lower radiator hose spring

[wpavlis]

I replaced my radiator and hoses over the weekend. Below is a picture of the inside of the lower radiator hose. I was wondering if this is some sort of farm engineering that my grandfather put in there, or if they used to actually come this way.

If someone had told me my radiator hose spring had gone out I would have assumed they would also tell me my muffler bearings were bad.

[hamjet]

They were made that way so the hose didn't collapse..

[wpavlis]

That was my guess, just hadn't see it before. I have never worked on a vehicle this old before. It's fun finding things like that.

[Boog]

Yes. Its supposed to be in there.

You might as well check those muffler bearings too while you are in there. 😊

[snipescastle2]

I always knew they came that way, but try and find a source that supplies the spring with the hose, or even by itself....haven't found one yet.....does anyone know where I can get a "New" spring for my lower hose? part numbers?
Thanks!
Ben

[LockDoc]

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I would think about any auto parts store would have them or can get them. Call around.... I know Summit and Speedway has them.

I found this info on the internet a while back when I was checking on a lower radiator hose spring for my 377 powered '34 Ford Coupe.

LockDoc

I need a spring for my radiator hose. Where can I find one?

The thought that a spring is needed in a radiator hose is a common misconception, that springs (pun intended) from two events.

The first is that many (although not all) lower radiator hoses on the production assembly line had springs in them. The reason for this was the method by which the assembly lines filled the cooling systems. To save time, a special vacuum/fill fitting was placed over the radiator fill connection (the place where the radiator cap would eventually be placed). A vacuum machine was turned on to evacuate most of the air out of the cooling system. Once completed, the fill portion was turned on to introduce the coolant into the system. This process avoided entrained air preventing the system from being completed filled. The purpose of the hose spring was to prevent collapse during the vacuum portion of the fill cycle.

The second part of the story that has led to the "I need a spring" myth is that some people have observed their lower hose collapsing when they rev the engine. This is the result of a clogged radiator or a cooling system that has not been brought up to standard operating temperature. If an engine is revved up while still cool, there is only atmospheric pressure in the system. It is possible for the lower hose to collapse slightly due to the water pump drawing water out of the lower hose faster than the gravity-fed water from the radiator replaces it. Once the engine has been warmed up, the coolant system operates under pressure and this condition doesn't exist in a properly maintained cooling system. However, if the radiator tubes have restrictions, as the engine is revved, the water pump pulls coolant from the lower hose faster than water can trickle past the clogged tubes. This can result in a reduction in internal pressure that would cause the hose to collapse.

Note that the events that lead to the thought that "I need a spring" are based on either an insufficiently warmed up engine or a clogged radiator. The spring does not take care of these events. It merely masks a symptom. If, after your vehicle has reached normal operating temperature but you experience a collapsing hose, have your radiator tested.

As an additional thought, have you ever wondered where your original spring went? Did you ever find bits and pieces of it scattered throughout the cooling system? Being made of ordinary steel, they corrode with time, small pieces gradually breaking off and either scoring the water pump impeller, tearing the water pump seal, or clogging the radiator. They aren't necessary for the functioning of a properly maintained cooling system.

[davepl]

Generally interchangeable with piston return springs if you have a small block.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by snipescastle2

I always knew they came that way, but try and find a source that supplies the spring with the hose, or even by itself....haven't found one yet.....does anyone know where I can get a "New" spring for my lower hose? part numbers?
Thanks!
Ben

Make one!!
Easy to do!
Get some wire from the hardware store and wind it around a 2 inch pipe in your vice.
Bend the ends over like a pigtail.
Stretch it out a bit so it fits in the hose and wind it into the hose.

[7tee]

If you can't get a replacement hose with the reinforced wire just cut the hose and remove the wire. Clean and lube it and twist it into the new hose...ed...

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by davepl

Generally interchangeable with piston return springs if you have a small block.

Thats funny!

[snipescastle2]

That sort of sounded like a Ford joke.....piston return springs......

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by snipescastle2

That sort of sounded like a Ford joke.....piston return springs......

I know that guy, he could not fix his pressure washer, I had to do it for him!

[davepl]

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

I know that guy, he could not fix his pressure washer, I had to do it for him!

It was my joke, and I just fixed my pressure washer myself this spring, so not sure what you mean.

[snipescastle2]

Okay fella's, let's not get "Wrapped around the axle" on this one.....
Have a Great Day!
Ben

[davepl]

Well, I can tell you this is the only page on the whole Internet that matches this search, so I'm stumped:

site:67-72chevytrucks.com toolboxchev "pressure washer"