[Supras] Oil Tube (From valve cover to block, 7M-GE)

[Steve Michael]

If you think removing the alternator is a pain, then you haven't really 
worked on your car. :-)
Try changing a heater core.

Seriously, it's not that big of a deal with that hose.
Take off your alternator (14mm socket & wrench, 12mm socket & 10mm wrench 
for the adjuster nut). But before you do that, take a dremmel or a cutting 
wheel or hacksaw or whatever and cut off the end of the bolt that protrudes 
past he nut...cut it flush. Then take it apart.
That should give you enough room to pull the now rock-hard and leaking like 
a MF hose from the block & valve cover.
Take the hose to your local auto parts store and ask them for an oil hose 
with a simple 90* bend with ample length.
Now imagine that instead of that hose making a funky bend around the OUTSIDE 
of that stupid bolt, now it will go INSIDE.
Yeah, the hose will be a tiny bit crimped, but it really won't make a 
difference. You can take the larger rubber "hose guard"
off of the old hose and put it around the new one if you want, but you 
should just take your time and install that bugger with the alternator 
OUT...it makes it so much easier.
When you put the alt. back in, push the bolt in from the OUTSIDE-IN, and 
simply wedge that nut between the alt. bracket and your new hose...the new 
hose should hold it there for you. Thread that bolt but don't tighten it. 
Thread the 12mm long bolt in the slider and use the 10mm nut to pull it 
tighter until you're happy with the belt tension. Clamp up both the 12mm and 
14mm nuts and you're done.

If you email me directly at azsuprasm at qwest.net, I'll try to get you a pic 
of the completed, much cleaner install.

Steve in N.Scottsdale...90T/A/T for Me (Sarah, July 2006 SILV calendar girl)


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From: supraman88 <supraman88 at verizon.net>
Subject: [Supras] Oil Tube (From valve cover to block, 7M-GE)
To: supras at supras.com
Message-ID: <45D4C6CA.4010903 at verizon.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Wow. Toyota wants $40 for this 1 foot piece of tubing.

I put a reinforced heater hose in there, but a number of people have
told me the oil will break down the rubber of the heater hose, and the
alternator is pinching it.

The tubing is about 7/8" diameter. This is another job I only want to do
once, as it involves removing the alternator. Other than buying the tube
from Toyota (which I will do if I have to) anyone have any ideas for a
replacement? I've been to plumbing stores, looked through the Oil Burner
sections in some hardware stores, etc...

Thanks!