installing radiator bottom hoses

[Clem Clement]

Tried to install the bottom hoses on a aftermarket 39 peekup by using WD-40 to soften the hose and then use a BFH sideways as a pusher to collapse the hose over the rad. end fitting. No go.

Options:
Heat the hose in boiling water?
shorten the hose?
Remount the rad with both hoses installed?
???

[RalphM]

Mine are so close it requires removing the radiator to get them on and off.

[Graeme / New Zealand]

I usually chuck them in water that has been boiled, for a short time so they are soft enough to bend them and slide them on.

GB

[Tinker]

In my case the radiator tubes are longer then the pump. I was able to push the hoses up further and then use a flathead screwdriver to connect the pump lets and then even them out. But not all things are the same.

[philipswanson]

Just lift it about 10", don't use WD 40, it degrades rubber. Use a silicone lubricant.

[ford38v8]

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You probably could use new motor mounts while you're at it, so, floor jack under the pan with a 2x8 on the jack, lift the engine off the mounts enough to change the rubber pads, and install the hoses onto the radiator. Lower the engine while guiding the hoses onto the pumps. This works out easier doing one side at a time, and watch out for the oil sender hitting the firewall. Don't forget both clamps go on the hoses before lowering the engine.

[Lawrie]

Slip a smear of light grease inside the hose, that helps.
or get the womens to help.
Lawrie

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by Clem Clement

Tried to install the bottom hoses on a aftermarket 39 peekup by using WD-40 to soften the hose and then use a BFH sideways as a pusher to collapse the hose over the rad. end fitting. No go.

Options:
Heat the hose in boiling water?
shorten the hose?
Remount the rad with both hoses installed?
???

maybe your hoses are too long?

[rockfla]

At least on our 39 Merc, IF you have the Radiator out its easy to drop the Rad in the car and lower it down, then put them on the Rad first, then line them up with the water outlets on the block then use a screw driver to align the radiator for bolting it to the frame, then attach the steady brackets on the side last. This way gives a little "extra" moving ability to gain an extra inch maybe or tilt the radiator a bit.

[flatford8]

I did mine on my ‘50 by unbolting the radiator and sliding the hose on as I lowered the radiator ...... Mark

[37 Cab]

Get a set of these to help with getting the hose over the pump inlet. A must have for removing stuck hoses as well.

shopping[1].jpg

[rockfla]

I also have a thick piece of cardboard cut in a square to slide in front of the radiator and tape to the top tank to help "protect" the fins and Rad from damage....Like jamming a flat tipped screw driver into it. ASK me how I know that!!!! I'm thinking of taping a 1/8 piece of plywood to that as added protection.

[VeryTangled]

Hi Everyone. Clem, not really exactly on topic, but each set of replacement hoses I've gotten for my '35 and '36 have been longer than necessary. Just my experience with those parts. How do the new ones compare to the old?

I think you'll need a combination of all the above suggestions, heating the hoses, correcting length if needed and maybe using the hook tools. Plus some colorful language.

I agree about staying clear of the spray lubes. I had a set of hoses deteriorate from the inside and it crapped up my cooling system big time.

[Hal Beatty]

Boil the hoses and use a lot of Dow DC4 silicone. How we always did it on the P-51...

[Marvin/TN]

I said this once before and I was raked over the coals thinking I was being vulgar but use a personal Lub such as KY, it is water soluable and does not harm rubber. Now if everyone will just keep their mind out of the gutter

[Clem Clement]

Thanks All. Happy New Year

[Clem Clement]

I succeeded by cutting off another 1/2inch of the generic hose and using silicone spray. Thanks for your help
Clem