Upper Radiator Hose 351M

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Oct 3, 2011 | 08:57 PM

hivewax

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From: miami.fl.us

Upper Radiator Hose 351M

I have '68 F250 with a 1979 351M motor. I'm replacing the upper radiator hose, which has 1.75" inner diameter. The upper radiator outlet is 1.75" o.d., but the thermostat housing inlet has a 1.5" o.d. Is it okay for this hose to be squeezed on the thermostat housing? It didn't come that way stock of course.

What can I do to remedy this? A more flexible hose that is 1.5" i.d.? Or, another thermostat housing with 1.75" o.d.?

NAPA could not find me a hose with offset diameters 1.75" to 1.5" for my application.

Last edited by hivewax; Oct 3, 2011 at 08:59 PM. Reason: ...

Oct 3, 2011 | 09:21 PM

MiddleNameMUD

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From: Residing in the shwa. On.

Is it a brass rad? You could solder a smaller outlet to it?? Idk just a thought...

Oct 3, 2011 | 09:30 PM

hivewax

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From: miami.fl.us

Yeah, it has a 2-row brass approx. 19x24". I just replaced it with a Spectra "Super Cooling" 3-row brass 26x24". I dare not want to modify this new purchase!

Oct 3, 2011 | 09:31 PM

hasteranger

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From: West Virginia

RPC Radiator Hose Adapter Kit - 1.75" to 1.5" - 1.25" at skspeed

Oct 3, 2011 | 09:35 PM

SwOkcOffRoader

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From: okc

Most parts store offer cut to fit flexible radiator hoses. They also come with different end sizes, but I dont know for sure if they come in that particular size. They run about $15.

Oct 3, 2011 | 09:41 PM

hivewax

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From: miami.fl.us

Thanks for the link. NAPA talked about using adapter reducer hoses. That seems the easy fix.

What did a truck with a 351M originally have? A upper radiator outlet with 1.5" o.d.? Or, a thermostat housing with 1.75" o.d. inlet?

Last edited by hivewax; Oct 3, 2011 at 09:44 PM. Reason: ...

Oct 3, 2011 | 11:13 PM

hasteranger

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From: West Virginia

I'm not sure. I have 2 351m's but they are far away right now. If mine have the right outlet size I can pull one off and send it to you on the cheap. I'd also check the "help" section of your local auto parts store, they may have a plastic fitting that is 1.5" on one side and 1.75" on the other, and that hose is long enough you could use 1.75" to the radiator and 1.5 to the water neck.