My indy mechanic discovered one of my oil cooler lines leaking slightly, so obviously I want to replace them ASAP. He said he can get replacements made in Germany with "Continental" brand rubber sections, which he said are the same as the factory uses. He also offered to get me actual factory hoses, but said these are just as good.

He said that, for a while, the factory was using hoses with a bad crimping process between the metal and rubber sections, causing the rubber sections to blow off. Since then, they've switched to the same crimping process used on the "Continental" brand hoses, and no more problem.

Does all this sound legit, or should I just get him to order hoses from the factory? He did offer to do that. I don't want to make a mistake with these vital parts.

Thanks!

__________________
'81 300TD turbo <<sold 12/05 to another diesel nut

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog2.mercedesshop.com/&year=1981&make=MB&model=300-TDT-001&category=A&part=Oil+Cooler+Hose

__________________
85 300CD
83 300TD
78 240D (daughter)

Continental and Bando are among the best stuff you can find, former is OEM to German autos whereas the later is OEM to Japanese auto.

You can remove the existing hoses and have them rebuilt by a hydraulic hose rebuild shop (example is Tubes N Hoses) for under $50.

__________________
Jim

IMHO Continental are probably good enough. I replaced both hoses on the 300D two years ago with Contis. After a few miles I noticed that one of them had developed pinholes above the crimp and was leaking. I returned it and was given a "star" Mercedes hose by the supplier. Now both hoses work fine. I do notice that the Mercedes hose is a wrapped hose and looks much sturdier in construction than the Conti. I am not sure that that matters as I would expect to replace it next time when (1) it leaks - most likely at the crimp or (2) in 8-10 years time on principle.

I have a set on Contis that I hope to install on the 240D this weekend. I'll let you know if they leak.

Rick

__________________
80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

Jim has a good point- you may be able to get them rebuilt for less.

However, my removal technique requires destruction of the fastening nut on the oil cooler. If I feel the slightest resistance on these fittings , I cut across the threads with a hacksaw and twist a screwdriver in there. This saves replacing the oil cooler when the soft aluminum threads get pulled off. I would rather buy new hoses than an oil cooler.

Rick

__________________
80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

The Continental (Conti) is the aftermarket German brand and is available from Fastlane (World Pac). I don't like them, they only lasted 35,000 on my last car before leaking again.

Replaced the lines on my "new" 300D with factory lines which appear to be much better hose material. With my 20% off factory retail, the factory lines vs the aftermarket lines are for all practical purposes the same price.

Like others have said, you can take the lines off and have them rebuilt at a good hose shop AND perhaps redesign the line path for easier installation.

__________________
84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)