Upper & Lower Radiator Hoses Leaking At Connection
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 4,810
From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
Upper & Lower Radiator Hoses Leaking At Connection
I was just wondering if anyone else has had this issue I'm having. I replaced my old radiator with an aluminium one a while back. I've lately been smelling some antifreeze after I drive it and it gets up to temp. It's not leaking a lot because I've never put more antifreeze in it since i installed the new radiator. Yesterday I was installing my front splitter and noticed dried anitfreeze on the cooling fan frame edges. Upon further investigation I found the upper & lower hoses are leaking at the radiator connections. My question is, has anyone with the silicone hoses ever had this problem with these hoses leaking with the aluminium radiator? I'm thinking the silicone doesn't like to seal well with the aluminium. I checked the clamps and they're all tight. Maybe a regular rubber hose would seal better? I'm going to be replacing them both soon because I hate smelling antifreeze, like most people I'm sure.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 375
From: San Jose, CA
I take it these silicone hoses are fancy ones you installed more recently? I still have the original rubber hoses and they work fine, though of course at this age rubber will start to leak on many cars too. New rubber should last you 10-20 years and they're not too expensive. Are the silicone ones a significant upgrade?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 242
From: NW Chicago
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15
What kind of hose clamps? Original spring type or screw type? From my understanding the spring type are better because they expand and contract with the hose and aluminum and keep constant tension.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 4,810
From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
I've had these hoses on for quite a few years now and they worked great with the factory radiator. They were suppose to be an "upgrade" so to speak and last a little longer then the standard rubber ones and I believed the hype at the time. Just since I've switched to the aluminium radiator it's been an issue that I've just noticed the leaking. I just placed an order with the local parts store for the factory Gates rubber ones. Pretty sure they'll work better. Thanks for the info guys.
Edit as I didn't see the latest post when I hit enter:
I also used the standard spring type clamps on all locations. I like them better too.
Edit as I didn't see the latest post when I hit enter:
I also used the standard spring type clamps on all locations. I like them better too.
Last edited by mstromquist; Sep 24, 2019 at 08:15 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Fort Wayne IN
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If you're having leaking issues and you're not clamping down on the flare, get some little T-Bolt clamps and those should seal everything up.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 4,810
From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
Took all the recommendations and placed an order for the T-bolt clamps also. Hopefully get it all changed Sunday if everything gets here by then. Thanks
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
I've had the silicone hoses on my car for a number of years, although I still have the OE radiator. On my car, I'm using the Gates "power-grip" hose clamps. Those are the ones that work like big pieces of shrink tubing.....