Lower radiator hose

46HARLEY

46HARLEY

Member
I searched and did not find what I was looking for, so hear I am. 1946 Deluxe. Need to install lower radiator hoses and heater nipple. What is the best procedure, having not taken the old off yet. Cut to fit hose or not, if I do best length. Best way to install, I am sure no easy way. Looks like even more pain with the heater nipple installed, like to hear your method of installing that also. Would love to see any comments on this. Thanks Larry
 
I put it on rad first. I think factory had them on the rad before installation of rad. Newc
 
I was mechanic for 30-years. First, I try to just twist to break them loose and then pull them off. If it won't go then I slit hoses about three inches on each end, twist and they would always come off. The trick is to slit the hoses and not the castings or radiator neck. You don't want to leave a deep scratch in the metal that could leak. Then I'd match up the old hose with the new one and cut it if I had to. Look at the old hose on the car and see if it was cut to the right length before you do any cutting on the new hose. You might want to lengthen the hose a little. We had hose cutter tools to cut the hoses off nice and square on the ends. If you don't have one, then I would tape the hose off square and cut it with a razor blade. You want a nice 90 degree cut on the ends. It's not hard to do a nice job but some people manage to screw it up. Clean up the necks so they are smooth before you slip the new hoses on. Don't overtighten the clamps to where they dig "way" into hose. The clamps need to be tight but not gorilla tight.
 
I like to use "Syl-Glide", its a silicone gel that makes it easy to push on, and they come off easy too if need be years down the road.
 
Thanks for the responses, still curious about heater connection or do most just eliminate it ?
Thanks Larry
 
Flathead Fever said:
We used silicone spray at work on some of the tight-fitting hoses.
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I last did this almost 20 years ago on my 59AB engine in my '37 coupe.As a retired journeyman machinist I sometimes get a little anal or too precise on some basic jobs but that is what I do or did. You got the advice on hoses themselves but as far as the heater nipple fitting I or you should first locate where you want the hole and then drill or try to drill a big enough pilot hole to then finish the diameter with a5/8"- 3/4" ( I think ) sanding rolls or a rotary rasp would work,using smaller than the required hole and keep checking until you get a snug fit with nipple. I used the liquid red Permatex stuff in small container that has brush on cap.Can't think of the name of it right now think it is High Tack.but smear it on the metal parts that go against the rubber hose,then go get the goo off your hands.
 
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ok, here's my 2¢ worth. Bottom radiator hoses are usually replaced in conjunction with water pumps, so here's how to do both and get a new motor mount as a bonus. set a jack under the oil pan with a 2"x6" across to protect the pan. Loosen and remove the motor mount bolt. Remove the hose clamps, slit the hose and remove. Check the length of the old hose as you remove it, as well as the location of the heater fitting. Grind the end of a proper sized pipe fitting to sharp edges, forming a punch of the exact size to fit the hose fitting. Use a 2"x2" inside the new hose and a mallet to cut the new hole. Install the fitting with Permatex. Jack up the engine enough to remove and replace the motor mount, taking care to not bump the oil pressure sender on the firewall. With new hose clamps in place, slide the new hose (aided by silicone grease) onto the pump all the way down to the base as far as it will go. Importantly, point the heater fitting outward to avoid interference between the fan belt and heater hose. Now here's the trick with short hoses and tight spaces: Point the hose toward the radiator outlet and lower the engine slowly, which will do all the work of getting the hose onto the radiator. Adjust the hose to final position and tighten the clamps, which will leak a bit until you warm up the engine and retighten the clamps.
 
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