Lower radiator hose spring
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
Lower radiator hose spring
I have read threads of the lower rad hose having a spring to keep it from colapsing. I'm guessing that could be a hi rpm issue. My hose doesn't have one and neither does the new napa hose. I don't know that I have had this problem, but thought I would make sure it has one before i put it together. Where do you buy the hose that has it, or is it not required for '75 with L48 ? I called the chevy dealer and he doesn't have the hose and doesn't know if it comes with the spring. Any help ?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Gates hoses are readily available at most parts stores. They do not have the spring and it`s not really necessary. The OEM factory hose did have a spring however and a real bitch to put in. I just recently replaced mine. The only issue is age on the hose as it may go soft. 
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
I guess I should have searched the archives before starting this thread, I found many threads on the subject. Some say the new GM hose has the spring, others say no. Seems none of the regular parts store hoses has it. Dewitts has it, Zip has it, but not Ecklers. All the parts stores say that modern hoses do not need it because the rubber is better. I think I will order it and have it on hand if I have problems with the hose colapsing. I plan to go with electric fans and a new radiator this winter anyway. Just looking to get through the last of the driving season.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 41
From: Simpsonville SC
Another option to obtain the spring is pickup one of those universal radiator hoses. (The straight but flexible kind) Most of them have a spring in them. Thats what I did and it worked like a charm.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Warrensburg MO
Don't know if it is true or not, but I was told that the spring was installed at the factory due to the procedure they use to fill the cooling system. Can't remember what that procedure was now, but I was also told that you don't need the spring in a replacement hose. For what it's worth...Cheers
TommyJ
TommyJ
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
Don't know if it is true or not, but I was told that the spring was installed at the factory due to the procedure they use to fill the cooling system. Can't remember what that procedure was now, but I was also told that you don't need the spring in a replacement hose. For what it's worth...Cheers
TommyJ
TommyJ
As the hose gets older the rubber breaks down and becomes softer making it more prone to happening.
The internal spring keeps the hose in shape and prevents collapsing
