I have a problem with my radiator in my C4 from 1996. We have replaced it after it got broken suddenly. And the upper hose does not match. The previous radiator hole had 35.5 mm diameter and new one has 34 mm. So also the hose is too loose. Currently my mechanic did the work as below in the picture and we are waiting for a new hose. But it would come in a 3 weeks.

The question is - Can I ride meanwhile with current solution?

The subquestion is - Can I ride long distance like 400 kilometers one way? I ask about this detail because I have only one weekend opportunity to visit my parents this summer and it is unfortunately before the new hose would arrive.

 

At the end of the day, it's up to you. But I would. that appears to be secure. I'm not sur I'd even worry about a 1.5mm size difference at all. But, it's your car.


maybe i missed something. is that duct tape holding the outlet to the radiator? i guess i should ask, what broke?

I might be changing my initial reply.

 

I would not drive any distance that way.
I would put pressure on the mechanic to either overnight ship the new hose or get the correct replacement radiator.
Diving with duct tape wrapped around the radiator inlet and hose slipped over that is a recipe for overheating and other problems.
Make the mechanic do it right, or don't pay.

 

Find a different source for the hose.

 

Yeah, you are just asking for problems if you drive it like that. If a mechanic did that I wouldn’t pay him and find a new mechanic

 

A new hose I doubt is going to correct this. Nearly every manufacturer specs the upper at 35mm. What brand & part number radiator was purchased and from where? Your location is your problem for quick fixes. The way the hose is done now for sure isn't the desired or correct.

What product was used to create the current fit? Could you use a different product for the sleeve/adapter? Maybe, BUT still isn't correct!

 

"The subquestion is - Can I ride long distance like 400 kilometers one way? I ask about this detail because I have only one weekend opportunity to visit my parents this summer and it is unfortunately before the new hose would arrive."
I would rent of borrow a car for your road trip and not risk your Corvette.

 

I'd agree with this if I were relying on what's been presented BUT very dependent upon what was used for the sleeve/adapter could change my mind. New hose I doubt will fix this if all of the dimensional information is correct.

OP might already be at his parents home!

 

Thank you all for the replies! After reading it - I think to reject usage of Corvette for this trip. I have different car I can use. Here where I live such a car like C4 is very interesting, so I got excited to give a ride with my parents and brothers. That is why I was hurry. But maybe we can make it later this year or the spring next year.

The trip is in 2 weeks, but I don't have much choice for ordering products. We have one shop which is specialized in importing car parts for older American cars. And importing this hose takes 3 weeks! There is an express option around a week, but you pay four times the price! So, as someone mentioned - the location is hard for maintaining quick fixes of such a car.

Anyway I would give a look again tomorrow if there is this hose somewhere else. Tomorrow I would also have a look if what is used is duck tape and let you know.

I don't have a big choice in mechanics either. The one I work with is my friend. He already imported few C4s and I doubt there is any other guy in range of 100 kilometers. He told me he is leaving me with this temporary solution until we get a proper hose. So I understood I don't have any other choice for now.

Radiator I bought is this one: https://ecat.spectrapremium.com/en/parts/CU1052 and there was no choice in my country at all, except this one. It says that it has "Inlet 1-5/16 In". The hose they have (the one I have to wait for 3 weeks) is Dayco DY-72680 which is said (at least in the auction https://www.ebay.com/itm/374248085695): "End 1 Inside Diameter: 1 5/16 in". So I hope it match, and once I got this hose I would be safe to trip anywhere.

Thank you one more time!