Flexible vs. formed radiator hose.

Awox · #1 05-23-2010, 04:28 PM

I'm going to be doing a radiator swap tomorrow, and I've only been able to find the flexible type radiator bottom hose. It's all twisty with a coiled metal wire inside it along the ridges. Though it looks a bit crappy, it feels solid at least.

Are these okay for a temporary fix at least until I can get a proper formed hose?

svxfiles · #2 05-23-2010, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Awox

I'm going to be doing a radiator swap tomorrow, and I've only been able to find the flexible type radiator bottom hose. It's all twisty with a coiled metal wire inside it along the ridges. Though it looks a bit crappy, it feels solid at least.

Are these okay for a temporary fix at least until I can get a proper formed hose?

If you have too.
I will only use genuine Subaru radiator hoses unless nothing else is available.

The exception is the custom silacone hoses for about $100.00 a pair.

Blacky · #3 05-23-2010, 04:46 PM

I did a rad swap today in my Claret. I used Subaru hoses.
I also found the bottom ones are not readily available in the aftermarket.
The flexible one will be fine for now.

dcarrb · #4 05-24-2010, 05:57 AM

I've had one of those springy things on my teal for years; in this case, the upper hose. Have never bought a radiator hose from a dealer in 35+ years of driving, and I've never had a failure.

dcb

Awox · #5 05-24-2010, 12:21 PM

I suppose they can't be all that bad then. That settles it. Thanks guys!

SeanD · #6 05-25-2010, 03:42 PM

Quick question, also about radiator hoses. I just bought a '95 SVX (the 6th of this month) and have noticed an interesting phenomenon. The radiator and hoses were replaced before I bought the car...brand new. When the engine is cold the upper hose looks clamped shut (I am thinking some kind of vacuum forming as the engine cools down) but as the engine warms up the hose expands to full size again, and the car never overheats, and sits at a nice uniform operating temp.

So my question is this....is this something serious? or something as simple as replacing a bad radiator cap?

Thanks in advance.

svxfiles · #7 05-25-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanD

Quick question, also about radiator hoses. I just bought a '95 SVX (the 6th of this month) and have noticed an interesting phenomenon. The radiator and hoses were replaced before I bought the car...brand new. When the engine is cold the upper hose looks clamped shut (I am thinking some kind of vacuum forming as the engine cools down) but as the engine warms up the hose expands to full size again, and the car never overheats, and sits at a nice uniform operating temp.

So my question is this....is this something serious? or something as simple as replacing a bad radiator cap?
Thanks in advance.

YES!!!

The reason the hose is sucking shut is that the coolant in the overflow tank is not returning to the radiator.
Maybe there is blockage in the overflow tank, (take it out and wash it)
or the overflow line is kinked, twisted, old, tired andjustwantstobeleftalonedammit!