Lower Turbo Coolant Line...HELP

90626GT · 4-30-07, 17:06

1990 5door GT Turbo

The upper (s-shaped) coolant line from the block to the turbo let go last week. I ordered the part and got the lower (90 degree ) one as well.
Last weekend I EVENTUALLY got the upper one replaced but after cutting off the lower one, I spent a couple hours without success getting the lower one on. The two tubes I have to put the 90 degree hose on are so close to each other I couldn't get the hose on. I'd get one side on then the hose would crimp and I couldn't get it slid on the other one.

The only idea I had was to next unbolt the exhaust for better access then if that doesn't work, unbolt the turbo.

Any other ideas?

defiler · 4-30-07, 17:08

If unbolting the exhaust would give you better access, I say go for it.

**Jake** · 4-30-07, 17:27

Yes you pretty much HAVE to unbolt the 3 bolts and drop your downpipe to get to the water lines. Drop your turbo off your exhaust manifold too if necessary BUT, if you do that, remove your radiator first (simple procedure).

defiler · 4-30-07, 17:34

Quote:

remove your radiator first (simple procedure).

Simple, yet costly if you miss the bucket below with the antifreeze

(Don't ask me how I know

)

**Jake** · 4-30-07, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by defiler

Simple, yet costly if you miss the bucket below with the antifreeze

(Don't ask me how I know

)

How is that costly? Coolant is what, 5 bux a bottle? Oh wait... do you have kitties?

defiler · 4-30-07, 19:51

More like 8-10 bux a bottle, and it takes 2 bottles to fill it up.

I guess to some people $20 isnt costly, but to me it is.

**Jake** · 4-30-07, 19:57

2 bottles?! Are you using 1/2 and 1/2?

defiler · 4-30-07, 20:01

Yes. 50/50

**magik8** · 4-30-07, 21:59

I have replaced both turbo coolant lines without unbolting the exhaust, but it wasn't fun. After a couple of hours of swearing and scraped knuckles I got them both on. You will need a pair of needle nose pliers and vice grips for the job.

As I always say ... if you haven't replaced these coolant lines yet your car is a ticking time bomb, waiting to break down and spew coolant all over the ground at the worst possible moment.

**RickPerryGT** · 5-1-07, 0:46

i've always only needed one gallon of straight antifreeze plus another gallon and change to fill the system

**MazdaMan069** · 5-1-07, 1:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by magik8

As I always say ... if you haven't replaced these coolant lines yet your car is a ticking time bomb, waiting to break down and spew coolant all over the ground at the worst possible moment.

Been there. Done that. Except I didn't know it blew. I was on the interstate and it stayed cool. But when I tried to boost (before knowing the line had ruptured) it would make an awful sound and not go anywhere. No damage to this day, that I could tell.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickPerryGT

i've always only needed one gallon of straight antifreeze plus another gallon and change to fill the system

Ditto. One bottle of antifreeze and fill it back up with water. Good to go.

90626GT · 5-1-07, 9:21

To Magik8..

I already did the swearing and scraped knuckles without success. Last thing I did was pull the radiator b4 I gave up for the day.. Curious how you did it with needle nose and vicegrips.. I was concerned I may tear the hose while trying to get it on..

Were you working from below next to the exhaust pipe?

Will try unbolting the exhaust first then the turbo if I can't get the hose on..

Then the turbo if all else fails..

Sounds like my next Sat AM is gonna be fun...

**SinCity** · 5-1-07, 9:21

If your coolant lines are bad I am willing to assume your oil return line is quite crusty as well.

**magik8** · 5-1-07, 9:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90626GT

Were you working from below next to the exhaust pipe?

Yep, when I did it, I jacked up the front of the car as high as it would go, then laid on my back and worked from below. The hardest part for me wasn't really getting the hoses on, it was getting the pinch-clamps where they needed to be - hence the needle nose pliers. I believe I was able to slide the hoses on without tools (although it is a very tight fit down there)...

**Jake** · 5-1-07, 9:34

I recommend using aftermarket hose. I used aeroquip push on racing hose. Its rated for several hundred degrees and high pressure, although you won't be running much pressure. I also used Errols aluminum npt 90 and 45 degree fittings wth barbed ends. I have a tkt hybrid, but it should be similar on the stock turbo, you dont need new fittings.