Motorsport Plumbing Systems: Silicone Couplers
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Silicone Couplers
04.03
| 00:00 | We discussed the use of silicon material in our flexible hose section, so we now understand its advantages in heat and chemical resistance over the standard rubber hose most our cars left the factory with. |
| 00:12 | Silicon couplers are no different, but the purpose of a coupler in this case is to join sections of pipe, usually in our intake plumbing but also for the coolant system rather than when used as hose to primarily convey the fluid. |
| 00:27 | In addition to connecting the plumbing, couplers also allow for some relative motion and vibration isolation. |
| 00:34 | For example between the engine and airbox, intercooler or radiator. |
| 00:38 | Using couplers allows the pipes to be disconnected and removed for servicing and in some cases they're used to simply join pipe that could be welded due to factors like time constraints. |
| 00:50 | Preformed silicon couplers, elbows and reducers are available to help here as well in a wide range of different sizes and angles. |
| 00:59 | In saying this, we'd always recommend welding pipes where possible rather than just using couplers to reduce potential failure points and keep weight at a minimum. |
| 01:08 | Regardless, the reality is that they've been so commonly used in performance applications that they need to be discussed before moving on. |
| 01:16 | Like we touched on earlier, silicon has better resistance to heat when compared to rubber and is more durable, meaning the hoses simply last longer. |
| 01:25 | Not all silicon couplers are created equal though. |
| 01:28 | Not only can the quality of the material vary significantly between suppliers, with the cheaper options tending to have a shorter lifespan, they can also lack reinforcement, meaning they won't hold their shape well and will deform with the high pressures in boosted applications. |
| 01:45 | The reinforcement found in better quality silicon couplers usually involves an integral fibre weave. |
| 01:51 | Potentially with other layers, and couplers designed for turbo applications can have stronger reinforcement compared to the silicon hoses used for coolant. |
| 02:00 | So, it's just good to be aware of what you're buying. |
| 02:03 | This brings us to the big disadvantage of using these couplers on turbocharged applications when compared to some of the alternative pipe coupling or joining options we'll discuss in a coming module, and that's security. |
| 02:15 | Put simply, it's a common issue for the couplers to pop off and create a huge boost leak when under boost pressure. |
| 02:23 | Naturally higher boost pressures will tend to make this worse but that doesn't mean this issue is inevitable and there's a lot of ways we can avoid it. |
| 02:32 | We'll also be discussing this more in the coming modules, but to briefly cover it for now, the first step in preventing this is using suitable clamps and the addition of a raised bead around the ends of the plumbing, which makes a big difference in the security of the couplers. |
| 02:47 | Aside from this, minimising the amount of couplers as well as the open space between the plumbing they connect and ensuring correct function of the turbo and supporting components like the blow off valve is going to make a big difference. |
| 03:00 | But again, we'll be discussing this in more detail later in the course. |
| 03:04 | Finally it should be noted that silicon couplers will still deteriorate with very high temperatures, particularly in forced induction motorsport vehicles that run at high temperatures for extended periods of time. |
| 03:17 | Using silicon couplers close to turbos can lead to issues due to the heat, but luckily there are some other, albeit more expensive options that we'll discuss soon. |
| 03:26 | To summarise, silicon couplers are ideal for connecting our pipes and our intake, charge air and coolant plumbing systems. |
| 03:34 | They offer good heat resistance and flexibility, and the ability to disassemble the system for servicing. |
| 03:41 | As always it's worth buying quality components and being aware of the internal reinforcement and subsequent strength of the parts, making sure they're suitable for our application. |
| 03:50 | While couplers popping off in high boost applications are somewhat of a common issue, there are some key ways of preventing this by improving the security of the couplers on the plumbing. |
