>This brings up a question I've been pondering for a while.  Several times
on
>this list I've heard recommendations to stay away from the cotton covered
hose.

Some people have made the claim that the cotton covered hose is more subject
to degradation from who knows, UV, ozone, whatever than the "FI" hose which
is smooth and rubber covered.  Personally I do NOT have this opinion.  I
really doubt it makes a whit of difference, seems to me that as both hoses
are often by the same manufacturer (Continental?) there is probably no
formulation difference whatsoever in the rubber which is what is going to be
most importantly subject to degradation.  To me it seems the cotton covered
hose is far better reinforced as the rubber "FI" hose has much less braid
between its rubber layers.  As a totaly unscientific single point test,
about 3 years ago I installed cotton covered hose on the '78, rubber on the
'77, both were run about even amounts (not a lot) and subject to the same
ambient conditions.  Looking at either today shows no great difference, at
least here in my local.  Some claimed that in smog ridden areas the cloth
covered broke down faster, like I've said, I don't know.  I will say
suprisingly I noted on the '87 the other day that the rubber covered line I
used was already cracking a little past the clamps (you know, towards the
joint where that last little bit of hose flares out) maybe because I
overtightened, but neither the '77 or '78 exhibit this behavior with an
older installation, so perhaps noted differences are due to batch and
formulation or manufacturer.  And finally VW superceded the cloth covered in
late '76 or '77 so they thought rubber covered was superior apparently,
though the hose they used from '77-'85 or so was not like the rubber covered
stuff sold today, it had a striated appearance on the outside.  Basically I
say, use whatever is handy, the rubber covered is merely a phone call away
to RMMW, Bus Depot, Old Volks Home, wherever.  If the cotton covered is
available locally (which it often is) and you need it, use it.  Either way
inspect frequently and replace maybe every 5 years?  Something I wonder
about, RMMW and other sell a blue colored hose for brake fluid resevoirs in
the same size, has anybody ever seen this in use, I know my buses do not use
it, perhaps I'd seen it feeding the clutch in a Vanagon or Quantum, if I
replace the feed tube in a bus should I use this instead?

John
janderson@iolinc.net