How to Make a Radiator Hose Look New Again

A big role of DIY automotive work is non-standard applications. Whether it is an emergency repair, an engine swap, or a complete custom project, sometimes you but have to make what you need because it can't be purchased off the shelf. Ane of the most frustrating parts of an engine project is the radiator hoses. Maybe you can find a hose that is close enough to fit, or cutting up a couple of hoses to fit it all together, just usually the effect expect more than like one of Dr. Frankenstein'due south failed projects.

With less effort, you can build a custom radiator hose that non simply holds that 200-caste coolant inside the system where information technology belongs, but also looks really skilful too. Nearly of the parts can exist purchased at your local NAPA Automobile Parts Store too, making the unabridged procedure convenient. The custom upper radiator hose in this commodity is a hardline hose, pregnant that the bulk of the hose is a difficult tube. This won't work in every awarding, but about vehicles tin use this style of hose with the right couplers.

To build a custom radiator hose, you lot need prophylactic or silicone elbows, aluminum tubing, and some hose clamps. Your local NAPA Auto Parts Store will have a selection of elbows, which are typically vehicle-specific, only y'all tin can shop the wall of hoses to find the parts y'all need. The couplers tin can be aluminum or nylon. One keen way to tackle this project is with a hose repair kit , which has nylon (some kits are steel or aluminum) couplers and clamps.

In order to build a custom radiator hose, you lot need a coupler and some elbows. You tin can use a new radiator hose and merely cut the curve you lot demand as well.

The lower hose on this 1987 Camaro was fabricated using the hose repair kit. Using two long ane-3/4" elbows that were trimmed to fit together, the repair kit coupler was assembled and each hose was twisted so that information technology could connect to the water pump and radiator respectively. Once we had information technology positioned, the sectioned were secured using standard hose clamps.

The coupler installs into the hose like this. If you are using a brusque coupler, install information technology about half-fashion into each hose.

So we installed the two hose sections onto the radiator and the water pump. Once they were oriented correctly, we could secure the pieces with hose clamps.

Hither is the pipe complete with hose clamps.

The upper hose required a niggling more work. The manufactory upper hose nigh reached, only it needed about viii more inches of horizontal length to reach the new engine's water neck. Nosotros could have cut this hose and sectioned in more hose using the repair couplers, simply that would be several clamps and connections, which is just more opportunity for a leak and it doesn't wait as nice.

This is the original upper hose. We could modify information technology by lengthening the center, only we accept a meliorate way.

Instead, we picked up a couple more elbows, both 90-degree, and attached them to the water neck and radiator. Then we measured the distance between the two ends, added about three inches for clamping space, which allows 1-1/2 inches inside each side of the hose.

We measured the infinite betwixt the two elbows for the connecting pipe.

Next, nosotros cut a slice of  thin-wall 1-3/4" aluminum tubing and inserted it in the elbows. One time we were happy with the clearances, nosotros clamped information technology all together with more hose clamps.

And so we cutting a slice of thin-walled aluminum tubing to create the eye department. Cooling systems only run 15 psi max, so we don't demand bubble flares, but you can ever flare it if you take a bead roller.

So nosotros pieced it all together. Just demand the some clamps on it and information technology is done.

These new hoses expect expert and volition serve the engine for years to come. The great thing is that when the hoses eventually get weak, all we have to do is supercede the bad section and we don't have to try to remember what combination of hoses we used. Equally a side notation, if you utilise a steel tube, make sure the inside is coated with an anti-rust coating. It will eventually rust, which is a bad matter and yous don't desire all rust in your engine's cooling organisation, so stainless steel, aluminum, or nylon tubing is best.

Check out all the belts and hoses available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on how to make a custom radiator hose , chat with a knowledgeable adept at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store .

Jefferson Bryant View All

A life-long gearhead, Jefferson Bryant spends more time in the store than anywhere else. His career began in the car audio industry every bit a shop managing director, eventually working his style into a position at Rockford Fosgate as a product designer. In 2003, he began writing tech articles for magazines, and has been working as an automotive journalist always since. His work has been featured in Car Craft, Hot Rod, Rod & Custom, Truckin', Mopar Muscle, and many more. Jefferson has also written 4 books and produced endless videos. Jefferson operates Carmine Dirt Rodz, his personal garage studio, where all of his mag articles and tech videos are produced.

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