Getting at lower radiator hose
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
Getting at lower radiator hose
I may try to help a friend change their 2004 C5 (manual trans) radiator.
I replaced the hoses on my ‘99 and OMG the lower main hose is awkward to say the least. I actually did it from the side with the front bumper off but when I look down from the engine bay, this hose and clip look buried.
I see people sliding the radiator out, leaving fans and AC condenser in place but is this hose clip vaguely accessible? Maybe from below..?
thanks
I replaced the hoses on my ‘99 and OMG the lower main hose is awkward to say the least. I actually did it from the side with the front bumper off but when I look down from the engine bay, this hose and clip look buried.
I see people sliding the radiator out, leaving fans and AC condenser in place but is this hose clip vaguely accessible? Maybe from below..?
thanks
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 168
Likes: 89
From: Northwest Nevada
I just replaced all hoses on my '02 C5 Z06. I accessed the lower radiator hose from beneath the car while it was raised on ramps - wasn't too bad, just a bit fiddly and tedious.
The protective sheath (ribbed plastic) can be removed from the lowest part of the hose where it attaches to the radiator (the sheath just wraps around it) to improve work conditions. The sheath should be replaced onto the new hose.
The protective sheath (ribbed plastic) can be removed from the lowest part of the hose where it attaches to the radiator (the sheath just wraps around it) to improve work conditions. The sheath should be replaced onto the new hose.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
Thanks. That’s good if not too hard to get at from below. I bought a tool for the clips this week. I did without when I changed all my hoses but it’s not easy with grips etc. The clip is thing that worries me regarding access.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 857
From: MI
Cruise-In VI Veteran
To get those clamp loose I use Cable Operated Hose Clamp Pliers which saves time and the knuckles!!! Many brands and price points for this tool available on the market.
Video
Video
Last edited by 69; Jul 2, 2020 at 07:14 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
I cut the lower hose off at the radiator outlet first, then had enough room to access the clamp. ALL clamps were replaced with SS worm drive clamps, positioned for easy access next time.
Getting the new lower hose fully onto the lower radiator outlet can also be a challenge. Before installing it, be sure to lubricate the new hose and radiator outlet with undiluted coolant.
Getting the new lower hose fully onto the lower radiator outlet can also be a challenge. Before installing it, be sure to lubricate the new hose and radiator outlet with undiluted coolant.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
It crossed my mind cutting the hose just might prove helpful. Alternatively maybe breaking the outlet off the radiator that's getting replaced anyway.
Unfortunately I threw away my old hoses a few weeks ago. Totally agree, even getting the hose on to the lower rad wasn't easy. Also agree on replacing this hose clamp with another type that can be unscrewed.
The tool I mentioned buying is the above. Hopefully the clamp is positioned so as the tool can grip it.
Unfortunately I threw away my old hoses a few weeks ago. Totally agree, even getting the hose on to the lower rad wasn't easy. Also agree on replacing this hose clamp with another type that can be unscrewed.
The tool I mentioned buying is the above. Hopefully the clamp is positioned so as the tool can grip it.
Last edited by silver50; Jul 3, 2020 at 06:37 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 490
From: Denver, NC
With the cable spring clamp tool you will get the clamp off. You don't need to break or cut anything. If you cut the hose you will be working in a mess. Replacing it with good worm clamps will be the way to go.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 106
Likes: 52
From: Dallas, TX
Came here looking for something else, and noticed the comments about replacing the spring clamps with worm gear clamps. I'm replacing the rad in my '02, and was going to do the same, but after doing some research, I won't be. I'm not a materials scientist by any stretch, but the consensus from multiple sources is that is that we should reuse the spring clamps because they maintain a constant tension on the hose when hot or cold. Worm drive clamps do not. With a worm drive, when the engine cools off, the radiator metal contracts slightly, leading to a possible leak between outlet and hose. So then you tighten it up, the leak stops, but now you're digging into the hose more than needed and possible long term compromised hoses. Made sense to me.
You can buy a set of 4 spring clamps for the 2 main hoses for about $17 should any of the old ones fail.
You can buy a set of 4 spring clamps for the 2 main hoses for about $17 should any of the old ones fail.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,337
Likes: 1,590
From: Western NY
Came here looking for something else, and noticed the comments about replacing the spring clamps with worm gear clamps. I'm replacing the rad in my '02, and was going to do the same, but after doing some research, I won't be. I'm not a materials scientist by any stretch, but the consensus from multiple sources is that is that we should reuse the spring clamps because they maintain a constant tension on the hose when hot or cold. Worm drive clamps do not. With a worm drive, when the engine cools off, the radiator metal contracts slightly, leading to a possible leak between outlet and hose. So then you tighten it up, the leak stops, but now you're digging into the hose more than needed and possible long term compromised hoses. Made sense to me.
You can buy a set of 4 spring clamps for the 2 main hoses for about $17 should any of the old ones fail.
You can buy a set of 4 spring clamps for the 2 main hoses for about $17 should any of the old ones fail.
I agree, however, there's a "high tech" solution, offered by Gates. They make what is called the Gates "Power Grip" clamp. It's like a large diameter piece of shrink tubing. It's advantage is that it provides 360* of clamping power and also expands/contracts at the same rate as the hoses, so once it's installed, there's no leakage and the connection is basically forever. And there's no chance of snagging your fingers on them, while working on other things, under the hood.
I installed silicone hoses on my C-5, a number of years ago, and used these Gates clamps. No leakage, so far. There is, however, a "down side" to them, and that is that they're a "one time" usage part. If you need to remove the hose, you have to cut them off.....
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 343
From: Long Island New York
[QUOTEspring clamps because they maintain a constant tension on the hose][/QUOTE]
Thats what I read and when I replaced every hose on my car, I re used the constant tension spring claps, not one drop of leak from any connections.
Thats what I read and when I replaced every hose on my car, I re used the constant tension spring claps, not one drop of leak from any connections.