Lower radiator hose
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Az
Lower radiator hose
When I had ADS change my heater core I gave them a set of silicone radiator hoses to put on. When I put my DeWitt's radiator in I noticed the spring in the lower hose was removed. I called them up and asked why it was removed and they said the hoses are stiff enough so as not to collapse from suction. Do I need that spring? Car seems to run a bit cooler that before but no what I expected.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The purpose of the spring is to keep the hose from collapsing. Whether or not the silicone hose is any more resistant to collapsing compared to a stock rubber hose is going to the the issue.
I would have left the spring in the hose. Cheap insurance.
I would have left the spring in the hose. Cheap insurance.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Keep the Springs !
The springs are in the upper and lower radiator hoses to prevent hose collapse under harsh, hot conditions. You run a risk, perhaps limited, if you take it out. If you ever collapse a hose and fry your radiator or crack or warp your heads, you will wish you had left that $2 spring in there.
To be safe, I reinstalled the springs when I replaced my hoses.
To be safe, I reinstalled the springs when I replaced my hoses.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Mesa Az
I found them on Ebay, they're made by Goodyear. We use silicone hoses on our standby diesels' heater hoses. The block heaters are on all the time and the silicone doesn't dry out, providing the thermostat doesn't raise the water temp too high. Should last forever.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 0
From: WAY UPSTATE NY
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