WATER PIPES FOR ROTAX ENGINES

[Boet]

So I bought these larney-looking 25mm ID water pipes for my pride and joy. Had a nice sort of "feel" to the touch. So installed, checked clamps, filled up with coollant, checked clamps, fired up enjaain, ran it up to operating temps, switched of, re-tightened clamps etc etc . OK, so everything seemed hanky-dory to go aviating. First flight, on downwind had a LOT of green water and steam on the front screen. No problemo, reduced power and landed. Damn water pipe popped off, just underneath the expansion tank. Damn. When putting the pipe back, I noticed that something is not lekker with this pipe. It felt like very soft silicone. Checked the rest, same. So I replaced all 25 mm pipes with a better quality from an automotive supplier. No more problems. When I had to "RE-TIGHTEN the clamps after the first engine run- I should have paid more attention.
Lesson learned: BEFORE installing ANY form of rubber hose in your aeroplane, TEST a sample of the dang thang.

1 Water-hose, 5 minutes into boiling water.
2 "Petrol hose": at least a week in a jar full of petrol.( Jep, had a problem there too!! "Petrol pipes" swelling up like jelly and the inside lining "dissolved!! )

If it does not emerge with "flying" colours, don`t use it. (Pun intended)

Fly safe

[zoobie]

hey Boet

gee, I have those exact same pipes...bougth them from the local agent here in JHB...thanks for the warning...will chuck mine off asap.

safe flying.

cheers

[Boet]

Says: "Water pipe", but probably no good for hot water, it becomes like VERY soft silicone when hot, and, once cooled down, like hardish plastic. When new, unused, like a good quality rubber. No good, and it was bloody expensive!!