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Lower Radiator Hose Spring

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Nobody asked which is the best but why don't you tell us and give a detailed explanation as to why one is better than another for a simple anti collapse spring. Specifically, post results of your research with structured sections like an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion. Waiting........
I could speak of the various attributes of each particular alloy, in terms of its metallurgy, and physical properties but it sounds as if it's out of your understanding and comprehension........., and YES stainless steel will "rust" due to chloride corrosion........
BOB RENTON
 
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I could speak of the various attributes of each particular alloy, in terms of its metallurgy, and physical properties but it sounds as if it's out of your understanding and comprehension........., and YES stainless steel will "rust" due to chloride corrosion........
BOB RENTON

You're the expert so please do speak on the various attributes, properties, and mettalurgy of austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and precipitation hardened stainless steels and which is "best" for anti-collapse springs in an automotive coolant environment. Don't do it for me but for others who can comprehend such complex subjects. Remember, we want to know which is "best" and why.
 
A few years ago my buddy called me over because he had trouble with cooling his 383 69 Roadrunner. The lower hose was fully collapsing. He looked at me and said now what? He followed me home, I stuck some SS spring wire around broom handle while slowly turning in a lathe and walla - perfect spring for the hose!

But for full disclosure, my dad taught me how to make springs long ago. I have all his spring tooling.
 
You're the expert so please do speak on the various attributes, properties, and mettalurgy of austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and precipitation hardened stainless steels and which is "best" for anti-collapse springs in an automotive coolant environment. Don't do it for me but for others who can comprehend such complex subjects. Remember, we want to know which is "best" and why.
You are correct......I have a lot more experience in selecting a working alloy that is relative inexpensive and readily available......to this end I'd select a 304L (18-8 stainless steel), perhaps 3/16" diameter coil wound on a form approximately 1/4" diameter smaller than the O.D. of the hose......the overall length TBD. I'm sure you'll disagree with my selection......but on my 1970 GTX, RS23V0A****** (an original6 barrel car, running a Flowkooler pump) and the max cooling pkg with the torque drive clutch and GlenRay max cooling radiator, I DO NOT USE A SPRING in the suction hose from the radiator to the water pump housing......IMO....ITS NOT NEEDED, in spite of old wives tale #7 and what appears to be a consensus of opinion. Remember, pressure is equal in a sealed system......block, heads, radiator, outlet hose.........just my opinion.....
BOB RENTON
 
..IMO....ITS NOT NEEDED, in spite of old wives tale #7 and what appears to be a consensus of opinion. Remember, pressure is equal in a sealed system......block, heads, radiator, outlet hose.........just my opinion.....
BOB RENTON
In a static state system, sure. But with a pump, a hot pressure side, a restriction, and a cold suction side, no.
 
I think you're trying to loosely attach Pascal's law to cooling system issues.
 
"Stainless is forever"......but you don't say what grade of stainless steel is best? Is is austinetic (stainless with nickel in the alloy, such as 18-8 or 304, 309, 310, 318) or ferritic stainless (iron and chrome without nickel), such as 409, 410 stainless alloys or perhaps a high nickel alloy like inconel or incoloy. There are literally 100s of stainless steels......be specific..........
BOB RENTON
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Get a job Bob.
 
I have a job and a very good understanding of the ASTM listing of the various grades and alloys of the myriad of stainless steel available and their physical properties and limitations. Perhaps, you should take the time to learn about the different stainless alloys rather than criticize me for YOUR lack of knowledge and understanding. Call me any name you want....it comes down to what I know vs what you don't understand.......just my opinion.....
BOB RENTON
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I'd encounter spring-hoses on other's vehicles when servicing those back in the day. On my own cars, I've never had a spring-hose on any.
 
You are correct......I have a lot more experience in selecting a working alloy that is relative inexpensive and readily available......to this end I'd select a 304L (18-8 stainless steel), perhaps 3/16" diameter coil wound on a form approximately 1/4" diameter smaller than the O.D. of the hose......the overall length TBD. I'm sure you'll disagree with my selection......but on my 1970 GTX, RS23V0A****** (an original6 barrel car, running a Flowkooler pump) and the max cooling pkg with the torque drive clutch and GlenRay max cooling radiator, I DO NOT USE A SPRING in the suction hose from the radiator to the water pump housing......IMO....ITS NOT NEEDED, in spite of old wives tale #7 and what appears to be a consensus of opinion. Remember, pressure is equal in a sealed system......block, heads, radiator, outlet hose.........just my opinion.....
BOB RENTON

Don't mean to burst your bubble but while 304L is ok/good enough, there's no consensus it's the "best". I would never claim to know what's "best" but precipitation‑hardened stainless like 17‑7 PH would be better than 304L in my opinion. If you don't believe a spring is needed then you are bloviating on a subject that frankly doesn't matter.
 
Don't mean to burst your bubble but while 304L is ok/good enough, there's no consensus it's the "best". I would never claim to know what's "best" but precipitation‑hardened stainless like 17‑7 PH would be better than 304L in my opinion. If you don't believe a spring is needed then you are bloviating on a subject that frankly doesn't matter.
The subject and your opinion are strictly yours. I never liked precipitation hardened 17-7 stainless nor duplex alloy stainless. Depending on the temperature, pressures involved there are other more suitable alloys but at a higher unit cost. How about Inconel 601 or maybe even Alloy 20.......but, opinions can be related to obvious bodily components......who's correct?.....at this point in time, it matters not....especially something as insignificant at the spring in the lower radiator hose......the point is moot. I guess it depends on the NPSHr of a particular pump design, and it's operating RPM. I choose NOT to use a spring in the hose......and the world has not ended.....and that's MY opinion......
BOB RENTON
 
Does anyone have a good line on where to buy lower radiator hose springs?

Also, I understand what they do, but has anyone noticed their lower hoses actually collapsing? I am wondering if the new hoses are maybe stiffer than the old ones? I know some have the thread intertwined in the hose for what I assume is extra support?

I DO NOT USE A SPRING in the suction hose from the radiator to the water pump housing......IMO....ITS NOT NEEDED, in spite of old wives tale
BOB RENTON
Who in the hell started these wives tales anyways ??!!
Oh right. These guys
20250830_150610.jpg
 
what are each of these?
why what's the difference?

how about them?

but? but what?



maybe I don't understand it, BUT maybe YOU can change that!
I refer you to the manual of ASTM Materials Standards and Practices for stainless steel alloys. It's physical and mechanical attributes are defined per application. YOU select which alloy you're interested in for comparison and it's operating conditions....then you decide....just my opinion......
BOB RENTON
 
I refer you to the manual of ASTM Materials Standards and Practices for stainless steel alloys. It's physical and mechanical attributes are defined per application. YOU select which alloy you're interested in for comparison and it's operating conditions....then you decide....just my opinion......
BOB RENTON
 
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