A year ago, as part of my first repairs, I installed new oil cooler lines on my '83 300CD. The lower line did not fit as well as the one I took off, but it worked. It was very close to the A/C manifold nut. I accepted the tight fit because I didn't want to send the hose back and it did fit, just barely. I had previously sent back the upper hose due to a poor brazed on fitting and wanted my car back on the road. These were hoses from an "OES" supplier, had a good brand name and, I think, are the same manufacturer listed on Fastlane.

I just replaced the compressor and belt. With the new pulley and tighter belt, the nut for the A/C fitting is now rubbing the hard section of the oil cooler line. My 1-2 mm of clearance is now gone.

I'm going to pull the oil cooler line and replace it, but I don't want to trial-and-error getting a well made part that fits.

Do the hoses from the dealer fit better? Are they no-kidding OES/OEM lines, or am I more/less at the mercy of whoever is currently building them?

If I want a perfect fit - so I don't have to do the job again - do I need to get OEM hardlines and re-hose them? Any experience with durability about new press-on fittings?

Edit: I just checked. I used a ContiTech hose which is listed on the parts site, Fastlane also lists a Burgaflex for a few dollars more. Is it better? Any experience?

Mine are seeping. I'm considering having Stuart hose here in Fort worth build some braided stainless cooler lines. That has to be the best, though certainly not the cheapest, fix.

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1984 300D 193.5k miles
ASTM-certified B100 bio when able

Maybe you can elogate the holes on tha bracket where the tubing part of the Hoses bolt onto down there by the Motor Mount/Arm and scoot it around until you get some clearance.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I have to believe that as much as the om617 vibrates that that wouldn't work long term. You'd have to go tighten the bolts up pretty frequently.

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1984 300D 193.5k miles
ASTM-certified B100 bio when able