![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: N.E. Florida
Posts: 500
|
upper radiator hose for aluminum radiator
Has anyone else had the issue with finding a upper radiator hose that fits correctly over the inlet of the new aluminum radiators ? I have bought the correct one for the truck. But the end toward the rad. is rather small. I took my heat gun and warmed it a bit to fit. It looks a bit odd, Like a snake starting starting to swallow a billiard ball. A hose for a 454 engine is the same part number. Thank you
Ken
__________________
1985 IROC Z28 190HP TPI 305,700r4,T-tops,rear trac lock, Black on lite gray, 16in Z28 wheels 2007 Lexus ES350 (wifes) 1984 CJ7 with 1995 HO4.0L MPI, 2 1/2 OME YJ Lift “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.” ― Ronald Reagan |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,356
|
Re: upper radiator hose for aluminum radiator
Look at a hose from a 70's truck, I think those are bigger at the radiator end.
__________________
76 Chevy K20 76 GMC K15 77 Chevy C10 77 Chevy K10 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 3,188
|
Re: upper radiator hose for aluminum radiator
I just put a Spectra aluminum/plastic radiator in my 83 C20 454 (see my "Radiator Replacement" thread last week.) The radiator has a plastic sleeve on the hose inlets, and it does not seem to be very securely attached. After removing the rubber shipping cover, I was able to get the hose over the plastic sleeve and it was a tight fit.
I would make sure that you have the correct hose for your truck. Using radiator hose grease (see my post) will help and also makes it easier to remove the hoses in the future. Different brand hoses will have different amounts of flexibility. I have found that the Dayco brand (usually the cheapest) have a thinner wall and softer rubber - I don't like them for those reasons - but it may be the best hose for your situation. Take calipers with you to the auto parts store and look for one that will accommodate the diameter of your radiator hose inlet tube. Just a note of caution - use extreme care when pushing/pulling on the plastic inlet tubes. Plastic is not as forgiving as brass. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: N.E. Florida
Posts: 500
|
Re: upper radiator hose for aluminum radiator
Thanks for the good idea's. I have always used a touch of Vaseline over a grease. Just a preference, after restoring older Harley's you don't mix petroleum based products. Because to older stuff turns back to a gooey mess.
I should have been a bit more clear on my radiator. Its a custom all aluminum radiator. I double checked my part numbers and I have the correct hose. I fact I'm on my second new hose. My first one lasted one cooling fan cycle, I thought I had the hose secured. The key word here is I thought, once the fans kicked on, good bye hose. I was very lucky the coolant wasn't that hot because I was covered. Ken
__________________
1985 IROC Z28 190HP TPI 305,700r4,T-tops,rear trac lock, Black on lite gray, 16in Z28 wheels 2007 Lexus ES350 (wifes) 1984 CJ7 with 1995 HO4.0L MPI, 2 1/2 OME YJ Lift “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.” ― Ronald Reagan |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|