lower Radiator hose replacement!!!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: WA
you probably need to cut a couple inches off the radiator end of the hose. I just replaced my lower on my '71. it fit perfectly after a couple inches off. although the hose is 'made for your car', check the manufacturer's website on the part #. Goodyear uses the one I bought on several other cars; including an Olds Cutlass if I remember correctly. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Lesson: if it doesn't look right, it ain't right.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Lower Radiator Hose
I was trying to locate the correct lower radiator hose for my 1971 small block. I have read that the correct hose contains a spring which prevents hose collapse on hard acceleration. Would anyone have advice on the best place to find this correct replacement hose, and a current part number.
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
This is the Dad who owns the 71 vette in question. We think we have the 'correct' hose as we ordered it from Ecklers who is usually pretty good about these things. But it is worth checking. Hose is also bent severely as it comes around the fan shroud. Just doesn't seem right.
Despite the little problems, its been a great father/son (and two other sons) project this summer.
Despite the little problems, its been a great father/son (and two other sons) project this summer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
I replaced the hoses on my 72 sb earlier this year.
The lower hose was a complete PITA! The problem is that it's very hard to gain any leverage to get the darn thing on.
I use a little dishwashing soap on the inside of the hose, and was able to get mostly on from the bottom, and then twisting and pushing got it on all the way from the top. I've heard of others that have heated the hose up with hot water to make it softer and easier to put on - but I was doing this by myself, and figured that appoach would be harder, but with 2 people that might be the easier way to go.
Do you have AC? The bend may be to clear the AC compressor belt - mine has AC, so it fits/looks very natural to me.
Matt
The lower hose was a complete PITA! The problem is that it's very hard to gain any leverage to get the darn thing on.
I use a little dishwashing soap on the inside of the hose, and was able to get mostly on from the bottom, and then twisting and pushing got it on all the way from the top. I've heard of others that have heated the hose up with hot water to make it softer and easier to put on - but I was doing this by myself, and figured that appoach would be harder, but with 2 people that might be the easier way to go.
Do you have AC? The bend may be to clear the AC compressor belt - mine has AC, so it fits/looks very natural to me.
Matt
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Make certain that you don't have the hose install 'upside-down'; the length from the bend is different on one end than the other. Also, Install the radiator end first, as that end is the most difficult one to engage. Then install the pump end.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,504
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: Lindenhurst, Long Island, New York
Straight up pure antifreeze is some slick stuff. Take a rag and wet it, rub inside the hose and around the connection. Slides on like a dream.
Furthermore, I had a real corvette hose that I had to trim as well. I had to trim it at the water pump though. If I didn't, the extra length pushed into that first severe bend and kinked the hose.
I would try lubing the hose first, then if that doesn't solve it, cut a 1/2" at a time.
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Duke94, great pic, thanks!
This is what our hose and engine/radiator seems to look like, but our view is much more obstruced by ac compressor and larger fan shroud. Perhaps my fan/shroud are larger due to a/c (and auto tranny) because the space between the shroud, upper control arm is much much less than in your pic. In your pic, the view of the hose from the upper control arm forward is completely blocked by the fan shroud.
I wonder if my radiator for the transmissions requires engine radiator to be mounted differently (closer to engine), meaning a hose for a non-AC, manual trans would be different than for with a/c and auto.
-pak
This is what our hose and engine/radiator seems to look like, but our view is much more obstruced by ac compressor and larger fan shroud. Perhaps my fan/shroud are larger due to a/c (and auto tranny) because the space between the shroud, upper control arm is much much less than in your pic. In your pic, the view of the hose from the upper control arm forward is completely blocked by the fan shroud.
I wonder if my radiator for the transmissions requires engine radiator to be mounted differently (closer to engine), meaning a hose for a non-AC, manual trans would be different than for with a/c and auto.
-pak
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Thanks to all for your help! We finally got the hose installed. It was just a real pain due to the tight space between upper control arm and fan shroud. This was one of the final steps for restarting the engine. We fired her up last week for the first time in 13 years, runs a little rough, but apparently no major problems. The car hasn't been driven in 18 years, so we still have lots of work to do. Next project is brakes.