Plumbing Pipes

[Paul Coleman 517]

The series 1 chassis has 4 pipes running the length of the box section. The two large ones are the feed and return for the water to/from the engine. Then there's a smaller one for... now what the hell was it for? And then there is an even smaller one which I think is for the vacuum for the brakes? Or was that for the bigger one - now I can't remember arghhh!! Anyway mine has 3 aluminium pipes and one copper one (not to be confused with the brake pipe which is also copper but runs outside of the chassis and is clipped to the side). What I want to know is, should the smallest pipe also be aluminium? I suspect that mine has been changed for a copper one. And what diamter (internal/external) should the smallest pipe be? Thanks, Paul.

[hilly 1]

On My S3 I have the following: -

running through the chassis tunnel

2 large alloy tubes = radiator feed and return

2 smaller tubes = interior heater feed and return

1 small = brake servo vaccum

1 gear linkage

Andy clipped outside

1 clutch hose

1 brake pipe

Hilly

[dglotusltd 0]

I don't have the workshop manual or parts manual with me so this may not be very helpful. Since your S1 is a 76, I am going to assume it does NOT have AC otherwise I'd say its the lines to and from the AC condensor.

I don't believe my 77 brakes are vacuum assisted so unless they changed the design.......

Anyway, the manuals should show the lines running through the chassis if you look at the cooloing and braking systems sections. If i cheat and go to the online parts manual published at Sportscarworld.com it shows 2 main water pipes and noted a 3rd (not pictured) for the A/C.

[Paul Coleman 517]

My car doesn't have air conditioning. I think the larger of the two small pipes might be for the heater and the smaller one for the vacuum? Can anybody confirm this please. Here's a picture of the two pipes...

Thanks, Paul.

Edited June 8, 2007 by Paul Coleman

[AJay 1]

The small one is the vacuum pipe and still has the rubber grommet where it comes through the floor section by the brake lines.

Not so sure about the larger one i think its the heater........

Edited June 8, 2007 by AJay

[ian heighway 0]

Hi

The small pipe is vaccum

The bigger 1 is water to the heater.

On your 2 big water pipes 1 of them should have a 'T' off that is the same dia as the heater pipe

hope that helps

[Paul Coleman 517]

Okay we've decided what the pipes are but can anybody confirm what the vacuum pipe should be - aluminium or copper and what diameter it is? Thanks, Paul.

[ian heighway 0]

Mine is aluminium

[Paul Coleman 517]

Ah okay thanks for that Ian. Do you know what diameter it should be? Mine has obviously been replaced at some point.

Cheers, Paul.

[USAndretti42 315]

I wouldn't think (in fact I often get accused of not thinking) that neither the diameter nor the material of the vacuum pipe to the servo is critical as long as it is big enough and rigid, so it doesn't collapse. If it is big enough to fit the rubber tube to the servo, it should do the job.