Radiator hoses

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Jun 22, 2011 | 06:25 PM

whaler97

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From: Chanhassen Minnesota

Radiator hoses for Champion Radiator Install

I just got an aluminum 3 row radiator from Champion for my 79. The inlet on the upper hose measures about 1.340" dia. I can't find a hose that will fit. Has anyone else had this problem? Most hoses are 1.5". I also have a 1 9/16 end on the thermostat housing on my Performer RPM intake manifold. The radiator I took out had a 1 9/16" inlet port. The hose I had was 1 9/16" throughout. We may have changed a few things when we put the 400 cu. in. block in, but now I have a little problem. Any help would be appreciated. I know, I should have bought American, but I am on a small budget.

Last edited by whaler97; Jun 23, 2011 at 03:56 PM.

Jun 22, 2011 | 06:53 PM

Paul L

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From: Ontario

That's one-third of an inch. Did you make a typing error?

Jun 22, 2011 | 10:21 PM

gbvette62

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Quote:

Originally Posted by paul 74

That's one-third of an inch. Did you make a typing error?

.340" dia.?????????

79 Corvettes used 2 different radiators. The earlier one was used from late 76, till sometime in 79, and had a 1 1/2" inlet. The second design was used from late 79 through 82 and had a 1 1/4" inlet.

Jun 23, 2011 | 11:01 AM

whaler97

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Radiator hoses for Champion Radiator

I did measure right with a dial caliper. I told the dealer I got the Champion from that 79's only had the two size inputs. That 1.340 must be the Chinese equivalent! The radiator must have been changed when the engine was put in. Is there any way to identify the radiator, stamped numbers, tag, etc? Can I put a smaller hose inside the end of the original 1 9/16" hose on the car? I think I should just send the radiator back for a refund! Are there hose adaptors to accomodate the two sizes? I have the hose I took off and it is 1 9/16 throughout.

Last edited by whaler97; Jun 23, 2011 at 03:56 PM.

Jun 23, 2011 | 01:30 PM

69Vett

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he means, 1.340"

USE ... "The second design was used from late 79 through 82 and had a 1 1/4" inlet."

Jun 23, 2011 | 01:46 PM

Paul L

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 69Vett

he means, 1.340"

USE ... "The second design was used from late 79 through 82 and had a 1 1/4" inlet."

That makes more sense.

Jun 23, 2011 | 04:00 PM

whaler97

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From: Chanhassen Minnesota

Radiator hoses

Would it be possible to put a piece of the smaller diameter hose inside the end of the 1 9/16 hose to fit the 1.340 inlet on the Champion Radiator? The dealer I bought it from said he has a fab shop in the area that would put a 1 9/16 inlet on for $75.

Jun 23, 2011 | 07:00 PM

whaler97

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From: Chanhassen Minnesota

Antifreeze

I was told I should use Zerex G-05 in the aluminum radiator. Is it ok to just drain the old from the radiator and hoses and fill with new or do you need to drain everything in the block too? If so, how is the best way to do that?