Your car&#;s cooling system has several hoses which transport coolant back and forth between the radiator and the engine. This allows the engine to maintain a healthy temperature, preventing overheating from occurring.
Most cars have two radiator hoses called the upper and lower hoses. These hoses are different sizes and cannot be interchanged. For this reason, it is important to find the right replacement part when you change a hose. The upper radiator hose transfers hot coolant from the engine back to the radiator, allowing the coolant&#;s heat to be removed. Once the heat has been removed from the coolant, it is sent back to the engine via the lower radiator hose.
Radiator hoses generally last a long time. However, they will generally need to be replaced with around ten years of use.
In order to withstand vibrations and high temperatures, radiator hoses need to be flexible. For this reason, they are built using a rubber compound. Although it is very durable, the rubber coating of these hoses will eventually wear out.
The radiator hoses can also be damaged by oil leaks in the engine. Hot oil can leak onto the hoses and damage them. This can lead to leaking and other problems.
How to check the radiator hoses
Is your car in need of new coolant hoses? If so, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, you can count on our skilled mechanics to replace your damaged radiator hose(s). This will prevent your cooling system from overheating and save your engine from serious damage.
For cooling system radiator hose repairs and replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!
Book Now
Your donations help keep this valuable resource free and growing. Thank you.
I am thinking it's probably not a great idea to reuse the 17 year old hoses, and found I had some never used, new (NORS- New old repair stock) Gates upper and lower radiator hoses that were probably purchased around 20 years ago. My thought is it's probably not worth chancing the 20 year old Gates hoses either, and will probably purchase some new hoses but wanted to see what the group thinks.
Would you put them on and use them? Is there a suggested shelf life for radiator hoses? These have been stored in a garage, out of daylight, etc. If it matters, the car sees minimal use (3,000 miles in 17 years should give you an idea..). Thanks!
So I'm tackling replacing a water pump that has gone south in my 72 Javelin AMX 360. When I restored the engine, etc. about 3,000 miles (but in , 17 years ago!) I had put on the American Motors stamped radiator hoses and an NOS by-pass hose my dad had.
I would try the existing hoses, if one leaks, you have a replacement.
Your correct that rubber deteriorates over time, but if the rubber is still "supple" and has been kept in the dark at a reasonable temperature, they can last and still work ok.
But if you want security, rather than, the exitement of not knowing if your hose will burst, buy new hoses all round
For more information, please visit MOTEC.
J
I would look at the condition of the hoses if they look good run them, I have two GM cars in my garage 85' and 87' both with mileage in the 50's original hoses that still look and work just fine. I do check to make sure the clamps are tight once in awhile no leaks.
It's funny how little I have been able to find regarding shelf life of new hoses (unless I'm just not searching very well). I have a VW Jetta that is pushing twenty years old with original hoses, and my Studebaker Hawk has hoses on it that I'm sure are at least that old.
New Dayco hoses are available at such a relatively low cost, I may just go in that direction and keep what I have as spares. My top hose (with repro American Motors stamp) looks pretty good so I could reuse that and just replace the lower hose, since that one was seeping at both ends.
BTW, any opinions on the Dayco hoses for our cars? Thanks!
Thanks for the input, guys.
NOS hoses, even though they may be old and have been in storage, are likely to be OK as they've never been used. I'd chance it. The hoses on my 69 AMX date back to the mid 70s when I first put them on. I keep an eye on their condition and have NORS spares should I feel the need.
What's your comfort level ??
Long time AMC fan. Ambassador 343, AMX 390, Hornet 360, Spirit 304 and Javelin 390. All but javelin bought new.
My comfort level is that I think I'd be okay with reusing the existing (AM repro stamped) hose on the top, and that either of the NORS Gates should be fine. I think for peace of mind I want to change the lower no matter what because of how it was leaking at both ends.
I guess I was just wondering if there is a shelf life (at least a range in years) that would be a recommendation for how long new hoses are good for, without the rubber deteriorating. I can't seem to really find anything on that, which should maybe just tell me to quit worrying on put on the damn hoses!
-Matt
Hi George! Hope you are doing well.
Mike
For $29, APD has reproductions with stamps. I don't know the quality, but just remember seeing them in the catalog.
AMX, one step forward, one step back. Both steps cost time and money.
If it looks and feels good inside and out, it should be safe to run. You just have to ask yourself if using a irreplaceable NOS hose is worth it to you.
My Hornet's had an NOS upper radiator hose on it for the last six years and 40,000 miles.
Packard
Marlin
Wagoneer
Ambassador
Hornet
Concord D/L
Eagle Limited
For more information, please visit CHEVROLET Hose Supplier.