Lower radiator hose spring?

[tpiini]

Hey all,

While my engine is out I'm replacing regular service parts. I went out yesterday to get radiator hoses, but was amazed to find that none of the hoses in the local parts stores had springs inside of them. Is this a new trend? I always thought that you needed the spring in the lower hose to keep it from collapsing under suction.

Does anyone know of a source to buy just the spring material? I know I'd sleep better knowing my lower hose is "sprung."

Thanks (again),
Tom

[trularin]

Tom, what is wrong with the old one?

[ItBites]

Tom,

If you ask the goobers at any of the local parts stores, they'll tell you that the new molded hoses are reinforced and designed to not collapse, yata yata yata...

The big three do not use anti-collapse springs and use the new molded hoses without warranty issues, so there is likely something to the "reinforced" hose argument.

I, however, never trust anything new-fangled, so I want anti-collapse springs (actually, I replaced all my hose with polished 2" stainless tubing, except the elbows and ends, so I don't worry about collapse at all now).

A couple of months ago I did see the anti-collapse springs do still come inside the corrugated, 'universal-fit', non-molded, radiator hose. You know, the kind you should never use... If I wanted one of these springs, I'd buy the molded hose I want and also the 'universal-fit' hose and scavenge the spring and put it into the good hose. This is the only way I've figured out how to get one of those big, long springs...

[vettestr]

Hey just a little change we make for our cars on the hoses that look great and very reasonable cost. We use (duplicate your stock diameter as needed ) 1 1/2 inch ridged copper pipe and the formed 45* or what ever fittings are needed to duplicate the hose shape. Sweat them together with Silver soldier or regular soldier them have chromed. Average hose is about 15 bucks in materials and 20 to 25 bucks to chrome. Then use a 4 inch straight silicone hose to attach to rad and eng. ends. Yes the hose costs 35 to 45 bucks total but the last you will ever buy and chrome looks great!!!

[tpiini]

Originally posted by trularin


Tom, what is wrong with the old one?

There wasn't one. And, yes, the hose was all-but collapsed.

[Art Burtt]

Jeg's sells stainless steel hoses in various lengths with any sized ends you might need in kits. 48" of hose with rubber conectors and hose clamps and chromed ends for $129. I used them and they worked out great, look good too.

[Karl Bebout]

I got my flexible, chrome plated, stainless steel hose on eBay for $71, including shipping. It came with four hose ends, eight stainless clamps, and three or four sizes of adapters. Looks good, easy to use, and should last many years. The hose end adapters are super heavy duty but i did have to buy one additional adapter since my Chebby water pump takes a 2" hose. Don't think Ford guys will have that issue.