Flexing Flexible Wet Exhaust Tubing?

[Neeltje]

Hi Folks,

I just purchased 12' of 3-1/2" corrugated "flexible" rubber wet exhaust tubing that seems to want to keep the "bend" it had coming off the roll to the point of not even being able to straighten it out.

I always thought "Flexible" meant "Flexible". Am I missing something in the translation, or is there a preferred way of actually bending these things?

BTW, those who have only dealt with 1" or 2" corrugated hoses need not reply, as I've already seen those turned into pretzels on YouTube many times.

It would take The Hulk or Superman to do as much with a 3-1/2", and since I stopped pumping iron years ago, I'm leaning towards a more thermal or mechanical approach.

In the mean time, I'm wide open to any suggestions you might have.

Thanks in advance,

Jacques

[Wonderinlost]

Is it possible to soak it in a how bucket of water?

Edit:: not how but hot water.

wondering around with no destionation

[leftbrainstuff]

A by product of flexible exhaust tube which has the hoop strength, axial and bias properties that you need is a memory or set.

Minimum bend radii and suitable clamps at perhaps 1 - 2' centers will normally address the memory issues. If not make sure you haven't bought old brittle hose.

Finally getting the right twist on the clamped ends will often help.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Neeltje]

Originally Posted by leftbrainstuff

A by product of flexible exhaust tube which has the hoop strength, axial and bias properties that you need is a memory or set.

Minimum bend radii and suitable clamps at perhaps 1 - 2' centers will normally address the memory issues. If not make sure you haven't bought old brittle hose.

Finally getting the right twist on the clamped ends will often help.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

Gotcha! Now, can I have the English version?

All seriousness aside, since it's almost as stiff as the 30-year old hose I was replacing, I was worried about that too, but the rubber smells fresh, and you could almost cut it with a butter knife and a pair or bolt cutters.

As it stands, I've got this 12-foot "arch" that I'm going to have to cut into curved chunks and redirect here and there with fiberglass elbows to get it where I want it to go.

This may be the norm, I don't know, but in my opinion, the term "flexible" has no business being in the product description.

Jacques

[Nicholson58]

FLEXIBLE is a relative term. Means more flex than a piece of 3" pipe.

Fill it with boiling water and cap the ends (heavy plastic bag & bands). I don't recommend multiple pieces if you can avoid it.

[haw1961]

Maybe set it out in the St. Augustine sun for a couple of hours, or maybe a heat gun.

[bony]

Have you thought about stretching the tube to help it lose it's memory. Fix it to a tree or something solid, and to the back of your car or truck, then try to drive away. Don't know if it'll solve the memory problem but at least you'll have shown it who's boss!

Cheers,
bony.

[Neeltje]

Originally Posted by bony

Have you thought about stretching the tube to help it lose it's memory. Fix it to a tree or something solid, and to the back of your car or truck, then try to drive away. Don't know if it'll solve the memory problem but at least you'll have shown it who's boss!

Cheers,
bony.

Not so sure about that. I drive a 1975 Superbeetle. I'm pretty sure the hose outweighs it...

As for the "Sunshine State", if this weather keeps up, I'm going to sue Florida for false advertising.

Jacques