Radiator hoses - HELP!

excelguru · #1 (**permalink**) 09-05-2002, 04:24 PM

Need some help here. The hose connections from the surge tank to the top of the radiator were no problem.

One of the hoses on the bottom seems like the correct one. It looks like a crazy "S" and connects to the water pump. The other hose absolutely MUST be the wrong one. It looks like a big "L" but it needs to be a big "Z" or something. It's the one that connects to the bottom of the radiator. Flex hose won't work because the space is too small and the hose crimps and cuts off the flow.

For reference, I have a Unique motorcars 427 with an FE-series engine and aluminum (Edelbrock) water pump (which a 2" hose will just BARELY fit over). Pictures would be wonderful or feel free to call me on my cell phone at ....

Thanks guys.

Keith

GreyWolf · #2 (**permalink**) 09-05-2002, 05:08 PM

Go to www.coolflex.com, they have all different sizes and lengths, they are a corrugated copper with the outside chrome or 1 of several colors you can pick. You can order online (secure) or call them. They are bendable to whatever shape you need, and they'll stay in that position! That's what I'm going to get for mine when I get that far. It's a Johnex Can-Am and I'm fixing a bunch of stuff to make it look correct (wheels, dash, steering column, guage postitions, etc.)!!!!!
GreyWolf

SilverCobra · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2002, 05:26 PM

Keith - I guess your best solution is to call Unique. I had the same dilemma during my cooling system assembly. I bought the hoses as called for in the Unique Assembly and spent a lot of time looking and twisting and trying to figure out what went where.

After talking to Maurice or Alan, we realized that there was two parts I was missing(they shipped it the same day). One was a piece of connector pipe that fit on the other end of the raditor hose coming from the block. This pipe ran through a hole in the bottom front cross member in front of the engine. The other end of this connector pipe connected to a second "L" shaped radiator hose and then to the lower radiator inlet connection.

Mine is a Windsor so might be different, I just feel that you may be missing a connector pipe to make the deal work. Mine did look like a big "S" and the other a big "L" before I did a little bit of trimming to fit. Hope this helps - good luck - send more pics.

Monster · #4 (**permalink**) 09-06-2002, 12:26 AM

Keith,

I think I understad your layout (I believe that it is similar to my car. Anyway to make things simple for the routing of the bottom I put a hole through the lower crossmember and ran a pipe through it. I got the idea from Butler who took over Arntz and made a number of mods. My radiator end hose is a small "L" and the other end that goes to the Waterpump is a larger "L"

good luck,
Mike 'monster'

excelguru · #5 (**permalink**) 09-06-2002, 08:46 AM

Thanks guys! I guess I need to bend that metal pipe that runs through the crossmember (I was hoping to avoid that step and use a straight piece somehow). Oh well, it's off to the muffler shop I go!

I like the coolflex stuff, but was trying to keep a more "stock" appearance wherever possible (and save a few pennies here and there). If I make many more 15-dollar trips to the parts store, my wife's gonna kill me.

If all goes well, I'll be cranking this thing today or tomorrow!

Keith

Mr.Fixit · #6 (**permalink**) 09-06-2002, 09:51 AM

I have gone to the NAPA store several times to look at all the hoses on hooks to find one that has the bend I need in the diameter I need. Often use just half the hose. Connect them together with stainless hardpipe. Have your welder run a bead around the outside at the ends so you will have a rim to prevent blowoffs.

Monster · #7 (**permalink**) 09-06-2002, 11:39 AM

I went to the local muffler shop with a piece of wire bent to the shape I needed, and he bent, flared the ends and provided the piece free. Turns out he is a car guy and just asked that I bring the car by the shop when it was done..............which I did.

good luck,
Mike 'monster'