102 'plumbing'

[SAE140]

I'm just putting a 102 TC back together after a mini-strip-down, and I'm curious about the external water-pipe connecting head to exhaust tube. On my other 102 the pipe is copper, but on this one there's a length of plastic pipe with 2x 1/2" BSP 6mm(ish) hosetails. Is this a bodge, or is it standard on some models ?

I could re-plumb with copper easy enough, but it occurs to me that using a hose would make it slightly easier to back-flush the engine ...

[Oyster 49]

The flexible pipe is definately incorrect, you should have a solid tube. However if it works then leave as is? I'm sure SOS can supply.

[woodbutchergraham]

If you have the nipple fittings just borrow an off cut of 10mm copper from a friendly plumber. Warm up the pipe to soften it bend it slowly and carefully to the shape required and solder your fittings on the ends. Dont forget to put the captive nuts on first. If you dont fancy that contact John im sure he has a stash already to buff up.
I dont think unless you are planning to use your 102 in the briney back flushing is such an issue!

all the best Graham
Looking forward to a Nottingham 102 meet !

[Jan]

1940s and 1950s 102 Seagulls have copper pipes. From 1960 they have the plastic hoses.

[SAE140]

Thanks Jan - that clears up another small mystery. The pipe on this 102 looked exactly like your photo - except that it's become brittle with age and has snapped in two.

Think I'll stay with the hose method then - I'll clamp the top end, and leave the bottom end 'loose', so that I can simply pull it off for easy back-flushing.
For use on The Briney ? Definitely a 'yes' there ...

[woodbutchergraham]

I can’t believe it Seagull doing it on the cheap from 1960s plastic 102 cooling pipes, whatever next cut and shunt jobs with Japanese legs. No come to think of it they tried that one as well !