Radiator hoses

OhBuoy · #1 (**permalink**) 04-11-2002, 08:31 PM

I am running a 302 with the B&B custom radiator. What radiator hoses did you guys end up using? Also, I am having trouble getting a bypass hose to fit without crimping. Any suggestions? Are you guys using the 45 degree or 90 degree water jacket?

jams · #2 (**permalink**) 04-12-2002, 07:35 AM

Hi,

I didn't use a ford engine so I can't respond to some of your other questions but I used stainless steel flexible hoses. They are expensive but that was my only option. They also look cool.

One brand is called coolflex. I used flexible hoses from Summit racing instead of the coolflex hoses. It cost almost $200 for the upper and lower hoses.

I am almost embarrassed to have paid that much but you only live once.

You can see the hoses at www.coolflex.com or www.summitracing.com

They also have the added benefit of head dissipation. Don't know if it really makes a difference.
Good Luck

Jim

Jim Werth · #3 (**permalink**) 04-12-2002, 02:40 PM

Give Karen a call at B+B. She has the part numbers usually right by the phone. I think they are NAPA numbers. Anyway thats where I got mine. Have to order them usually they don't have them in stock. Had a local muffler shop make a steel pipe for under crossmember. Bent up a coat hanger for the shape. Costs $5. Jim

OhBuoy · #4 (**permalink**) 04-12-2002, 11:36 PM

Got the numbers from Karen and ordered from NAPA. What was the steel pipe under the chross member for?

Double Venom · #5 (**permalink**) 04-13-2002, 06:18 AM

Ohbouy,
If you haven't read Andy's latest post, check this link. Andy, aka the Butcher has just, timely so, posted a great thread on hoses that fit your situation perfectly!

http://65.200.22.105/forums/showthre...threadid=16183

DV
300 Cobras is NOT enough!

Jim Werth · #6 (**permalink**) 04-13-2002, 07:08 AM

Lower radiator hose is a short hose that goes to the steel pipe that goes under the crossmember and back up to the water pump where you use a 6-8 inch straight rubber hose to clamp to the water pump. A steel pipe is used under the crossmember instead of a rubber hose because it is close to the ground and should hold up better. Jim

Okiesnake · #7 (**permalink**) 04-13-2002, 11:00 AM

OhBuoy,
I have a 351W in my car but I think the bypass hose is similar to the 302. You need to buy a bypass hose made for your motor. Most any auto parts store should have them. They are pre-molded to the proper bend so they don't crimp. For my radiator upper and lower, hoses I custom made them with the help of a local muffler shop and had them ceramic coated. Check out http://pages.sbcglobal.net/tdockstett/page7.html for details.
BTW, although I have no personal experience with Coolflex, I have read here on CC that Coolflex can have a tendency to slightly change shape as the temperature changes. Provided that there are no tight clearance issues with any moving parts, this shouldn't be an issue.
Okiesnake

spencer · #8 (**permalink**) 04-15-2002, 11:35 PM

Just so your aware, if you use a rubber hose for the lower unit it will have wire in it to keep it from collapsing under pressure as the engine heats up. I've used coolflex hoses for seven years with no problems. It's pricey, but you buy it once and move on.