"Penetrating Fluid" For Rubber Hoses

[turbocruiser]

Yes it sounds strange. I regularly rely on PB Blaster as a penetrating fluid for metal parts. What is safe to use as "penetrating fluid" for rubber hoses like coolant lines, vacuum lines, etc.? So often the rubber line is really stuck to the metal pipe it attaches to. If there was something safe like some silicon spray to spray prior to removing the rubber I would love to learn what it is. If there is no such thing, I would love to learn any advice available on how to remove really stubborn rubber lines. For example, I have had luck with using a strap wrench on radiator hoses just to tweak them a little from side to side so they come off easier. This would not work on vacuum lines with which I have humbly had no luck; if they wont come with just hand force, I cant seem to make them come off without damaging them - a regular flat head screwdriver often slits them, and small pliers often rip them off. I am considering taking a thick and wide flat head screwdriver, clamping it down on the drill press and drilling in the end a semicircular hole that matches the size of the metal or plastic part that the vacuum line attaches to. This way when working on removing the rubber you would be spreading out the force over at least half of the rubber end possible preventing problems with ripping? Anyway, any advice at all is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Junk]

why not just use a hose remover? Cheap, quick and easy.

 

[Photoman]

This is what I use. The black one is a Snap On, the blue one is a NAPA, and the yellow one I made from an old screwdriver. FWIW, to reassemble hoses I use WD40 for hydraulic, air and vacuum hoses, and a little liquid soap for coolant hoses if need be.

Bill

 

[turbocruiser]

Thanks guys. Junk I must admit, I had never heard of a vacuum hose remover! Used a google search and found several styles! D'oh. No matter what, seems some search or the other burns my butt every time!!!! Just joking on myself! Thanks for making that as painless as possible though! Photo, thanks I would not have thought of those either! Sheesh, I'm sucking all around here aren't I? Seriously though, thanks guys.

 

[Junk]

nice back drop for the photo Photo

 

[landtoy80]

I wish I had that tool when removing my rad hoses. I had to use a adjustable wrench and I pinched the rad pipe. Its out of round now but hold water. Now I need to make them round again.
I looked into muffler expansion tool but its too big. Other than removing it and taking it to a rad shop, how can I get them round again?

 

[scottm]

I've been using my sharpened and bent screwdriver for that for years, didn't know it was the proper way!

 

[Photoman]

Thanks Junk. Just the latest from CDan.

Kurt,

Here are a few ideas for you. They do make the exhaust expansion tools in different sizes, but as you said they may not go as small as the rad hose size.

Next are air operated test plugs for pipes. I have used them in the past to press back a pipe or tubing into round. Don't know the smallest size they come in. Care would have to be taken not to blow out the tubing. Also, in the pic is a wing nut expansion plug. Rad shops have them to do some of their tests. I have several but could not find them quick for the pic. Anyway, I have used them to return thinner stuff to round be putting the plug in, expanding it and then tapping lightly around the tubing, retightening, tapping again, etc. The drawback is in the depth of the plug.

Last are flaring tools for soft copper water lines. Lube the tool and tap in. Then could also tap around the tubing.

You could also try just a piece of round stock or maybe even a pipe nipple to use as a dolly to tap the tube back to round.

I don't have a stock rad anymore to measure the inside of the tube from. If I did and you liked the flaring tool idea, I could turn something for you (less the flaring part) on the lathe. Or you could have a local machine shop do it.

Bill

 

[bjowett]

Along with those tools, use a silicone spray that does not contain any petroleum oils/distillates. Petroleum products may cause deterioration of the rubber. 3M produces a good spray.

 

[scottm]

I thought I'd heard the carrier solvent in silcone spray could deteriorate rubber, not true? I'd like something I could spray onto rubber to help preserve it, I've used armor-all in the past but suspected it was mostly silicone.

 

[KLF]

Go to Sears and get one of these:

They're only $7, they call it a Cotter Key Extractor.

What I do is smear silicone grease on all the fittings before re-installing the hose. Next time it'll slip right off.

 

[Rich]

Other than at removal time, the bonding of the rubber hoses to the metal pipe is a good thing. It helps prevent leaks.

 

[landtoy80]

The radiator pipe is 1 3/8".
What tool would work best to make the pipe round again?