radiator hose
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
radiator hose
i know the top hose on the radiator is the pressure one but is it normal to be bulging at the clamps? it was a hot day, engine was running around 190. i dont think its that old but not sure. should i change it or will a new one also do this. thanks, NUTSY.
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Usually when they start bulging at the clamp, they are getting spongy and weak. Good sign it may need to be replaced. Alot easier than the lower hose but you may want to eyeball that as well.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
thanks CAPEVETTES., do you know if i can get a correct one at a local auto store or do i have to go through a corvette parts catalog. i want one like it has now with the GM and part #.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,365
Likes: 5,244
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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You can get one that will FIT locally. If you want a correct one I would go with Paragon. Wilcox may carry a correct one as well. Correct looks alot nicer where the upper hose is so visible.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Nutsy,
Heres my radiator hose tale.
John A. the original editor of the NCRS 'CORVETTE RESTORER' came home from a drive, popped the hood and noticed a LARGE bubble on the upper hose. Without thinking he reached over and touched/poked it with a finger. The bubble burst and shot scalding water at his chest and stomach; his reflex was to turn his body so it scalded his side too. It was VERY bad. A long recovery. The picture was horrible.
Cars get VERY hot. Be careful!
Regards,
Alan
Heres my radiator hose tale.
John A. the original editor of the NCRS 'CORVETTE RESTORER' came home from a drive, popped the hood and noticed a LARGE bubble on the upper hose. Without thinking he reached over and touched/poked it with a finger. The bubble burst and shot scalding water at his chest and stomach; his reflex was to turn his body so it scalded his side too. It was VERY bad. A long recovery. The picture was horrible.
Cars get VERY hot. Be careful!
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Jul 5, 2010 at 12:45 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
hi ALLAN, i know. when i was 17 i worked at a gas station. i saw a man take off his radiator cap and scream. his hand looked like he had a latex glove on it that was way too big hanging off of his fingers. it was his skin. but i admit i did squeeze the hose. thanks for the warning, NUTSY.
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From: SE Pennsylvania
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Oldtimer
When I replaced my radiator and support, I got new upper and lower hoses. And since every time my 79 sat and cooled over night, the upper hose would collapse. So I went to a wreaking yard, and got a lower radiator sping and put it in my upper hose, so that there was a spring in both upper and lower. It looked good when you had the car at a show and getting judged. 
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