C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Spring in lower radiator hose?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 24, 2007 | 08:32 PM
  #1  
johnwhoss's Avatar
johnwhoss
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Default Spring in lower radiator hose?

I've seen it mentioned here that the lower radiator hose should have a spring in it to prevent collapse. Is this true for a '77 L-48? I felt around in mine and could not feel one. Another suspect causing the car to run hot on the freeway?
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2007 | 08:49 PM
  #2  
chuck d's Avatar
chuck d
Pro
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 713
Likes: 1
From: plymouth mass
Default

My 73 L-48 car has a spring in the lower radiator hose. I had to transfer the spring to the new hose when I replaced it. Without the spring it could be colapsing, causing an overheating problem.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2007 | 08:52 PM
  #3  
vette blue's Avatar
vette blue
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: MONTREAL QUEBEC
Default

My 71 has it as well and serves to prevent the collapse of your hose thus preventing overheating. Most of the Vette suppliers should carry it.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2007 | 09:32 PM
  #4  
johnwhoss's Avatar
johnwhoss
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Default

I just did a quick search of the larger parts suppliers and they all carry GM lower radiator hoses but there is no mention of a spring. Is it assumed that they all have a spring? Does the spring run the length of the hose or just in the bend? I'm squeezing the hose but I can't feel a spring, would I be able to?

Thanks!
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2007 | 09:59 PM
  #5  
vette blue's Avatar
vette blue
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: MONTREAL QUEBEC
Default

You'd definitely feel it. Mine runs right through from top to bottom. Try calling the vendors it may already come included with the hose?
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2007 | 10:43 PM
  #6  
johnwhoss's Avatar
johnwhoss
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Default

I did more searching and went to Paragon's web site. They have a more detailed description of their radiator hoses. In their descriptions of lower radiator hoses, they specifically say whether the hoses have the spring, but not for the Late '76-82 hose. Did the '76L-'82 lower hose originally have a spring? I noticed in the pictures that the '76L-'82 design was a little straighter than the other years. Maybe the '76L-'82 lower radiator hose was designed so a spring wasn't necessary????
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2007 | 11:41 PM
  #7  
bytor's Avatar
bytor
Instructor
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 41
From: Simpsonville SC
Default

I had problems finding one with a spring installed also. The straight universal hose that most auto parts store have on hand has the spring in it. I bought one of these and removed the spring from it and installed it in a new molded lower hose.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Spring in lower radiator hose?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:33 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE