Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
#1
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (30)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: O'Fallon, MO
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
I have reached the point where I am so frustrated with this lower radiator hose, I'm asking out of desperation for anyone's help.
I am using a stock radiator in my car, and I *had* been using the '89 F250 7.5L hose and there are not enough swear words to describe the lack of fitment I have experienced with this hose. When I parked my car back in December I found that my radiator was 1/4 full of coolant, the rest had escaped I'm assuming out of the lower radiator hose because it's SO FLIPPING GINORMOUS!
I know some of you have said you had good luck with finding a F250 7.5L hose that worked due to the ends being much larger diameter than the rest of the hose, so you were able to trim off the ends and it works flawlessly...well you lucky ones must have totally different distributors than the stores up here because the hose I am using is the same diameter throughout. I have bought 4 of these stupid things and they're all the same, even from different stores.
What boggles my mind is my dad's IROC is using a 3rd gen radiator and the stock hose that came with his motor out of a '98 Z28. I went and looked at a '98 hose at AutoZone tonight and the one end looks WAY too small to fit on the radiator.
I'm about ready to throw a cheap looking accordian bendy-hose on it
Maybe someone who's had good luck with the F250 hose fitting correctly wouldn't mind picking one up for me at their local store and shipping it to me? I don't know what else to do.
IDEAS/THOUGHTS??
I am using a stock radiator in my car, and I *had* been using the '89 F250 7.5L hose and there are not enough swear words to describe the lack of fitment I have experienced with this hose. When I parked my car back in December I found that my radiator was 1/4 full of coolant, the rest had escaped I'm assuming out of the lower radiator hose because it's SO FLIPPING GINORMOUS!
I know some of you have said you had good luck with finding a F250 7.5L hose that worked due to the ends being much larger diameter than the rest of the hose, so you were able to trim off the ends and it works flawlessly...well you lucky ones must have totally different distributors than the stores up here because the hose I am using is the same diameter throughout. I have bought 4 of these stupid things and they're all the same, even from different stores.
What boggles my mind is my dad's IROC is using a 3rd gen radiator and the stock hose that came with his motor out of a '98 Z28. I went and looked at a '98 hose at AutoZone tonight and the one end looks WAY too small to fit on the radiator.
I'm about ready to throw a cheap looking accordian bendy-hose on it
Maybe someone who's had good luck with the F250 hose fitting correctly wouldn't mind picking one up for me at their local store and shipping it to me? I don't know what else to do.
IDEAS/THOUGHTS??
#2
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: NJ
Posts: 4,345
Received 298 Likes
on
234 Posts
Car: 92 Firebird
Engine: 4.8 LR4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
This? one of the other hose threads, I think the guy in NJ here used this hose
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
I used the stock 4th gen lower hose..? Im also running the 4th gen rad...maybe thats why it worked for me.
But all I did was trim it a hair to give it clearance from the idler arm, and Ive been good to go.
Never really looked into the other hoses.
J.
But all I did was trim it a hair to give it clearance from the idler arm, and Ive been good to go.
Never really looked into the other hoses.
J.
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '89 GTA
Engine: 5.7L LS1
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
Well its about time we did this. I guess I'll be going to get that Dayco hose before I fill my radiator with coolant.
Can someone post a picture of it on your car?
Edit: The link scooter put up is excellent
Can someone post a picture of it on your car?
Edit: The link scooter put up is excellent
Last edited by White'89; 03-31-2011 at 11:40 AM.
#9
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Nick, in the interest of full disclosure, when I pulled the engine a couple of weeks ago, the hose was slightly damp (formed a drop) at the water pump. But, the clamp wasn't quite snug, and I hadn't bothered checking it because I knew I was going to pull the engine (just took me longer to get to it than I had planned).
When I reinstall, I don't expect to have a problem, for what that's worth.
When I reinstall, I don't expect to have a problem, for what that's worth.
#11
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
If it's a 3rd gen radiator, use the Dayco hose.
If it's a 4th gen radiator, use the 4th gen hose.
If it's a custom radiator, you're on your own.
If it's a 4th gen radiator, use the 4th gen hose.
If it's a custom radiator, you're on your own.
#13
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ashland Va
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 IROCZ
Engine: 5.3 Gen IV
Transmission: 4L65E
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 bolt 4.10
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
damn where was this thread 3 weeks ago haha. Im rolling with the 7.5l hose. works ok but doesnt look the best. that dayco hose looks good i think i will be going to get that one
#14
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Hou. TX
Posts: 5,538
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 86 TA, 91 B4C
Engine: 5.3, 4.8
Transmission: 4L80 4000, T56
Axle/Gears: 4.30 M12, 23.42 10 bolt
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
Just made sure i tightened the snot out of both of the F250 hoses in my swaps.
#15
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (30)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: O'Fallon, MO
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
I picked up the Dayco 71321 tonight, it looks very promising. Thanks for sharing everyone! I'll have some updates with photos this weekend.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Engine: LSX (swapping)
Transmission: 4L60E (swapping)
Axle/Gears: 2.73 Posi 10 Bolt
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
Yeah the Dayco hose looks the best from the pics I have seen, unfortunately I have the ford hose already
#17
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (30)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: O'Fallon, MO
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
I put the new Dayco 71321 hose on tonight and it looks like we have a winner.
I didn't even measure it, I just looked at the picture that was posted in the link in the 2nd post here, and went off that and made two cuts then I was done
You can see that it is just barely touching the bottom idler arm bolt, I don't think it was going to hurt anything but me being the paranoid person that I am, decided I was going to do something about it...
That's about a 3/4" length of heater hose (whatever size the smaller heater core line is), that I cut off and stuck it over the end of the bolt to keep the hose from rubbing on the threads of the bolt. Like I said, it probably would have been fine because it was just barely touching but I took precautions against the possibility of having to mess with a busted hose.
I didn't even measure it, I just looked at the picture that was posted in the link in the 2nd post here, and went off that and made two cuts then I was done
You can see that it is just barely touching the bottom idler arm bolt, I don't think it was going to hurt anything but me being the paranoid person that I am, decided I was going to do something about it...
That's about a 3/4" length of heater hose (whatever size the smaller heater core line is), that I cut off and stuck it over the end of the bolt to keep the hose from rubbing on the threads of the bolt. Like I said, it probably would have been fine because it was just barely touching but I took precautions against the possibility of having to mess with a busted hose.
#18
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
I put the new Dayco 71321 hose on tonight and it looks like we have a winner.
I didn't even measure it, I just looked at the picture that was posted in the link in the 2nd post here, and went off that and made two cuts then I was done
You can see that it is just barely touching the bottom idler arm bolt, I don't think it was going to hurt anything but me being the paranoid person that I am, decided I was going to do something about it...
I didn't even measure it, I just looked at the picture that was posted in the link in the 2nd post here, and went off that and made two cuts then I was done
You can see that it is just barely touching the bottom idler arm bolt, I don't think it was going to hurt anything but me being the paranoid person that I am, decided I was going to do something about it...
Last edited by five7kid; 04-07-2011 at 10:57 PM.
#20
Supreme Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (30)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: O'Fallon, MO
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
I did something similar with mine too, but I just bought two brass fittings that screwed together and reduced it from the radiator to the size of the outlet under the throttle body.
#22
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: santa barbara,ca
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1990 iroc z
Engine: LSX 376 F1A
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
with my be cool radiator, my lower radiator hose is like half the length of your new hose.i will try and take a pic today.
#23
Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: fresno ca
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 89 IROC-Z
Engine: 6.2 LS3
Transmission: MN12 T56 GTO
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
im currently in the middleof the same problem, igot the 4th gen lower hose. one side (the big side) is just right the other is to small. what im doing is the big side(i assume goes to the thermastat housing) is going on the radiator and the small side im boiling in hot water to get it to stretch the extra 1/4 to now fit on the housing i know timmyboy got it to work with grease i believe but ima try this way
#24
Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '89 GTA
Engine: 5.7L LS1
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
im currently in the middleof the same problem, igot the 4th gen lower hose. one side (the big side) is just right the other is to small. what im doing is the big side(i assume goes to the thermastat housing) is going on the radiator and the small side im boiling in hot water to get it to stretch the extra 1/4 to now fit on the housing i know timmyboy got it to work with grease i believe but ima try this way
#25
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
its a process that is done when the hose is made. only one way I know to make it bigger now and that's oil and time. not my idea of a good way to do that. your best bet is grease the small end and work it on the thermostat no reason to get it stuck on a plastic radiator outlet
#26
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
Turns out the Griffin rad I have is for a Ford. So I don't know what I'm going to do for the lower hose. Probably have to bite the bullet and run a flex hose. I have an upper already from a buddy using a custom one on his turbo car.
#27
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: santa barbara,ca
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1990 iroc z
Engine: LSX 376 F1A
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: 12 bolt 3.42
Re: Let's talk about the lower radiator hose issue (LSx swaps)
with my be cool, i think i need a small metal tube between the idler arm. I thought it was good but appears to rubber more than i thought.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1992 Trans Am
History / Originality
27
05-10-2023 07:19 PM
eightsixseven
Tech / General Engine
1
08-14-2015 03:09 PM