Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi
Am currently fitting new all silicone hoses. Came to the heater hoses and noted impossible to use the rubber grommets as the silicone hose from a well known supplier is much thicker than standard rubber hose. Anyone think it’s a possible problem ignoring the grommets? I would have thought over time the bare metal would chafe if left un- grommeted. I have the old style valve on mine and on inspection found the ally base plate cracked. This has added to my list of jobs.....

You must include the grommets otherwise the hoses will chafe on the bulkhead.

It should be noted that later BMC/BL heater hoses are 16mm inside diameter so have a larger outside diameter than the standard 1/2" inside diameter Minor heater hoses.

As an aside - I have just replaced some of the hoses on my Minor and originally purchased good quality silicon hoses to suit - but after fitting decided that the rubber hoses were a better option so the silicon hoses were relegated to the spares shelf and rubber hoses fitted instead.

Thanks Phil. Have to say I agree and have done the same and fitted a rubber set. The silicone ones will also remain as spares.

Hi,
I have silicone heater hoses and, whilst it was tight, I managed to get them through the bulkhead with the rubber grommets in place, so it can be done.
Best wishes,
Mike.