Braided radiator upper hose...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 5
Braided radiator upper hose...
I tried to install this over the weekend. Turned out to be one of the most frustrating projects ever! I tried everything under the sun to get this think on. The hose was very tight without the dress clamp. With the dress clamp, it wouldn't go on AT ALL 
I even chamfered the hose end and lubricated.
Has anyone else experienced the same grief?
al
I even chamfered the hose end and lubricated.
Has anyone else experienced the same grief?
al
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis MO
Try dish washing liquid on the radiator tube, be careful not to slop in into the radiator opening. You don't need the rad to foam up. If that fails try the soap and warm the hose with a hair drier to make it more pliable. David 
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36,838
Likes: 438
From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
I tried to install this over the weekend. Turned out to be one of the most frustrating projects ever! I tried everything under the sun to get this think on. The hose was very tight without the dress clamp. With the dress clamp, it wouldn't go on AT ALL
I even chamfered the hose end and lubricated.
Has anyone else experienced the same grief?
al
I even chamfered the hose end and lubricated.
Has anyone else experienced the same grief?
al
Hi Albert,
Sorry for your frustration. I can assure you they are the correct size, as they are OEM hoses that we have had braided, so they are exact replacement parts for your C5.
When the braid is applied it conforms to the hose and tends to hold it's exact shape, , making it a little tight.
Although we have sold over 100 of these, I have gotten feedback from one other member that had the same trouble.
Here is a tip that might help you.
Get a wine (or similar) bottle with a tapered neck. Heat the inside of the hose with a hair dryer until it in nice and warm. Lube the inside of the hose and the outside of the bottle neck. Use the tapered end of the bottle to gently open the ends of the hose a little so they will more easily slip over the necks on the Rad and T-stat.
My only caution is to just work it a little at a time.
Also the black tape around the ends is pretty tight. It is there to keep the braids from exploding. You can remove the tape and apply new tape that is not so tight.
Good Luck
Peace
Chip
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,565
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From: Mechanicsville VA
St. Jude Donor '08
You're not the only one to have problems. Installed the hose on my car and my son's car. While it is a very tight fit, a few GD's a little lube and a little muscle and another pair of hands, and they will go on. When you get frustrated, just walk away for a few minutes. You'll like the result.
Gene
Gene
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Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Mine wasn't the easiest either, but after a few well ok alot of F bombs and some pan coating it slid on. It will go just be patient and keep at it.(i know i needed another clamp, it now has one
)
)
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 2
From: of mind, NY
I recall from the one or two science classes I went to in 9th grade, we used glycerine for lube in rubber stoppers when inserting glass tubes. I think you can get it at a local drugstore. It mades rubber slide real easy, so use sparingly
It mades rubber slide real easy, so use sparingly
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 5
Is a larger size avail? Otherwise the only option is to take the grinding wheel to it.
al
