Question On Ss Hose

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
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In the garage
So I'm in Home Depot and come across this braided SS hose that is for connecting the hot dishwasher water line to the sink. For a 10 foot hose it's $15. Was wondering if one could use this hose instead of the $60 automoter/russell SS hose for mechanical gauges such as water temp, oil pressure.
 
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no you cant, it is low pressure hose, far lower than what automotive systems use. if you can get some small enough, you can use it for vacuum hose.

The water temp & oil pressure don't see that much pressure. Maybe 40-60 psi for oil, possibly less for water. As long as you have some good AN fittings it may be worth a shot?
 
The water temp & oil pressure don't see that much pressure. Maybe 40-60 psi for oil, possibly less for water. As long as you have some good AN fittings it may be worth a shot?

Those hoses are typically rated at 100psi at around 120 degrees.

Hot oil can get much hotter, and with that the rating would drop. How much is the big question. I would stick to using hoses designed for the application.


Oh and mech water temp gauges do not use SS lines. They used a capillary tube.
 
If you don't live in a 3 stoplight small town, there probably is a shop that manufacturers hydraulic hose assemblies. Construction machinery, farm tractors, and big trucks all use hydraulic hose assemblies. The ends are $5-$6 each and the hose is $4-$8 a foot depending on the hose diameter. Some shops will have a fabrication or setup change for making the hose or you can DIY it.
See
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwmvRWuAwno
for a how to do it video
If you decide to make the hose yourself, don't buy the Chinese fittings, stick with made in USA fittings.
Summit Racing has the hose & fittings, however their prices may be more expensive than the local hydraulic hose fabricator.

No matter what hose you use, the following is a must do item...
Be sure to use a gauge restrictor fitting in the pressure line going to the gauge. The restrictor will prevent all of the engine's oil supply from ending up on the pavement before you can stop it if the gauge line fails. I had a gauge line rupture, and the restrictor fitting saved my engine from serious damage.

pressure-gauge-flow-restrictor-gif.49295
 

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Well, like I said it was worth asking.

Brian, the hose is 1/4' NPT and the same diameter as the autometer hose.

Mike- you are correct. I know the water gauge comes with its own capillary tube and hose. Looking right at it now.
 
The water temp & oil pressure don't see that much pressure. Maybe 40-60 psi for oil, possibly less for water. As long as you have some good AN fittings it may be worth a shot?

Those hoses are typically rated at 100psi at around 120 degrees.

Hot oil can get much hotter, and with that the rating would drop. How much is the big question. I would stick to using hoses designed for the application.


Oh and mech water temp gauges do not use SS lines. They used a capillary tube.

in addition, even though the hose might be able to handle the pressure, as indicated oil can get much hotter, as high as 300 degrees, remember the oil does more than just lubricate the engine, it actually helps cool the engine as well.

one more thing, the line in question was designed to handle water, not the chemical concoction that is used motor oil. remember that during its use in the engine, there are acids that form in the oil, one of the reasons we have to change the oil from time to time. what with the combustion gasses that get in the oil, and the moisture that condenses as the engine cools, these acids will form and will damage the hose in question.
 
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Doubt it, Id guess purpose engineered just like automotive line, however if its not labeled do not use in automotive application try it then sue when it fouls up...