How do I go about ordering replacement hoses for the engine compartment? I know there is a hose life limit, but I don’t want a lot of down time waiting for hoses. Is there such a thing as a hose kit? Or a firewall-forward kit? How do I determine hose identification?
Bob Steward, A&P-IA:
The hoses have specific part numbers based on the length, bore and end
fitting size; whether or not there is FireSleeve on it; and on the
“clocking” of any angled fittings on the ends (if both ends have an angled fitting).
If you have the correct part numbers (look on the existing hoses for a
stainless-steel band or tag with the number and the other TSO information), then there is no reason to wait. If your hose fittings have been re-fitted with new hose in the field, and the shop that did them did not have a Certified Repair Station license, and did not mark the hoses with the proper fire-resistant tags, then they aren’t airworthy to start with. You can look in the Parts Manual for information on the correct AeroQuip part numbers, or contact your Hose Shop to see if they have a “kit” for your model.
Editor:
There are now more options for hoses than when the original specifications were set. Hoses are TSO’d items, and there are legal substitutions where it makes sense. For example, Teflon-core hose is now available, with or without extruded FireSleeve on it. These hoses take up significantly less room, are easier to route and install, and are easier to work around. They normally have no shelf life limit. They currently have no technical service life limit either, but that can be affected by other factors over time. If they remain in the same application, have not been damaged by things like abrasion, and have not been subject to frequent removal and reinstallation, they may well last the remaining economical life of the airframe.
These typically cost a bit more than standard hose, but so far they have not encountered the problems that have befallen conventional hose (tube disintegration, etc.). Precision Hose Technologies is one of many shops that can make these (and all) hoses. They have a link on BAC.
Heed Bob’s comments regarding Repair Station status and tagging. A reputable shop will have the proper equipment to assemble and pressure-test new hoses. If you wish to trust your airplane or your life to a field-assembled oil line, that’s your call.
Note that most large shops do sell hose kits for a given application. This assumes that STCs or other changes have not affected the hose length and routing in your engine compartment. The very best approach is to have an experienced eye evaluate the hoses in your installation, decide whether any changes are needed, and send in your old hoses to be copied or changed as specified. For the price of the extra shipping you can be assured of getting the correct parts the first time.