Hey guys. Ive been going through some summer time blues and decided to do an entire overhaul on my cooling system, I have a brand new 3 Row Copper/Brass Radiator, new waterpump, new 160 thermostat, new radiator cap and a recent flush.

The temp still likes to climb up to around 195-200* (75* outside) on the freeway with the A/C OFF and takes its sweet time cooling down when going downhill etc, so I decided to look things over again and realized that my lower radiator hose collapses when I rev the engine. I know this is common with wear and it needs to be changed, but here is my question...

With the fact that they are no longer putting springs in the hoses, is there anyway to fix this issue? Im afraid that getting a new springless hose will also just give me issues. Im also aware that having air in the system can cause it to do this as well, but Ive bled the system twice and there is no more air in the system

Any input and experiences would be helpful, thanks!

PS. My air-dam is in tact

 

I had the exact same problem with my 91 Z28. I think that your only solution would be to find a spring and put it into the hose after replacing the hose. You may have to look at a junk yard for a spring that is in a hose already if you can't find one. I find it hard to believe that you can't buy a hose without a spring in it. I had no problem finding a replacement hose with a spring for my car about 6 months ago. Keep in mind that you can use a spring from other hoses. The springs are not made for a specific car. They are flexible and will fit just about any other hose, not just the one that they are installed in. The Springs do pull out of the hose with a little persuasion. Installing a spring solved my problem and the car has been fine ever since. Just make sure that the spring is the proper length, 2 to 3 inches from either end of the hose is where the spring should sit in the hose.

As for the cause of the problem, I think it may be that your rad may be starting to have a slight restriction in flow due to age and the water pump is trying the pump more water than the rad is letting through at high RPM. You may want to try a system flush, it won't hurt.
Good luck!

 

Disregard the whole restriction thing. I forgot you said that the system was overhauled. My mistake! As for the spring, my opinion still holds true.