Lower Radiator Hose Spring?
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Lincoln NE
Lower Radiator Hose Spring?
I changed all the hoses on my 96 F150 (302) last night and was fairly satisfied except for one thing...The new lower radiator hose did not have the spring in it and I was unable to get the old one out without ruining it. I called O'Reilly's where I got the hose (Gates brand) and they said it would probably be fine and that Gates probably changed the design on it so it wouldn't need a spring. ??? So I called the only other parts store open , Advanced, and they basically said the same thing.
Anyone ever run across this? I thinking about just going to Ford and see if they sell one with the spring in it. Or am I fine without it?
Anyone ever run across this? I thinking about just going to Ford and see if they sell one with the spring in it. Or am I fine without it?
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Chicago Area
I've always reused or replaced the springs in the lower radiator hoses, so I can't be sure if you would be fine without it. My understanding is that it prevents the lower hose from collapsing when the water pump is sucking coolant at high speed. I think that a new hose would not be soft enough to collapse, but you might have a problem if its still in service in five years or so. That's probably why the replacement hoses don't bother.
Last edited by MrBSS; Sep 26, 2005 at 08:50 AM.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 495
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Don't believe the parts guys about the lower hose not collapsing without the spring. Even if you have to buy a new one from Ford don't go without it. Usually if you can slice the old hose lengthwise you should be able to get at the spring to get it out.
John
John
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
Get the one with the spring. Logically if Ford could have saved $0.10 by leaving it out of the hose for *600,000+ trucks they would have done it. They do not save money by replacing motors under warranty. A new hose might be alright for a while, but, after the hose is old, hot, and pliable, I would not count on it not needing the spring.
*600,000 trucks per year, figure how much they would save after ten years by dropping the spring.
*600,000 trucks per year, figure how much they would save after ten years by dropping the spring.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: "Islander"
The last time I replaced the lower hose (new had no spring) I installed 3/32" stainless Tig rod that was wrapped into a spring (ends tucked in) into the hose, no problems the last 140,000 miles.
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Elder User
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From: Lincoln NE
hmmm...tig rod, eh? Only problem with that is I don't have any of those around and I'd have buy a bundle. I'm assuming they're just as expensive as a new hose from Ford?
I don't know...
I guess I'll just go buy the Motorcraft hose with the spring since I'm in a bad spot for time...
Thank You for the ideas though, they were much appreciated.
I don't know...
I guess I'll just go buy the Motorcraft hose with the spring since I'm in a bad spot for time...
Thank You for the ideas though, they were much appreciated.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
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From: "Islander"
Go by any good weld shop and buy one rod, heck give him a buck, he's happy and you got a cheap fix. Think outside the box.
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Posting Guru
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From: Northern California
Originally Posted by rebocardo
Get the one with the spring. Logically if Ford could have saved $0.10 by leaving it out of the hose for *600,000+ trucks they would have done it. They do not save money by replacing motors under warranty. A new hose might be alright for a while, but, after the hose is old, hot, and pliable, I would not count on it not needing the spring.
*600,000 trucks per year, figure how much they would save after ten years by dropping the spring.
*600,000 trucks per year, figure how much they would save after ten years by dropping the spring.
I agree! Unless you are getting ready to sell it in a month, make sure the lower hose has a spring in it. They help the hose to last longer as well, because the extreme coolant heat will make the hose soft. Many "head scratching" overheating problems can be directly traced to a lower radiator hose that collapses a little, causing slight coolant blockage This usually won't occur until the engine is hot and under a load, in gear. For the minimal cost, always use a spring hose. The icing on the cake is what Rebocardo said. if Ford could save the $$ for every spring in the lower hose, they would have done it, if it was not needed. Ed
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Kuna ID
I have been told the replacement hoses are stiffer and less likely to collapse. I have had no problems with the ones in my cars yet. When I replaced my radiator in my truck, I noticed the hoses came from Napa Auto, and they both had springs in them.
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