Changing hoses
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,625
Likes: 4
From: Director of Bands
St. Jude Donor '08
Changing hoses
Okay, in my last post, I said that today was a snow day, so I have had a LOT of time to read. I have the "101 Projects for Your Corvette" book by Richard Newton. In his book he mentions using aircraft sealant on the radiator hoses togive them an extra level of seal. Does anyone actually do this???? Also - how tight do you tighten hose clamps? (I have a tendency to over-torque things)
He also goes on to say that the lower rad. hose typically lasts twice as long as the upper. I am changing out the uppers because of their relation to the opti. My hoses still feel rather pliable to the touch. Should I replace the lower one, or is that overkill? The car had just had a new opti and water pump put on when I bought it, but I really don't know how old the hoses are.
Once again, thanks in advance everyone.
-Ed
He also goes on to say that the lower rad. hose typically lasts twice as long as the upper. I am changing out the uppers because of their relation to the opti. My hoses still feel rather pliable to the touch. Should I replace the lower one, or is that overkill? The car had just had a new opti and water pump put on when I bought it, but I really don't know how old the hoses are.
Once again, thanks in advance everyone.
-Ed
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I've never used any sealant on coolant hoses with good success (no leaks).
Just tighten the clamps till firm, start the engine and see if you have any leaks after it warms up. If so, tighten till they stop. They need to be tight, but don't strangle the fittings.
If the lower hose is easy to get at it might be worth while to do it along with the upper. Also check the heater hoses while in there.
Just tighten the clamps till firm, start the engine and see if you have any leaks after it warms up. If so, tighten till they stop. They need to be tight, but don't strangle the fittings.
If the lower hose is easy to get at it might be worth while to do it along with the upper. Also check the heater hoses while in there.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 9
From: VA
Originally Posted by eschoendorff
Okay, in my last post, I said that today was a snow day, so I have had a LOT of time to read. I have the "101 Projects for Your Corvette" book by Richard Newton. In his book he mentions using aircraft sealant on the radiator hoses togive them an extra level of seal. Does anyone actually do this???? Also - how tight do you tighten hose clamps? (I have a tendency to over-torque things)
He also goes on to say that the lower rad. hose typically lasts twice as long as the upper. I am changing out the uppers because of their relation to the opti. My hoses still feel rather pliable to the touch. Should I replace the lower one, or is that overkill? The car had just had a new opti and water pump put on when I bought it, but I really don't know how old the hoses are.
Once again, thanks in advance everyone.
-Ed
He also goes on to say that the lower rad. hose typically lasts twice as long as the upper. I am changing out the uppers because of their relation to the opti. My hoses still feel rather pliable to the touch. Should I replace the lower one, or is that overkill? The car had just had a new opti and water pump put on when I bought it, but I really don't know how old the hoses are.
Once again, thanks in advance everyone.
-Ed
Heater hoses rarely fail, and usually on much older cars than yours.
Oh, and I've never used any sealer and never needed any.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Not only did I not use any sealer when I changed the radiator hoses on my 92, I re-used the original spring type clamps. They really don't lose their strength and as long as there is no rust on them, they can go back on. Too many people use the screw-type clamps and tighten them down so much that the band cuts into the hose.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Benoni Gauteng
Originally Posted by 65Z01
I've never used any sealant on coolant hoses with good success (no leaks).
Just tighten the clamps till firm, start the engine and see if you have any leaks after it warms up. If so, tighten till they stop. They need to be tight, but don't strangle the fittings.
If the lower hose is easy to get at it might be worth while to do it along with the upper. Also check the heater hoses while in there.
Just tighten the clamps till firm, start the engine and see if you have any leaks after it warms up. If so, tighten till they stop. They need to be tight, but don't strangle the fittings.
If the lower hose is easy to get at it might be worth while to do it along with the upper. Also check the heater hoses while in there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,510
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
Not only did I not use any sealer when I changed the radiator hoses on my 92, I re-used the original spring type clamps. They really don't lose their strength and as long as there is no rust on them, they can go back on. Too many people use the screw-type clamps and tighten them down so much that the band cuts into the hose.
when you start seeing parts of the rubber hose being squeezed through the slots in the clamp, your have reached the point of overkill !!! At this point, back away from the engine, get a beer, then approach engine and loosen the clamps!!!
