Lower rad hose spring

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by Randy Lutz, Jul 21, 2019.

  1. Randy Lutz

    Randy Lutz Well-Known Member

    Hi all

    Anyone know who sells the coil spring that goes inside the lower rad hose? They are not included with new hoses anymore and in my opinion are a necessary safeguard against overheating.

    Will a homemade spring made from a coat hanger work?

    Cheers
    Randy
     
    Randy Lutz, Jul 21, 2019
    #1
  2. copperheadgs1

    copperheadgs1 copperheadgs1

    Randy, I know Ames Pontiac did sell them. They had two different sizes. You will need to figure that out.
     
    copperheadgs1, Jul 21, 2019
    #2
  3. Randy Lutz

    Randy Lutz Well-Known Member

    Thanks Dave. I will investigate.

    Cheers
    Randy
     
    Randy Lutz, Jul 21, 2019
    #3
  4. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    LARRY70GS, Jul 21, 2019
    #4
  5. Randy Lutz

    Randy Lutz Well-Known Member

    Thanks Larry

    I have read the different opinions on the use of the spring. I guess, for me it is cheap insurance and a little extra piece of mind.

    Cheers
    Randy
     
    Randy Lutz, Jul 21, 2019
    #5
  6. GSX 554

    GSX 554 Gold Level Contributor

    The local NAPA store let me look at their hoses till I found one with the spring in it. They just gave me the spring . I think it was a Chevy truck lower hose
     
    GSX 554, Jul 21, 2019
    #6
  7. copperheadgs1

    copperheadgs1 copperheadgs1

    copperheadgs1, Jul 21, 2019
    #7
  8. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    With the engine running? If the hose is collapsed with the engine shut down, that is more than likely the radiator cap. Vacuum created by the contracting coolant causes the collapse. Not surprising to see at a car show when owners might leave an old correct cap on past it's useful functional life.
     
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2019
    LARRY70GS, Jul 21, 2019
    #8
  9. TORQUED455

    TORQUED455 Well-Known Member

    It is common and normal for an UPPER hose to collapse after a vehicle has been shut down and is cooling off, on a vehicle which I would consider a traditional-style cooling system. They used to put that on ASE tests to try to trip you up. For the most part, the spring has been MIA for a good many years, and I have seen no ill effects because of it. If it makes y’all sleep better at night, seek one out. I have never seen a lower hose collapse. I don’t even pay attention anymore if a lower hose comes with it or not, and I couldn’t tell you if my own Buick engines have them or not.
     
    TORQUED455, Jul 21, 2019
    #9
  10. GSX 554

    GSX 554 Gold Level Contributor

    When I observed a UPPER Hose Collapse when a Engine was running it was because of a Bar Radiator cap not allowing coolant to flow back to the Radiator . I have never seen a LOWER hose Collapse
     
    GSX 554, Jul 21, 2019
    #10

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