Click on image for the AS3 link After receiving several silicone hose sets from AS3 in the UK, I'm able to install the refurbished cooing system components on Project 42.
It was nearly two years ago that I sent AS3 an OEM set of RC24/26 coolant hoses as a pattern for them to produce and market replacement hose sets for our old bikes. I fitted the prototype set on Project 41 some months back and they're now in production. They're beautiful items, fit perfectly and look great, especially when you install with their special hose clamps. And they come in colors! This bike is to remain as original as possible…so black it is.
(Below) I begin by fitting the refurbished radiator. This rad only required a good cleaning, fin straightening and painting of the fins and front grill cover. These grills are prone to rusting and always seem to need repainting. Everything is bolted in place with the original fasteners, detailed and protected with preservative. Finally, the fan connector is plugged into its harness connection.
It was nearly two years ago that I sent AS3 an OEM set of RC24/26 coolant hoses as a pattern for them to produce and market replacement hose sets for our old bikes. I fitted the prototype set on Project 41 some months back and they're now in production. They're beautiful items, fit perfectly and look great, especially when you install with their special hose clamps. And they come in colors! This bike is to remain as original as possible…so black it is.
(Below) I begin by fitting the refurbished radiator. This rad only required a good cleaning, fin straightening and painting of the fins and front grill cover. These grills are prone to rusting and always seem to need repainting. Everything is bolted in place with the original fasteners, detailed and protected with preservative. Finally, the fan connector is plugged into its harness connection.
(Below) Next, I'll install the short hose from the thermostat housing to the engine block. After noting how the clamps are oriented, I simply cut the old hose in half, remove the clamps and pull the two pieces free. This is less of a struggle if the thermostat housing is off the engine, but not necessary. If there's corrosion on the hose fittings, I clean those up with a little sandpaper and slip the new hose & clamps in place.
(Below) Now I'll tackle the short hose mating the water pump and chrome inlet pipe. This one is particularly difficult as there's only about 20mm of space to remove/install a 70mm length of hose. Here's a trick I use: Remove the water pump cover (this should be done in any case to inspect the water pump impeller blades). Pull outward slightly on the pump housing which allows the housing to rotate — this provides much more room to remove/install the hose. Slide the hose onto the chrome pipe, rotate the housing back into place, and slide the hose back onto the housing nipple. Before tightening the hose clamps, be sure to align the pump housing's bolt holes. Note: The pump housing can be entirely removed by pulling straight outward, but be sure the oil sump is drained down about a quart or oil will exit through the mounting hole. If you choose to remove the cover and/or pump you'll want to have new o-rings on hand — one for each — available from Honda.
(Below) To finish up, I install the powder coated water pump cover with a fresh o-ring gasket, followed by the two large radiator hoses. I like to slide the original hose protector sleeves in place on the new hose — here I have tape holding the upper sleeve in place while the cement cures (I could have cemented it in place on the bench). The lower sleeve will stay in place without cement.
(Right) The water pump/sprocket bolts are varying lengths so I use a cheat sheet I made up years ago to help me remember. If you're not aware, this photo shows the proper way to measure bolt length.
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