21 replies to this topic

[AVV IT]

I know that this topic has been discussed here before, but I'm trying to replace the bottom hose on my 93 mini sprite & unfortunately it is one of those 1275 HIF38 carb models that fitted with the dreaded GRH1289 bottom radiator hose, which appears to be about as rare rocking horse apples!! It's permanently out of stock at all the usual suspects: minispares, minisport, somerford etc. so has anybody ever had any luck sourcing one somewhere else?

Alternatively has anyone ever modified an alternative hose to fit? Moss do stock a similar looking hose (GRH1159 - Item 30) click that could be a possibility????

Surely there must be an alternative, otherwise every carb mini from 91-94 is living on borrowed time... so to speak!!!!

[AVV IT]

Bump!!

[Darkscamp]

Cant you just use a standard bottom hose with an adapter (Linky)

Edited by Darkscamp, 02 September 2010 - 08:26 AM.

[AVV IT]

Cant you just use a standard bottom hose with an adapter (Linky)

I think you might be on to something there!!

Just found this: clicky with the note:

"Can be used on HIF38 carb models from 1991 on if you are changing the heater hoses also--one needs to be longer--the heater take off nozzle on the bottom hose is shorter than the originaal HIF38 type."

So one of these + the adapter and will I "be in business"???

[Czar]

Try Samco hoses!

[bunch1980]

Im in same boat, whilst mine all seem fine now no leaks etc. At some point i want to replace all hoses and new coolant as dont know if its ever been changed in its 17yr life really. First off might get a coolant tester thingy.

trying to remember how bottom hose looks in car now lol, but looks like mini spares link one will fit hopefully!
and if im right i think the top hose and heater hoses will be so say easy to get!

[bobs]

Try Samco hoses!

I think like me every '93 Sprite owner has been down that route.

Samco don't make them for the '93 Sprite model!

I was toying with the idea of using the Spi bottom hose and running the extra pipe to my inlet manifold heating pipe like the Spi's have on their manifolds, then routing it back from the manifold into the heater return pipe, anyone have any thoughts on this?

[bobs]

heater hoses will be so say easy to get!

You can buy it by the yard, cough, metre...

Think the top hose is the same as the Spi, might need slight trimming iirc...

[bunch1980]

heater hoses will be so say easy to get!

You can buy it by the yard, cough, metre...

Think the top hose is the same as the Spi, might need slight trimming iirc...

Yeah that was my idea buy it in lengths, then cut to suit
Read same top hose may need trimming to suit to.

Also need to make sure got all new clips etc to.

Really hope Simon @ minispares can do a kit for our 93' Sprites in the next group buy as then atleast we can
be pretty sure it will all fit to.

[Czar]

AVV IT, you maybe in luck! Thinking about what I have left of my race spares, I am pretty sure I have one of these hoses GRH 1289, I will over this coming weekend have a look through my collection of spares.

[AVV IT]

This is the offending hose!!: GRH1289

"I was toying with the idea of using the Spi bottom hose and running the extra pipe to my inlet manifold heating pipe like the Spi's have on their manifolds, then routing it back from the manifold into the heater return pipe, anyone have any thoughts on this?"

Yes that was a thought for a while as well as using the HIF44 version in a similar way, but if the standard pre 89 hose + an adapter can do the job then it will be a lot cheaper, in fact i can get it in silicon and still save money!

"Really hope Simon @ minispares can do a kit for our 93' Sprites in the next group buy as then atleast we can
be pretty sure it will all fit to".

From what I understand its not just 93 sprites affected but any 1275 mini with a HIF38 from 91-94 so the Sprite, Rio, Italian job etc.... Erm didn't Simon say "not straight forwardly NO" when asked?

Edited by AVV IT, 02 September 2010 - 10:24 AM.

[AVV IT]

AVV IT, you maybe in luck! Thinking about what I have left of my race spares, I am pretty sure I have one of these hoses GRH 1289, I will over this coming weekend have a look through my collection of spares.

Fantastic!! If you find one, let me know how much I owe you + postage...... Cheers!!!

[bobs]

Really hope Simon @ minispares can do a kit for our 93' Sprites in the next group buy as then atleast we can
be pretty sure it will all fit to.

A nice silicon kit would be great, but as I said above I'm thinking of plumbing in the heated inlet manifold on my stage 1 kit so I will probably go down the Spi bottom hose route (two take offs you see), then just buy some lengths of silicon hose, new clips and a T piece to bodge fit it all together.

Just wondering if there is any issues in flow when plumbing in the heated inlet manifold, guess not if I follow how the Spi models did it, I was going to put it inline with the heater send pipes from the bottom hose anyway... I'm have a look when I get my car back and see what looks best/logical.

There seem to be quite few '93 Sprite owners on here, especially in Bristol!

[bunch1980]

Simon said this from that thread "Not straight forwardly, no. I am looking onto replacements for that model at the moment "
So sounds like one might be on the cards for future atleast.

Seems so i do see minis out and about quite a bit and always wave!

[AVV IT]

Just wondering if there is any issues in flow when plumbing in the heated inlet manifold, guess not if I follow how the Spi models did it, I was going to put it inline with the heater send pipes from the bottom hose anyway... I'm have a look when I get my car back and see what looks best/logical.

Sounds like a far more logical plan than my way! Mine is plumbed in the from the thermostat housing then rejoins the heater circuit. Iv'e just realised that this means that the inlet doesn't get any hot water until the thermostat is open! (which kind of defeats the object of it somewhat!!)