Recommendations on flexible radiator hose
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
Recommendations on flexible radiator hose
My 56 F100 has a lower radiator hose that was cobbled together in order to make the necessary turns and bends so it would fit. Despite my efforts to find a solution, the two piece hose continues leaking at the union of the two pieces. I'm looking for your recommendations for a one piece flexible radiator hose that I can use to eliminate the joint and the leak. I see there are different types such as silicone, flexible metal, etc., so I'm hoping members have some experience they're willing to share.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 467
From: Mason City, Iowa
I also have a 302. I am not near my truck right now, but I can look at the NAPA part number tomorrow and get it to you. I know that the hose is around 19.5 inches long. It's just a little longer than it needs to be but to go down from the water pump, around the alternator bracket, then over to the passenger side of the radiator outlet it fits very nicely.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 467
From: Mason City, Iowa
Turns out I still had the receipt on file.
Here is the bottom radiator hose I used:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBHFM44
My radiator is a stock style 4 row with the outlet on the passenger side. The ends on this hose are "necked" pretty long and if the hose turns out too long you could trim them. I was wrong about the length. Turns out it is 1/2" shorter than I thought. But the hose I used earlier was about 17 1/2" long and worked, but it was a tight fit, and I had to cut and tie wrap an old piece of radiator hose to fit between the lower alternator mount bracket and the lower hose itself to keep the alternator bracket from rubbing into the hose. It was that way for 10 years and never had an issue. This time I decided to go for a slightly longer one so I wouldn't have to do that.
Here is the bottom radiator hose I used:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBHFM44
My radiator is a stock style 4 row with the outlet on the passenger side. The ends on this hose are "necked" pretty long and if the hose turns out too long you could trim them. I was wrong about the length. Turns out it is 1/2" shorter than I thought. But the hose I used earlier was about 17 1/2" long and worked, but it was a tight fit, and I had to cut and tie wrap an old piece of radiator hose to fit between the lower alternator mount bracket and the lower hose itself to keep the alternator bracket from rubbing into the hose. It was that way for 10 years and never had an issue. This time I decided to go for a slightly longer one so I wouldn't have to do that.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 496
Likes: 109
From: Allentown, PA
RAD HOSE
GA HARD PIECE OF WIRE MAKE THE BENDS AND LENGTH YOU NEED AND GO TO NAPA AND LOOK SEE WHAT THEY CLOSE TO YOUR WIRE -- DO IT ALL THE TIME AND IT IS EASY--
OR GO LOOK UP THE FLEX HOSES AND ENDS WE USE FOR STREET ROD RADIATOR HOSE-- ALL SIZE LENGTH AND EASY TO SHAPE AND FLEX BEND-- GOOD LUCK
OR GO LOOK UP THE FLEX HOSES AND ENDS WE USE FOR STREET ROD RADIATOR HOSE-- ALL SIZE LENGTH AND EASY TO SHAPE AND FLEX BEND-- GOOD LUCK
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Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,010
Likes: 9,948
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Here's a handy thing to keep in mind when you are trying to fab up a radiator hose; You can get radiator hose reducer bushings in increments from 1 1/2" up to 3". NAPA Auto stocks them (or they do around here).
If you do an internet search for "radiator hose reducer bushing" you will get tons of options.
If you do an internet search for "radiator hose reducer bushing" you will get tons of options.
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