Radiator Hose keeps blowing off
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
Coolant flow goes from the radiator, through the lower hose and to the water pump. Blowing off the top hose would be caused by a rad blockage or the lower hose collapsing. You need to have the spring in the lower hose to ensure the hose is not collapsing under suction from the pump.
The lower hose installation with the spring is where I would start.
The lower hose installation with the spring is where I would start.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Looks good, but you can't tell from the top, turn it over and the brass or ss disk on the bottom will be spring loaded and not just flap in the wind.
If you ask for the proper one for your car, you should get the right one, just check the poppet.
Don't forget to mist the rad with a hose if not running a shroud.
If you ask for the proper one for your car, you should get the right one, just check the poppet.
Don't forget to mist the rad with a hose if not running a shroud.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,291
Likes: 493
From: Salmon Arm, BC
Not all lower hoses have (or need) a spring. I have a lower hose without a spring, and have no cooling troubles at all. I think the construction of the hose, and maybe the type of rubber used, enables the spring to be deleted.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
I agree, but having the spring in place ensures that the hose won't collapse.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
That's correct. Modern hoses have no need for the spring.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Warrensburg MO
I always thought the spring was used in "the old days now" due to the procedure the plants used to service the cooling system; can't remember what that procedure was now, however; they weren't needed for normal operation. 
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Warrensburg MO
I don't think the cap is your problem. Under normal circumstances, your cap shouldn't have to vent. If there is too much pressure, you have other problems. Seems to me if the pressure is extreme, it would shoot out the top of the radiator, while running with the cap off.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 255
Likes: 2
From: Michigan
There were actually two different radiators used from 77-82 and the only difference was the upper hose size. 1977-79 has a 1 1/2" hose and 1980-82 has a 1 1/4" hose. My guess would be you have a later model replacement radiator with the 1 1/4" radiator connection and the early 1 1/2" hose. That will blow off every time.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 2
From: Parkesburg PA
There were actually two different radiators used from 77-82 and the only difference was the upper hose size. 1977-79 has a 1 1/2" hose and 1980-82 has a 1 1/4" hose. My guess would be you have a later model replacement radiator with the 1 1/4" radiator connection and the early 1 1/2" hose. That will blow off every time.
On a side note, I changed the cap and double clamped the hose (which I now know is too big) and ran the car to temp for 25 mins....no popping off. Now I know the real problem and can go back to a single clamp. I'm sure it would've only been a matter of time until it popped off again anyway.
I really appreciate everyone's time on helping me with this. Sorry it was something so stupid, but I have learned a lot about an area I was previously not very knowledgeable in. THANKS AGAIN. -Neal
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 2
From: Parkesburg PA
My apologies. I guess I just overlooked this and assumed that since the website I ordered the rad and hose from said they were both for a 77 corvette they would match. You know what they say about ***-u-me(ing). Anyway, thanks. -Neal
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 2
From: Parkesburg PA
