lbatalha

I've recently started installing a lightly used Rotrex (kraftwerks) system. The oil lines that came with it are a mix between then Automatic transmission oil lines from the filter, and some SAE100R6 hose. This SAE 100 hose seems to be in great condition, but there are some gashes so I decided to replace it (even if it could probably still handle it, since rotrex oil system does not seem to be high pressure).

I cannot seem to find any ATF oil hose around here, mostly available multi-purpose oil/water/fuel (DIN 73379 2A spec) which appears to be compatible with most fuels (except biodiesel) and oils. Though it has a max constant operating temperature of 90C (with 110C peaks).

What kind of hoses have you guys used that are known to not degrade under track use?

HarryB

I will have to check mine to see what they are. I am unsure of the exact nature of the Rotrex traction fluid, but I imagine teflon lined lines (similar to brake lines) would be OK as well.

curly

iTrader: (25)

I just used fuel injection hose. You don’t need the high pressure rating but it’s still good for oil, and readily available

lbatalha

I figured as much and I assume the temp rating on the hose is at the rated working pressure, ended up getting similar to sae100r6 but more reinforced outer, as it was what was available (its almost as flexible though)

HarryB

FYI Rotrex claims that their oil lines material helps with oil foaming; no sure if true or a marketing trick but that's what they replied to my question. For the price, I would just buy a length of oil hose off of them.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

HarryB

Smells like it, unless you have a chemical reaction between the oil and the line; I do not see any other possible cause. I still find it easy enough to buy a length of hose off of them.

Midtenn

iTrader: (15)

That is what I'm wondering. Without knowing the makeup of the traction fluid its hard to say. "Foaming" could also be a mistranslation of what is going on between the fluid and hose. That or foaming is just the best layman's description. For something as expensive as a Rotrex unit, I'd use what the manufacture recommends.

lbatalha

There is no way that it is not bullshit. Their hose is just normal Nitrile rubber, same as basically any other hose. Anyway, the temperature ratings from what I can gather are actually there for the rated pressure, since the rotrex oil system is very low pressure, the temperature rating doesn't really apply (IE your fuel lines can hold 100psi, but only if you keep them at the rated 80C) The hose that came with the rotrex automatic transmission oil filter is generic Gates Transmission cooler hose.

If there is something I really don't like is magic pixie dust items that You Just Have to Get From Them™ (at least with the traction fluid you aren't getting ripped off that much compared to industrial traction fluids)

Some research will show that there are not many variations of nitrile rubber (outside of HNBR), its mostly dependent on hose design and fluid used that determines the rated pressure and temperature.

Traction fluid is not a very nasty product, not even as bad as ATF. The rotrex one is manufactured by Santolubes, so it's probably a variation of their Santotrac line.

As for buying hose from them, thats a bit more expensive outside the US, and if you have hose issues you wont find it locally to fix it fast.