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Lower radiator hose - 305 Firebird-does not fit!!!
Hi,
I decided to remove my 30 year old lower radiator hose and replace it with a new one. It was a little crazed.
I have tried 3 different brands and none of them fit. Dayco, Gates and Delco.
When I connect the hose to the water pump, and the other end to the radiator, the hose is too long and it folds under by the pump.
Re: Lower radiator hose - 305 Firebird-does not fit!!!
Originally Posted by TTOP350
You have to trim them to the correct length.
Hi, the way the hoses are made, one end is larger for the water pump and the other end has a 90 degree bend to attach to the radiator. There is nothing to trim.
Re: Lower radiator hose - 305 Firebird-does not fit!!!
I also noticed this on my '92 Firebird 305 TBI - this was with a brand new AC Delco hose. I was concerned that the hose would collapse under suction, so I installed a stainless steel spring sold for an early Mustang application inside the hose. Now the hose isn't kinked and can't collapse, so no overheating concerns.
Re: Lower radiator hose - 305 Firebird-does not fit!!!
Originally Posted by Sweatlock
I also noticed this on my '92 Firebird 305 TBI - this was with a brand new AC Delco hose. I was concerned that the hose would collapse under suction, so I installed a stainless steel spring sold for an early Mustang application inside the hose. Now the hose isn't kinked and can't collapse, so no overheating concerns.
Hi Sweat, thanks for the reply. Where did you get the hose spring?
Re: Lower radiator hose - 305 Firebird-does not fit!!!
Originally Posted by TTOP350
I know the WP side is larger. Can you post a picture of the issue?
Hi, unfortunately, I cant. I destroyed the hose trying to cut a 2 inch piece out of the middle.I connected the two halves with a metal connector. However have to go to plan next. I did not like the way it looked.
Re: Lower radiator hose - 305 Firebird-does not fit!!!
If You Still Have Your Old Hose When You Get Another New One Match It Up To The Old Hose And Cut Just Enough From Each End Of The Hose Until It Matches The Length Of The Old Hose.
I've used this spring on two cars, my '92 Firebird DD and my '69 AMX. At higher freeway speeds a lower radiator hose can collapse with the suction from the water pump. On older cars the spring was included with the hose - on newer cars, the composition of the material used is supposedly more rigid to prevent kinking or collapsing so as to eliminate the need for the spring. All I can say is, it's cheap enough and it worked for me.
Re: Lower radiator hose - 305 Firebird-does not fit!!!
I think my problem exists because I have a larger than normal water pump. I do not remember the brand at this time. I would have to look it up in my notes. The inlet is longer than a normal pump.
What I had to do was to cut off two inches in the middle of the hose and then connect both ends back together with an 1.5 inch brass coupler.
I did not want to cut off an inch from either end, there would not be enough to cover the pump and radiator fittings. My parts store did have a pony hose spring and i installed it in the larger side of the hose.
