Replacing engine hoses to water heater

[jaybird2]

Hi folks,

We have to replace our water heater on our Hunter 37.5 sailboat. The path the hoses take is not visible and we're worried we'll get the hose halfway out and it will get stuck.

Has anyone experience replacing these hoses?

 

[BigEasy]

I have never done this before; however, it seems that using a brass barbed union/connector with contact cement holding them together along with some zip ties would allow you to pull the new hoses. Might want to attach a tracer wire to the old hose also in the event that the barbed connector separates. Lube the new hose with water based lubricant (KY) or liquid dish washing detergent to help.

 

[jssailem]

The wisdom of the ages says "Nothing ventured Nothing Gained"
BigEasy has given you good advise. Connecting the old to new with a fitting is better than wrapping it with duct tape. The wire thru the hose is a great safety idea so that if the fitting comes apart you still have a way of moving the hose along the right path.
Also, with hose you are pushing as much or more than pulling. There is less likely hood tha the hose will come apart. I am always encouraged when I think about the possible workers who were tasked with placing the hose in the boat before me.
I figure, they can't be too much smarter than me.
Of Course, I have been proven wrong a time or two.

 

[BigEasy]

Good idea John, In addition to my suggestions, I would wrap the connection with duct tape also; therefore, you have 3 means of redundancy! The last thing that you want is for the thing to come apart. As John also mentioned, you are going to want to push the new hose as well as pull the old hose simultaneously to be successful.

 

[verdi7]

Hi, I did the same project last year on a H41. Quite the project. Call and will give you the details.
7756919147. To much to type. Terry

 

[Mike Oldak]

I just did it on my H34 with a brass barb, But tape and a wire make sense. I was also able to transfer some of the anti freeze that was left in the line by just being careful and keeping the ends high.

 

[nveater]

I did this two years ago on Hunter 33.5 -I zipped tied the new hose to the old one and used dish detergent as a lubricant and was able to pull the new hose into place. Stu Jackson, who is a frequent contributor to this site, had a great how to on changing these hoses which I used. Check the archives- Good luck

 

[JoeWhite]

I used 1/8" curtain line tied and taped to the end of the hose and pulled the old hose out. Then transferred the line to the new hose and pulled back. I had a 90 degree corner at the end of the run so I had to make the hose bend to follow the line.