Replacing Heating & Radiator Hoses

[The Rebel]

Hey All. Getting ready to replace all of my hoses but had a few questions. I run a 383 4bbl, non-ac.

As I do not know how old the hoses are on the car (probably late 70's early 80's) was wondering if I should reuse the existing clamps or get new ones. I'd like to reuse but was thinking the older ones might not clamp as well with brand new hoses. I'll probably buy a new set to be safe but like the original ones on the car.

Also according to the FSM they mention springs in the radiator hoses. As the ones I have currently do not have them my assumption is that as time went by they developed stronger hoses so we do not need them unless you plan on having the car judged, which I'm not.

When draining the radiator my assumption is that if I'm facing the front of the car I need to turn the petcock to the left to loosen, seeing I'm facing the opposite direction (right = tight, left = loose).

Any other tips appreciated & thanks in advance!

 

[dvw]

Do yourself a favor. Cut a slice in the old hoses with a fresh blade box cutter. Then a little WD40 sprayed in the slit. Peel them gently. Your heater core and radiator will thank you.
Doug

 

[Demonic]

I always drain my system hot, just after shutoff, and pull the pipe plugs on either side. Only the lower hose has a spring - suction side. Hard to find locally, might have to look online.

 

[493 Mike]

I always drain my system hot, just after shutoff, and pull the pipe plugs on either side. Only the lower hose has a spring - suction side. Hard to find locally, might have to look online.

Look:https://www.cjponyparts.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=+hose+spring
Mike

 

[dadsbee]

As noted, spring in lower rad hose only to keep it from sucking flat. I was lucky and my 30+ year old spring was still in perfect condition and I swapped it into the new hose..

 

[The Rebel]

Thanks guys. Sounds like I probably do have a spring in the lower hose. Will have to check it out tonight after work.

 

[The Rebel]

Look:https://www.cjponyparts.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=+hose+spring
Mike

Gotta love this response, lol..

 

[69L48Z27]

I always drain my system hot, just after shutoff, and pull the pipe plugs on either side. Only the lower hose has a spring - suction side. Hard to find locally, might have to look online.

Hot with pressure? Sounds dangerous to me.

 

[The Rebel]

So was looking online last night and amazed that seems no one sells the lower radiator spring. Where do you guys get yours if it's missing?

 

[kiwigtx]

Do yourself a favour ....buy the correct tool for removing the factory spring clips - if you don't already have one that is.

 

[493 Mike]

So was looking online last night and amazed that seems no one sells the lower radiator spring. Where do you guys get yours if it's missing?

See my answer in post #4.
Mike

 

[Billccm]

You can google around and also research on Gates web site that the lower spring is really not required. To collapse the lower radiator hose you must take that large volume of fluid out and NOT replace it in the radiator. Since you replace in the radiator what you take out, the volume of fluid flow is maintained. Perhaps if the radiator is really restricted to flow with a large air pocket you would collapse the hose for a moment, but then it would have to flow eventually. The volume of fluid has to go somewhere. The fluid can't be compressed during this collapse.

So, why the spring in the first place? On the assembly line a large vacuum is pulled on the cooling system to purge all air quickly. The spring is used to prevent collapse in this scenario.

 

[The Rebel]

See my answer in post #4.
Mike

I saw that. Were recommending it or did you actually buy and install it?

 

[The Rebel]

You make a good point Bill. When I take mine off I'll have to see if I have one in there or not.

You can google around and also research on Gates web site that the lower spring is really not required. To collapse the lower radiator hose you must take that large volume of fluid out and NOT replace it in the radiator. Since you replace in the radiator what you take out, the volume of fluid flow is maintained. Perhaps if the radiator is really restricted to flow with a large air pocket you would collapse the hose for a moment, but then it would have to flow eventually. The volume of fluid has to go somewhere. The fluid can't be compressed during this collapse.

So, why the spring in the first place? On the assembly line a large vacuum is pulled on the cooling system to purge all air quickly. The spring is used to prevent collapse in this scenario.

 

[The Rebel]

Was planning on using a channel locks but will see what they go for. Hopefully this is a 1x project.

Do yourself a favour ....buy the correct tool for removing the factory spring clips - if you don't already have one that is.

 

[Daves69]

FWIW, Napaonline don't list the spring...…….

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/avoid-this-mistake-radiator-hose-collapse/

 

[Billccm]

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/lower-radiator-hose-spring-fyi.82857/

 

[493 Mike]

I saw that. Were recommending it or did you actually buy and install it?

Yes I did. A 1 1/2" hose does not know what brand it's on.
MIke

 

[The Rebel]

Perfect. Thanks a million!

Yes I did. A 1 1/2" hose does not know what brand it's on.
MIke

 

[SSSN8KE]

It's never a bad idea to change out the hoses and belts. For piece of mind I would also change out the hose clamps.