I appear to have a few coolant leaks... in a couple of places where the rubber hoses join a metal hose, there is signs of coolant weeping out of rubber hose... only weeping mind, but definitely moisture there. So a couple of weeks ago I tightened the jubilee clips, and thoroughly dried everything... but the signs of weeping are back. Bike is an RR7, so its getting on... but is it simply the case that the hoses have hardened and perished, and no longer capable of forming a good seal???
Yep, I guess so... just looked at SFS Performance, prices seem reasonable... about £90 when you add on the jubilee clips. Says the kit is 6 hoses though... doesn't seem enough?
Arghhh...don't say that....it's all I kept hearing when trying to get upgrade forks for mine... "We don't make stuff for them anymore, they are quite old now" and variations on that theme... !!!
Check the metal hoses for pitting and corrosion as this can also be a problem. Had a coolant leak on my RD500 at the water pump, when the hose was removed there was very little left of the steel insert pipe
That's a fair point... gonna remove the problem hoses and take a look before I order a replacement set.
Just a very quick glance over the bike, and I counted to 9 separate cooling hoses... 10 if I include the weedy little overflow hose from the expansion tank. Might give SFS a call tomorrow, see what their kit actually includes.
Tis a good point. SFS don't list a kit for RR4/5, but their kit for the RR6/7 states 6 hoses. By contrast, Samco list RR4/5 kit of 12 hoses, and RR6/7 kit of 14 hoses. Deffo need to give SFS a bell tomorrow.
Contacted SFS... guy has no idea why only 6 hoses, or which 6 hoses they actually supply! He's going to dig out the kit and send me a picture. In the mean time, looking at the kits on Ebay, e.g:LMC Kit Corp Kit As said by Arthur, they list as though RR4/5 has the same hoses as the RR6/7... so can anyone tell me what's different in terms of hoses between the 2? Also, I've seen a post on here where someone ordered the Corp Kit from China... they were happy with the quality, but had never got round to actually fitting them to the bike! Has anyone ever bought & fitted one of these cheap hose kits from China???
^^^ well that's largely a moot point. The SFS kit is only £62, but only comprises of 6 hoses... and they can't tell which 6!!! The Samco kit is £180 - £230 depending on finish, but consists of all 14 hoses! I think I have 3 unpalatable choices: 1) buy the cheap chinese kit. Only £35, but over a month for delivery. Also says RR4/5/6/7 are the same, and we know they're not, so theres a lottery. Also, if the quality is crap and a hose lets go while I'm out, I could trash my bike with no comeback. 2) buy Samco kit...... £180!!!! 3) buy OEM (not 100% sure of price, but I can buy JUST the hoses I suspect are knackered) There is a 4th choice... you can buy generic hose bits from Samco... as the hoses I suspect are simple straight pieces, I could buy a 1/2 metre of straight 35mm hose from Samco for about £35, and cut into the required lengths myself! Ooooh, decisions!!!
Ive fitted them all, SKF, Samco, eBay you name it, some look very much the same as Samco but others vary, my mate had a run round with another UK company but I forget the same, another three letter co. I have not know any issues with the eBay kits other than they vary in what you get, an 04 kit can be cut to fit an 06 but dont think it would work the other way round, even the Samco kit requires another hose for the drian from the tank, IF you want all the vusual hoses matching. Also note OEM and narrow hose clips cut into the Samco hose if too tight!
Little update... plumped for a set from Ebay for the princely sum of £31.50 :- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350674555382 Ordered 23/02, arrived this morning (20/03)... which isn't too bad considering. They look alright too, but I need to compare them all side-by-side with their OE counterpart before making a final decision: RR7 chinese hose kit by GappySmeg on 1000RR - The Fireblade Forum
I replaced my hoses with ebay chinese type on 08 model. I know Lambchops has got them on his rebuild and hasn't had any problems and recommended them to me so took the plunge. Can't fault them all fitted with no problems but only time will tell. Getting the old ones off wasn't easy at one point thought they were glued on!
Hmmm, tempting but from recent experiences with Chinese parts the only thing they have produced that i like is crispy aromatic duck and Bruce Lee.
