New Radiator Hoses Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 533
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From: Orlando Florida
New Radiator Hoses Question
I just look at my new radiator hoses and they look to be the correct size but the circumference seem to be smaller then the ones on the car.
Before I install them is this normal? (I got them at the dealer)
Thanks everyone!
Before I install them is this normal? (I got them at the dealer)
Thanks everyone!
Last edited by MY93TOY; Sep 25, 2007 at 07:21 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 9,984
Likes: 1
From: Assault is a behavior, not a device! Cypress TX
St. Jude Donor '11
An old hose has generally expanded with heat and pressure. They appear to swell a bit...making the new one look smaller. As long as they are the right ID and fit snugly on the diameter of the necks of the fittings...you will be alright. I always used liquid dish washing soap or even hand cleaner to lube the hose ID before sliding them on the male fitting. Good luck with the installation.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
I just purchased upper and lower hoses from our dealer for our 1994 and noticed the same thing. Also noticed the upper hose which is closer to the engine, was slightly shorter, which is a good thing, as it was resting against the fan shroud and has an indent which is what stimuated the purchase/replacement idea.
Will be doing next month or so with a radiator pull/cleaning.
BTW, I will not be using any type of soap as suggested above by other members as most are caustic (ever notice the metal corrosion in bathroom/kitchen soap pumpers?). I prefer the spray (or paste) silicone idea or good ol' WD40.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 9,984
Likes: 1
From: Assault is a behavior, not a device! Cypress TX
St. Jude Donor '11
I've never had an issue using the dishwashing soap (what few times I have actually had to change hoses
) but you do make an interesting point. Thanks for the input...from now on I'll use something else. 
) but you do make an interesting point. Thanks for the input...from now on I'll use something else. Thanks for the confirmation of my observation.
I just purchased upper and lower hoses from our dealer for our 1994 and noticed the same thing. Also noticed the upper hose which is closer to the engine, was slightly shorter, which is a good thing, as it was resting against the fan shroud and has an indent which is what stimuated the purchase/replacement idea.
Will be doing next month or so with a radiator pull/cleaning.
BTW, I will not be using any type of soap as suggested above by other members as most are caustic (ever notice the metal corrosion in bathroom/kitchen soap pumpers?). I prefer the spray (or paste) silicone idea or good ol' WD40.
I just purchased upper and lower hoses from our dealer for our 1994 and noticed the same thing. Also noticed the upper hose which is closer to the engine, was slightly shorter, which is a good thing, as it was resting against the fan shroud and has an indent which is what stimuated the purchase/replacement idea.
Will be doing next month or so with a radiator pull/cleaning.
BTW, I will not be using any type of soap as suggested above by other members as most are caustic (ever notice the metal corrosion in bathroom/kitchen soap pumpers?). I prefer the spray (or paste) silicone idea or good ol' WD40.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
no spring
But, there is no spring within the OEM lower hose.
I had also wondered about the need of a spring, but noticed that the pressure builds within the coolant system quickly, pressurizing the lower hose, thereby eliminating the need for a spring within the lower hose to prevent it from collapsing from the water pump suction.
