Radiator Hose

[Leeroy]

I was hoping for some help on radiator hose. I have made s/steel radiator piping but need to fit off to radiator top&bottom. Had to go with an O.D.38mm (1.5") on s/steel but have problem with the difference in inlet & outlet diameters. Does anyone know about hose in silicone or the like that might flex enough to fit for changes in mating diameters? Spoke to Aussie Mike and he is going to weld a bead on pipe ends to act a flange to prevent blowing off hose, but trying to get conventional rad. hose over bead will be near impossible help
Leeroy

[pneall]

Hi Leeroy,

I went with weld on bead and found that a bit of washing up detergent helped radiator hose fit on. The bead sure makes for positive attachment. Silicon may be the way to go but its expensive at about $8.00 per 25mm long x 50mm dia. Places that specialise in ricers may be able to help.

Regards,

Phil

[Tony Cram]

Leeroy,

Had the same problem. There is a couple of ways to overcome. Do not fear.

Silicone hoses will give the most flexibility and will stretch / shrink over the stainless. Get it from all hose joints, Pirtek, Purple Pig etc.

No need to weld bead. I have no beading and have not had hoses blow off using normal clamps and standard radiator hoses. I do have two high pressure clamps on radiator end to help sqeeze down the hoses to the slightly smaller radiator tube sizes. (These are stainless and polish up well and you need a spanner to tighten them down).

If you are having trouble with getting hoses over the stainless I used a thin film of gasket goo which helped lubricate and seal the connection.

Regards

TC

[Adrian S]

I had a similar problem so just put two hose clamps on side by side. Not had a problem although haven't done many k's yet. Given the hose can't really slide forward and backward, it'd take awesome pressure to pop off.

Cheers,
Adrian.

[Leeroy]

Thanks guys for all your ideas, give me lots of options to explore. Adrian did you flare the s/steel pipe at the ends?

[Adrian S]

Nope, just clean cut. But did the hose clamps up nice & tight.