Rather than start up a new thread, I thought this one was a good thread to post this.
Soon I'd like to bullet proof my MR2 MK1 coolant system and replace each and every hose in the vehicle. Why? Because there getting old and I don't know how long they have been in there. (Also I recently replaced one and once one goes, it's only a matter of time before more go and that's normally when you really don't want them to, the middle of a sunny highway in the middle of nowhere).
After examining silicone and rubber hose solutions, I discovered that the best option for my everyday driving application is without doubt rubber. (Yes silicone looks flashy but sadly it permeates water a lot more than rubber, so you have to keep topping up your coolant reservoir more. Essentially it's a show pony. It's not a practical solution.).
Gates, seem to make all the required hoses I could want and any that I can't find can simply be substituted with a hose of that correct type.
What I'd love to know are the Australian stores that stock hoses for the MR2 MK1? So far between Repco and Autobahn I can order most of what I require in, but no one actually has them in stock. (Anyone else had this problem?). Full kits are always the best value but I've only seen them in silicone. Anyone know of a full rubber replacement hose kit for all coolant hoses in the vehicle?
I'm also looking for a quality clamp system. My first preference is a re-production of the original style coolant clamps(there the best because you don't get pinched hose issues), but sadly I can't even get them from Toyota(correct me if I just got a lazy parts guy on the day I inquired fellow enthusiasts). I've found scuds of screw type clamp solutions but zero on the straight metal clamp solutions like the original ones.
Please do post any information you may have and great sources for replacement hoses(short of importing them all which is a bit rediculous as Australia makes great hoses right here).
Many thanks in advance,
Sean.
post edited by Spaceresearcher - 2015/01/23 12:09:47