Vacuum Hose Replacement Sizes (Where to buy in UK)

[ascari]

I'm replacing the vacuum hoses with silicone, based on the sizes below (taken from plenty of threads on RX7Club.com):

40 feet of 3.5mm (all small solenoids)
15 feet of 4.0mm (Windshield washers and boost controllers)
16 feet of 6.0mm (larger air lines on engine)
4 feet of 8.0mm (larger air lines on engine)

I'm struggling to find 3.5mm ID hoses for sale on eBay, Amazon, etc.

Does anyone have a link, or is 3.5mm replaceable with 4mm?

Ideally I'd rather not have to tie wrap the ends.

 

[JoeLanger]

4mm will be OK. 3.5mm is American imperial size.

Don't buy from Auto silicone hoses or Mr silicone

 

[ascari]

4mm will be OK. 3.5mm is American imperial size.

Don't buy from Auto silicone hoses or Mr silicone

cool. is an ebay no brand silicone ok, or are there grades of quality?

 

[JoeLanger]

They get them all from the same factory in china mate

 

[ascari]

Further research has found that 2 vacuum hoses, on the turbo actuators, have restrictor pills in them, but MAZDA removed them in later years? Can anyone confirm if a 2000 car would have these pills... I didn't find any when I looked!

 

[Ceylon]

The n3g1 turbos have the restriction in the nipples on the compressor housing, rather than the vacuum hoses, so no need for pills.

I'd go with a 3.5mm hose, rather than a 4. They'll fit more snugly and you won't need any cable ties.

 

[ascari]

The n3g1 turbos have the restriction in the nipples on the compressor housing, rather than the vacuum hoses, so no need for pills..

I'd go with a 3.5mm hose, rather than a 4. They'll fit perfectly and you won't need any cable ties.

Thanks for confirming. 3.5mm seem hard to find, could you suggest a good source?

 

[Ceylon]

Just had a look, the seller I usually use on ebay has no items for sale at the moment, so not sure! You want some with good thick side walls to stop it kinking on some of the tighter radius bends.

 

[ascari]

Just had a look, the seller I usually use on ebay has no items for sale at the moment, so not sure! You want some with good thick side walls to stop it kinking on some of the tighter radius bends.

i'll make sure of that. it may be necessary to buy from the states, if 3.5mm is so hard to find here. could you let me know the ebay seller you mentioned and i can ask him when/if more stock is due?

 

[Ceylon]

Sure, it was exciting-performance

 

[ascari]

After following most of the links (a lot dead) and suggestions on the RX7club.com forum, there were repeated links to the hoses page on robrobinette.com, which recommended bakerprecision.com for 3.5mm.

This is my best option so far, though my obsessive desire for 3.5mm with no tie wrapping is starting to waver with the expected shipping delay and customs charges from the states

 

[JoeLanger]

4mm will be fine

 

[ascari]

4mm will be fine

it felt like you were shouting that... i concede, 4mm purchase on its way

 

[JoeLanger]

Not shouting, just saying it with a sigh.
3.5mm is like American only

 

[Mat153]

Quick revival to this thread as i think I've found a supplier. Any thoughts on using a 3.5mm vacuum line with outer cotton braiding? I know the engine bays tend to get hotter than most but can't really see an issue with using it unless someone has a reason not to?

 

[Myocardial Infarction]

Cotton would be flammable and would also wick oil and fuel, doesn't sound like the best idea to stick that into the hot top of a 13b.