Corksport Oil cooler line defective.

[Max777]

So I was reading up on some guys build thread, in which he installed a set of Corksport SS Oil cooler lines.

I have purchased the same set, but when installing, ran into a problem with the radiator mounting point on the frame, which I had to cut off, because there was no other way to mount it up withought the upper line rubbing.

When I looked at the pictures in the thread, I was AMAZED at how much shorter my upper oil line was than the one pictured.

anyway, my worry is the kinks and the fact that I had to cut part of the car out to fit the line...

now i'm really pissed off that I got a shoddy part, and dont know if the company will still replace it because I bought it this past summer.

(Notice: The car has NOT been on the road after the install, and I have only had the engine running a couple of times at idle)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/Alpine61/Untitled.jpg

[Whizbang]

if they made it wrong it shouldn't matter WHEN they made it. Not like it went bad sitting around.

[Max777]

well, yes I hope so, I will give them a call tomorrow.

[WE3RX7]

Yea, i'd call them.

They had production issues on their lines at some point and had to go to a new vendor/new design so it may be in that transition that you got the shotty ones...

[Max777]

maybe... The othe line fit ok and does not have any kinks in it, but this one just would not fit any other way, I'm telling you!

[Max777]

Ok, contacted CS, and they told me to take a measurement of the line. I have not been able to do that yet, however. Nice turnaround time on the email from them through!

[Max777]

Alright, I talked to Derrick at Corksport, and they will be shipping me out another line, all I have to do is to send them the bad one.

GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE, THANK YOU!

[Whizbang]

glad it worked out well!

[JunpoweR]

tDid hey make you pay for shipping on a bad part they sent?
I never really liked cork sport products because they were very cheap looking.

[Max777]

nah... they did not even ask about it.

Their products are alright dude, way better than "SSAutoChrome" or whatever, haha.

They also stand behind their products, which is nice.

[Max777]

Well, I got the second line.... it did not fit either, and was crappier than the first one, thinner, used a crush-bent angled fiting instead of the machined one on the earlier line, and overall i just wasn't impressed. They decided to just refund my money.

Anyway, I sent the lines back, and am awaiting a refund.

Oh well, anyone got some oil cooler lines laying around?

[Max777]

Yeah, that makes sense. but if this is a CONSISTENT problem, would it really be that hard to just make the top line a few inches longer? Like, extend it from 12" to 16~17"?

I am aware of what you are saying, but it's too late now, I'm waiting for my refund and getting the AN lines for the car instead. Thank you for your input, Kevin.

[NoDOHC]

I appreciate the warning... I was considering purchasing the corksport SS lines, now I think I will have a hydraulic hose shop replace my old factory hoses with new rubber ones.

[Max777]

Well, I hate to put a business down. Corksport are good guys, it's just that their product did not work out for me and did not meet my expectations. However, most people seem to be very satisfied with the rest of their line-up, from fenders to exhaust parts.

[vex]

The only problem with that is, you have to have the car down for however many days or weeks it takes your shop to get your lines done, because they have to re-use your factory metal ends/fittings. Unless of course you buy a stock used set to have them rework...

Wouldn't they only need to use the screw on fitting? The rest are just banjo bolts right?

I ask because I think i'm going to get some new ones made to connect to the new location of the oil cooler.

[Max777]

why not just buy some AN fittings and line and make em yourself?

I dont know about the FC oil cooler, but I saw the FD dual cooler setup use straight hydraulic hose and barb fittings, if i recall fdnewbie was doing a group buy on the dual cooler setup.

http://www.racepartsolutions.com/categories.asp?cat=2

[vex]

why not just buy some AN fittings and line and make em yourself?

I dont know about the FC oil cooler, but I saw the FD dual cooler setup use straight hydraulic hose and barb fittings, if i recall fdnewbie was doing a group buy on the dual cooler setup.

http://www.racepartsolutions.com/categories.asp?cat=2

Save money. I guess I could just price it out. Right now I don't know the length or size of the lines. I also could probably get away with using stainless steel lines and get a cheaper line that can hold the temperature and pressure.

something to think about.

[vex]

Well I'm trying to price out how much it will cost for me to make my own using some stainless steel lines but I've hit a snag. I know they're supposed to be -10 but what is the thread pitch on the stock FC oil cooler? Are they 16mm or something else? If they're 16mm I could just buy some RB adapters for 13 each, some -10 stainless steel line, and some -10 AN fittings and be on my way. I'm concerned however about the 90* from the rear iron since it will more than likely be an extremely tight fit.

any thoughts?

[Max777]

no, the rear iron is NOT a tight fit. The tight fit on the FC lines is the front lower fitting. You need to get the special 90* fitting for the front. On the back, there is plenty more room.

[vex]

no, the rear iron is NOT a tight fit. The tight fit on the FC lines is the front lower fitting. You need to get the special 90* fitting for the front. On the back, there is plenty more room.

Then I don't need special fittings :D I've redone the mount and there's plenty of room.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o285/lax-rotor/March%202009/IMG_0108.jpg

The lower input into the oil cooler now can sit below the frame rail.

I still need to know about thread pitch and size on the oil cooler side of things.

[vex]

Checked thread pitch and such for the oil cooler: They're the same as the rear iron. 18mm x 1.5

[Max777]

/\ "the lower oil cooler fitting can now sit below the frame rail".

Well, that's nice and all, but does it need to sit that low? I would be kinda worried, but then at the same time, I'm worried about everything, :D.

[vex]

/\ "the lower oil cooler fitting can now sit below the frame rail".

Well, that's nice and all, but does it need to sit that low? I would be kinda worried, but then at the same time, I'm worried about everything, :D.

I'd only worry if it were below the tow hitches, but then again if I'm scrapping the tow hitches something is seriously wrong with my car. I also did a mock up today, the Intercooler sits lower than the Oil cooler and it still is flush behind the bumper. I'm a little concerned with the radiator however since its lowest point is below the oil cooler. I'm not sure how I want to remedy it since there's only finite room for me to move it vertically, and I don't really want tohave it at an angle... I'll have to brain storm about it.

[Max777]

That sucks!

[djmtsu]

Factory lines FTW!

[vex]

stop pussy footing Kevin, just make your own. You know you want to. lol

[My5ABaby]

Factory lines FTW!

That's what I'm saying. Is there a reason to get the SS ones (besides looks) when the stock ones last for 20+ years? Do the stock ones not work well on upgraded or high hp engines?

[TitaniumTT]

In a perfect world everything we bought would be a perfect fit. Unfortunately if you deal with aftermarket stuff much (I often do) you'll see that even "direct bolt on" stuff usually requires some tweaking and modifying to get to work right. And depending on what COMBINATION of aftermarket "direct bolt on" stuff you are trying to use together, you can sometimes encouter more major problems. It's just the nature of the beast when modifying a car. And, from the other side of the coin, a part maker cannot possibly know every deviation possible with different engine and part setups and account for it in their part design. Even a car that has been wrecked lightly before can cause some parts not to fit properly, such as exhaust, body panels, motor mounts, chassis braces, etc.

Couldn't have said it better myself :icon_tup: This is the reason that I make all of my own parts or have a machine shop, CNC mill owning friend, or a hydraulic shop make my parts. I've tried the bolt on route and nothing EVER bolted right up. I just got fed up with it all about 10 years ago. Same holds true for my buddies Landi D90. When you have to take a plasma cutter to a brand new $900 bumper becuase it doesn't fit right, there's problems. of course that was an extreme case exhaserbated by an aftermarket intercooler that required and aftermarket grille, but wel still ended up cutting the bumper apart and completely reworking it. I wish I had before and after pics, trully a sight.

The only problem with that is, you have to have the car down for however many days or weeks it takes your shop to get your lines done, because they have to re-use your factory metal ends/fittings. Unless of course you buy a stock used set to have them rework...

Depends on the shop. There are a few local that will do that while you wait. of course you may not want to wait but it's usually done in the same day.

Well I'm trying to price out how much it will cost for me to make my own using some stainless steel lines but I've hit a snag. I know they're supposed to be -10 but what is the thread pitch on the stock FC oil cooler? Are they 16mm or something else? If they're 16mm I could just buy some RB adapters for 13 each, some -10 stainless steel line, and some -10 AN fittings and be on my way. I'm concerned however about the 90* from the rear iron since it will more than likely be an extremely tight fit.

any thoughts?

MT & RB have already done the math for you, and have figured out how to make it cheap enough for you to buy them pre-made, and expensive enough for you to buy them pre-made :suspect:

Well I'll be a son of a bitch. I drove the FC around some today and popped the hood when I got back just to check things out and let it cool off. I notice some oil puddled on the undertray near the radiator, so I investigate. Come to find out my corksport SS line is leaking where the line joins the crimped fitting near the front cover. :cuss:

Ugh, that blows Kevin. I had the same problem with my CS lines with the old engine setup.... except mine leaked at the cooler, not the front cover. Within 1207 miles it had SOAKED the undercarriage with oil. I was a little more than annoyed.

uhm, if you like your engine, you wont run stock ones. They leak and eventually bust. Sometimes they just bust right then and there for no reason. You dump out your oil supply in 30 seconds, and by the time you hear your buzzer go off, it is already too late.

I consider this right up there with a thermostat and pulsation damper replace/elimination, as high priority maintenance on an FC to prevent engine loss. It has nothing to do with hp, it has to do with reliability.

:icon_tup:

That's what I'm saying. Is there a reason to get the SS ones (besides looks) when the stock ones last for 20+ years? Do the stock ones not work well on upgraded or high hp engines?

It's also a cost thing. I don't know the recent prices on lines but when I was replacing my blown factory ones, that like Kevin said almost cost me a motor, they were 2-3x the price of the stainless ones through the dealer.

[My5ABaby]

uhm, if you like your engine, you wont run stock ones. They leak and eventually bust. Sometimes they just bust right then and there for no reason. You dump out your oil supply in 30 seconds, and by the time you hear your buzzer go off, it is already too late.

I consider this right up there with a thermostat and pulsation damper replace/elimination, as high priority maintenance on an FC to prevent engine loss. It has nothing to do with hp, it has to do with reliability.
I guess the reliability thing is where I'm confused. I've heard of many oil cooler lines failing, but as far as I know they're all original lines. I have little faith in anything original still on my car after 23 years.

It's also a cost thing. I don't know the recent prices on lines but when I was replacing my blown factory ones, that like Kevin said almost cost me a motor, they were 2-3x the price of the stainless ones through the dealer.
I would never buy the Mazda lines. Going to a local hydraulic shop would probably run ~$50. I guess I'm just not seeing the point of paying $130 when the stock lines easily last 15 years.

However, if someone (especially a builder) chimes in with experience that the stock lines tend to fail sooner than that, I'll definitely be open to listening.

[My5ABaby]

Are you serious? You don't see the point of paying $130 instead of $1500-2500 for an engine, when your top stocker decides to vomit it's oil supply all over the pavement? Look, if you want to get some re-made at a hydraulic shop, then I am all for that, just don't leave them stock. However the stiffness of hydraulic hose can make these very difficult to install, which is one reason I never go that route.

Maybe the cost will be less than off the shelf SS lines, but my time is often precious and I'd rather pay a few bucks more to have them sent to my door and ready to install, to avoid trying to drive to and instruct the redneck at the hydraulic shop in what I want and expecting him to do it properly and then have to pester him to get him to do it.

When you live in a smaller town like I do, there are usually only 1 or 2 of any kind of shop or supplier, and the guy running it usually does shit with the urgency of a sloth. When I bought my big 1" drive impact gun it took me several calls around town just to find someone who could supply 1/2" ID air hose and fittings for it. I went to that particular shop 5 times trying to get 25 feet worth of hose and about 6 fittings. The guy was a nice guy but was less interested in my business and more interested in telling me stories about his foxbody mustang. He kept saying he'd have to order the shit I wanted, but it never "came in". Finally I got fed up of hounding him and ordered the stuff from an online supplier and had it within 3 days. Anytime I can order something online versus trying to do it in person, I will always order online...it seems to simplify life infinitely. Maybe I am not enough of a people-person to buddy-buddy up with these guys to get them to do what I want.
I'm not advocating for keeping the stock ones. I'm just asking if the SS are really worth it over new (i.e. hydraulic shop made) rubber hoses.


Hold on, I will see if I can go find somebody who is a builder and has years of experience with FC oil cooler lines... :dunno:

Let's see now, where could such a person be found...

:uhh:
:rofl: My comment was directed toward the prior question. How many oil cooler lines fail in under 10-15 years?

I'm not questioning the fact that SS lines are great. I'm not questioning whether or not the stock ones need to be replaced (since we all know they're 15+ year old rubber). My question is are the SS worth it over new rubber lines?

[My5ABaby]

Have you ever PRICED new OEM rubber lines? They are like $350 or some shit. And of course they will deteriorate over time.

OF COURSE SS braided, or remanufactured hydraulic, replacement lines are better. They are both cheaper, and superior in design.

Man, this is seriously like asking if an R compound tire is "really that much better" for track use than a stock-equipped goodyear tire. People are gonna question your credibility before long if you keep asking this. :rofl:
I think we're on a different page here. I'm not saying use OEM lines. They're overpriced and, like you said, deteriorate.

Once again, the question being, are SS lines worth getting over hydraulic shop lines (not OEM) as far as quality, reliability, durability, etc.?

Obviously they require more effort than clicking "Order". However, for those of us with limited money, a bit of effort can be worth it.

[Max777]

dude, just save the money, and order ones from Banzai Racing.

I tried to save a few bucks with the CS lines, and ended up wasting a ton of time trying to install them, and then getting my money after I finally sent them back. (check was lost in the mail) I think that spending the cash initially on the best component I could get would have put my car on the road a lot sooner and saved me a lot of frustration.

[TitaniumTT]

Maybe the cost will be less than off the shelf SS lines, but my time is often precious and I'd rather pay a few bucks more to have them sent to my door and ready to install, to avoid trying to drive to and instruct the redneck at the hydraulic shop in what I want and expecting him to do it properly and then have to pester him to get him to do it.

Yeah, I have to REALLY agree with that statement. Time to find someone and or drive around or phone around comparing prices just isn't worth it IMO. I think about what I make /hr @ my day job, and what I bill for fabrication/electrical side jobs and it;s just plain not worth it sometimes to look for the good deals when the answer is right infront of you or a few clicks away.

When you live in a smaller town like I do, there are usually only 1 or 2 of any kind of shop or supplier, and the guy running it usually does shit with the urgency of a sloth. When I bought my big 1" drive impact gun it took me several calls around town just to find someone who could supply 1/2" ID air hose and fittings for it. I went to that particular shop 5 times trying to get 25 feet worth of hose and about 6 fittings. The guy was a nice guy but was less interested in my business and more interested in telling me stories about his foxbody mustang.
:rofl::lol::rlaugh:

He kept saying he'd have to order the shit I wanted, but it never "came in". Finally I got fed up of hounding him and ordered the stuff from an online supplier and had it within 3 days. Anytime I can order something online versus trying to do it in person, I will always order online...it seems to simplify life infinitely. Maybe I am not enough of a people-person to buddy-buddy up with these guys to get them to do what I want.

Yeah, about 10 years ago I buddy-buddied with all the shops local that I could ever need, autobody suppliers, parts warehouses, dealers, etc etc etc. It's worth it in some respects becuase I get wholesale at all of them. The special treatment is pretty nice and having someone know you're name when you walk into a store is always nice too.

Hold on, I will see if I can go find somebody who is a builder and has years of experience with FC oil cooler lines... :dunno:

Let's see now, where could such a person be found...

:uhh:

:rofl: Stock lines = $350 and last what... 10-15 years? SS replacements are a few clicks away and most don't know how long they last because they just haven't failed enough from old age. Hydraulic shop lines......... I had a turbo feed line that I had a -6 fitting silver soldered on. The Silver solder has been known to hold up to thousands of pounds of pressure and mine started leaking after ~1000 miles and the killer was 130 PSI for about 4 minutes. Impurities in the line they say didn't allow proper fusion. I buy it, has happened to me before when welding older aluminum. Shop repaired it for free though.

I think the moral that Kevin is trying to make is get rid of the stockers when they become an unknown. Right? I would consider it a reliability upgrade as well

[My5ABaby]

I think the moral that Kevin is trying to make is get rid of the stockers when they become an unknown. Right? I would consider it a reliability upgrade as well
Totally agree. I'm not arguing or questioning the fact that the stock lines should be replaced for reliability (basically just like any other rubber part on the car). I just question if it's worth it to get SS over hydraulic shop lines. However, your testimony about how your lines leaked from a hydraulic shop is helpful (then again the OP had the same problem with SS lines...).

[RotaryXperiment]

these are what mine looks like when i installed them. ive put a piece of rubber where the line is near the metal
click to enlarge:

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x31/RotaryXperiment7/Rebuilt%20s5%20T2%20SP/th_IMAGE_612.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x31/RotaryXperiment7/Rebuilt%20s5%20T2%20SP/?action=view&current=IMAGE_612.jpg)

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x31/RotaryXperiment7/Rebuilt%20s5%20T2%20SP/th_IMAGE_613.jpg (http://s187.photobucket.com/albums/x31/RotaryXperiment7/Rebuilt%20s5%20T2%20SP/?action=view&current=IMAGE_613.jpg)

i do be seem to be leaking at the rear iron part but i dont think i "torqued it' afraid of snapping the bolt so it might be a tad loose ha,