Top Radiator Hose

tasman · #1 (**permalink**) 07-22-2013, 09:50 PM

I have a 427 ERA, #574. After 11 years I had to change the top radiator hose due to some other top end engine work I had to do. I ordered a Gates 20819 hose but when it arrived I noticed it has a slightly different shape than the one I removed, and it is of worse quality. Worse yet, it does not fit very well. It touches the frame and crimps when forced to fit. My original manual says Gates 20819 so I would be surprised if that is not what I put in it 11 years ago. Is Gates 20819 still the way to go? Maybe I got a bad or cheap one? Is there a better brand than Gates?

Thanks

DanEC · #2 (**permalink**) 07-23-2013, 06:07 AM

It didn't fit well on my car either - rests on the coil over mount area of the X-crossmember. It didn't have quite enough "S" shape to it for attachment at the radiator. I put some electrical tape on the frame to protect the powder coating and plan to live with it.

Maybe someone will have a better idea.

Rick Parker · #3 (**permalink**) 07-23-2013, 07:19 AM

You might check various hoses of the same part number, often there are varying drgrees of manufacture with small differences in fitament.

Bob Hess · #4 (**permalink**) 07-23-2013, 08:26 AM

If you still have your old hose, take it to NAPA or even Pep Boys and see if they can match it up. Some of the guys at NAPA are really good at that sort of stuff.