose and torque "pop-off" hose clamps. Fair warning: Lead time on the water hoses is at least 4 days, and nobody I know stocks them. Most dealers have the fuel hose in stock.

I won't bore you with the details here, but it appears IMPOSSIBLE to replace either water or fuel hoses without the manifolds AND the camshaft covers removed. It's that tight! Between the engine and firewall is, at most, 3 inches.

Also the fuel hoses leading to the engine from below the hydraulic brake booster are a nightmare to reach, even with all the normal parts removed. As an added benefit, Hans decided, when he assembled the car, to point the fuel hose clamp screws DOWN in this confined space. Gee, thanks.

Spent the entire day straightening this out, and all the clamps line up correctly for the next time I need to replace them.

Also, replacing the spark plugs is relatively easy with the manifolds and plug wire ducts out. Pulling Number 12 was a cinch this time, but you still need a plug wrench and several differnent length extensions.

So, moral of the story for you M70 owners, when you R&R your intakes, plan to spend the extra money replacing the hoses and plugs while you have the chance. I read Steve Cohen's account of a head gasket R&R where his mechanic did the exact same thing, and now I know why.

You lucky M73 owners don't have the same fuel hose routing as the older V-12s, so you get off easy and cheap.

The remainder goes together tomorrow.

The story continues!

Mark

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ 8-series (E31) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.