CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Maintenance => Topic started by: mrdetails on December 06, 2010, 05:04:01 PM

Title: Lower Radiator Hose
Post by: mrdetails on December 06, 2010, 05:04:01 PM

I've had nothing but trouble with my lower radiator hose since finishing my car. I've had 2 resto. GM hoses that the parts vendors sell. I think their made in Pakistan. Both leaked with either a tower clamp or a sew type clamp and permatex. What do you guy's use?

Thks.:
Sam

The spell check feature is nice.......

Title: Re: Lower Radiator Hose
Post by: vtfb68 on December 10, 2010, 05:41:56 AM

Sam,
 Rust on the water pump? Radiator bung cracked? Thermostat and cap O.K.? I have never needed a sealer on a radiator hose.
  Victor

Title: Re: Lower Radiator Hose
Post by: BlackoutSteve on December 10, 2010, 02:52:12 PM

If the leak it at the pump end, check for cast flashing and make sure it's clean & smooth.
If at the radiator, check that the outlet tube is also clean and round and not dented. Any low spot in the neck will not see pressure from the clamp.
Check that the inside of the hose is smooth and has no scars from previous fitting.
Fit the hose clean and without any sealant. Make sure the inner spring is not between the hose and the neck.
Fit the hose clamp just behind the neck's bead.
I have never used or needed sealant, nor gave I ever seen it suggested in any manual. :)

Title: Re: Lower Radiator Hose
Post by: mrdetails on January 04, 2011, 04:54:07 PM

Thanks for the input guys..all those things have been checked. The hose swells up to about twice it's size after the engine has been run for awhile. I checked the cap @ 15 lbs. I don't know what is making the hose swell this much. Any ideas?

Thks.:
Sam

Title: Re: Lower Radiator Hose
Post by: tom on January 04, 2011, 05:23:11 PM

Possibly some kind of flow restriction?

Title: Re: Lower Radiator Hose
Post by: bertfam on January 04, 2011, 05:38:46 PM

Sam, go down to your local auto parts store and get a gates or equivilant lower hose, and see what that one does.

Ed

Title: Re: Lower Radiator Hose
Post by: 77thor on January 04, 2011, 05:51:46 PM

Also, check (or replace) the thermostat.

Title: Re: Lower Radiator Hose
Post by: BlackoutSteve on January 05, 2011, 09:34:45 PM

Quote from: mrdetails on January 04, 2011, 04:54:07 PM

The hose swells up to about twice it's size after the engine has been run for awhile.

I have only ever seen hoses that are well past their service life swell excessively like you describe. Especially those that have ever been exposed to oil -either internally or externally. Oil kills rubber.
Yep, grab a replacement.