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Topic: Lower radiator hose replacement

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Lower radiator hose replacement (1/35)
 11/14/14 10:46am
Jasond56
Former Member

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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

good morning all! As I was going through my 1973 to get her ready for storage, I noticed a bulge in the lower radiator hose. Started her up and sure enough I found coolant on the ground. Had the system pressure tested just to make sure nothing else was going on and everything checked out so I'm guessing the bulge in lower rad hose is culprit. Pretty expensive to have my garage fix so This newbie would like to attempt. I had a few questions/comments: The forum seems split on whether or not I need the coil lined hose. Suggestions? Dish soap seems the preferred method to slip new hose on. Is removing fan shroud recommended to switch lower rad hose? Proper procedure on refilling with coolant? Car running, car off, directly into radiator, radiator resivoir, how much coolant etc? I've googled and youtubed for a step-by-step and have not found anything worthwhile. As always, thanks in advance kind Corvetters!

______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




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Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (2/35)
 11/14/14 12:34pm
Sarge81Lifetime Member
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.


Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379

Raise front end up high enough to crawl underneath via ramps or jack and jack stands.
Remove radiator cap. (engine cold)
Take a empty bucket/container and pliers under car.
Place bucket under petcock. Use pliers to gently open the petcock and drain radiator.
Loosen hose clamps and slide them out of the way.
Use a radiator hose removal tool to help break the bond between the hose and the radiator neck/waterpump neck. If you can find a tool use a razor knife to slice the hose ends so you can peel them off. Don't cut yourself. 
Place hose clamps over new hose (w/coil), then slide into place. Vaseline will help slide the ends on.
Tighten clamps.
Close drain petcock.
Refill system with universal 50/50 premixed antifreeze.
Start car and let the system bleed out the air with the radiator cap off.
Set you heater controls to defrost. When you get heat from there you'll know the heater core is free of air pockets. 
Keep a close eye on the temperature gauge. If it starts to rise. Blip the throttle to help push air pockets out of the cooling system. Feel the upper radiator hose. If it gets warm or hot the thermostat has opened. If it keeps rising dangerously, shut it down and let it cool off. You'll probably have antifreeze spitting out the filler neck. 
Once the system is bled, top off the radiator, install the radiator cap. check for leaks. 
Retighten the hose clamps.
Top off the overflow bottle and take it for a ride.
Then recheck for leaks.

Good luck! 

While your under there check for leakage around the water pump to rule out any possible leaks there.

This is a picture of a radiator hose removal tool.




|UPDATED|11/14/2014 9:34:12 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.


Lifetime Member #26
Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (3/35)
 11/14/14 12:34pm
nextdoor76
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Kimberling City, MO - USA

Vette(s):
1976 Stingray


Joined: 12/2/2012
Posts: 49

Well, I hope you have small hands. In the factory that hose was installed before radiator, rad. frame and body were put on. Easy for them...!!! I had the shroud off, lower right grill out, and then had to loosen the radiator frame on both sides, just to get enough room to get my hands and hose in there. I swore never again!!!!! I had the engine out and should have put it on motor before reinstalling. You do what you have to do. I went org. hose for replacement. But I have keep everything as org. as I could, or money permitted.




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Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (4/35)
 11/14/14 1:45pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
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Sarge81 said: Raise front end up high enough to crawl underneath via ramps or jack and jack stands.
Remove radiator cap. (engine cold)
Take a empty bucket/container and pliers under car.
Place bucket under petcock. Use pliers to gently open the petcock and drain radiator.
Loosen hose clamps and slide them out of the way.
Use a radiator hose removal tool to help break the bond between the hose and the radiator neck/waterpump neck. If you can find a tool use a razor knife to slice the hose ends so you can peel them off. Don't cut yourself. 
Place hose clamps over new hose (w/coil), then slide into place. Vaseline will help slide the ends on.
Tighten clamps.
Close drain petcock.
Refill system with universal 50/50 premixed antifreeze.
Start car and let the system bleed out the air with the radiator cap off.
Set you heater controls to defrost. When you get heat from there you'll know the heater core is free of air pockets. 
Keep a close eye on the temperature gauge. If it starts to rise. Blip the throttle to help push air pockets out of the cooling system. Feel the upper radiator hose. If it gets warm or hot the thermostat has opened. If it keeps rising dangerously, shut it down and let it cool off. You'll probably have antifreeze spitting out the filler neck. 
Once the system is bled, top off the radiator, install the radiator cap. check for leaks. 
Retighten the hose clamps.
Top off the overflow bottle and take it for a ride.
Then recheck for leaks.

Good luck! 

While your under there check for leakage around the water pump to rule out any possible leaks there.

This is a picture of a radiator hose removal tool.







Dang Sarge! I'm impressed. Been in the rad business for 43 years and couldn't have said it better meself. Lookin for a job in Michigan??Thumbs Up

______________

Click on images for Before and After pics!
Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (5/35)
 11/14/14 2:31pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20124

Sarge81 said: ...use a razor knife to slice the hose ends so you can peel them off. Don't cut yourself.

That's the BEST way to get old hoses off of radiator or heater cores.....keeps you from damaging the necks, or possibly cracking the soldered joints on the radiator. Thumbs Up
(I think Darryl must write repair instructions for Mitchell or something....that was great!)

I'm not big on using petroleum products to make hoses go on easier, due to the fact that oils/greases can soften the hose over time....it also makes it harder to get a tight seal. I use a little straight antifreeze inside the hose ends. It's slick, and will squish out a little easier when tightening the clamps. That's just me. Lots of folks use Vaseline, wheel bearing grease, WD-40, whatever, and it accomplishes the task at hand(getting the hose on) just fine. Wink

As far as spring/no spring in the lower hose, you NEED that spring in there. And that's all I have to say about that....LOL

Good luck with your project. Have patience....that hose ain't gunna just fall off, nor will the new one magically suck itself back on...it's gunna take some finagling, some head scratching, and a few well placed curse werds, but it can be done without dis-assembling the whole front end. Just take yer time....and have a huge drain pan in place, 'cause you WILL make a mess. Ouch


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Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (6/35)
 11/14/14 7:27pm
Jasond56
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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Sarge!  Hats off to you, sir!  I followed your excellent step-by-step and got the lower rad hose off without removing anything else!!!  It wasn't easy, but with a little maneuvering, and a few careful razor slices, she came off!  I was even able to flush the system three times before removing hose.  Feeling like a man today!  As you can see, the old hose was quite old and the spring was rotten.  I shudder to think of the debris washed into my system from the rotting spring :0
See below...the numbers are: GM 331855 AJ GATES

I wasn't able to get the new hose back on today.  Started getting too late.  I pushed the vehicle back into the garage.  The temperature is supposed to really drop here in southern Wisconsin.  Around 20 degrees or so.  Should I be concerned about having no coolant and no lower rads hose attached?

Finally, the new rad hose I purchased did not come with an internal spring.  Called a corvette shop near me looking for a spring or a spring/hose combo and he said I do not need the spring, that he sometimes adds the spring and sometimes he does not...with no rule of thumb.  Your thoughts?

Again, thank you for the awesome support!!! :)




______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (7/35)
 11/14/14 9:18pm
johnu
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert


Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 614

If I'm not mistaken the spring keeps the hose from "sucking in" on it's self.  If GM did not need it, why was it there!   Wink 

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      Only 32 years together
Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (8/35)
 11/14/14 10:36pm
73shark
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Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.


Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 864

You definitely need the spring in the lower hose.  Since the lower hose is on the suction side of the water pump, the spring prevents the hose from collapsing as previously mentioned.

______________

1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (9/35)
 11/14/14 11:09pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20124

 That's the original hose for the car....kewl!
And again....you DO need the spring. Get a hose with the spring, or buy a cheapo generic hose that does have the spring, and install it in the one that fits the car.


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

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(click for Texas-sized view!)
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (10/35)
 11/15/14 1:03pm
Jasond56
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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

The one time in my life I was glad I have small hands! Hug

I'm sure getting the new lower rad hose back on will be another animal all together...


______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (11/35)
 11/15/14 1:24pm
Jasond56
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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Got it!  Thank you.  I will do the hose/spring combo.

Unfortunately I cannot find a hose/spring combo anywhere near me, but I might have a lead from a GM dealer in my neighborhood.  Will not find out until Monday if the part I need to order will contain the spring.  If it does have the spring, I will not receive the part for 3 days, and I'm going out of town until Friday and will not get to replacing hose / refill with antifreeze until Saturday.  Should I be concerned with leaving the car in the garage with no coolant for a week or more?  We're getting into the 20's here at night.

If the GM dealer cannot get the combo, is there a work around?  You mentioned, "Get a hose with the spring, or buy a cheapo generic hose that does have the spring, and install it in the one that fits the car."  Will that reduce the flow of coolant in any way?  Can you please explain a little further?

Thanks in advance!


______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (12/35)
 11/15/14 5:51pm
Sarge81Lifetime Member
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.


Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379

Glad to help when I can. The step by step thing was derived (actually drilled in my skull) from having to read Air Force T.O's( technical order) manuals. Every job we did on a aircraft we had to have the T.O. for that specific aircraft, specific task and it better be open to the exact page and step while you were performing the repair/task. Otherwise you'd get a royal butt chewing if QA was in the AO. Big smile

I was poking around the inner web and found this...
Paragon Corvette Reproductions Part #2233 


______________

GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.


Lifetime Member #26
Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (13/35)
 11/15/14 7:24pm
Jasond56
Former Member

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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Ordered!  Thanks again, sir!

Any thoughts on not being able to get to the vette again for about a week+?  I have it stored in my garage, no coolant, and we're hitting 20s at night.  Should I be concerned?  

Do you think the rusting/rotting original spring did any damage I'm not aware of?  I imagine all that funk washing into my system...

I see you're from West Seneca NY.  My family and I were just up that way.  I took my wife, son and daughter to Salem, MA for Halloween.  Drove right through your area.  Very nice up there!




______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (14/35)
 11/16/14 12:55pm
Sarge81Lifetime Member
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.


Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379

Your engine should be fine provided there is no straight water in the engine block. If there is still the old residual antifreeze left in the system it should not freeze. 

If there is straight water in the engine block you can remove the engine block drain plugs. One on each side of the block. They are just above the oil pan, middle of the length of the block. If you have to remove them and nothing comes out, take a small screwdriver and clean the crud out and the water should come pouring out. 

I don't think the deteriorated spring did any damage. It probably dissolved over time. If there are any pieces in the system they are most likely resting in the bottom of the engine block water jacket. 

If you ever pass though my area again, give my a shout. Maybe we could meet up and get a bite of some fine artery clogging Buffalo cuisine. We finally have a really nice "waterfront" on Lake Erie.  


______________

GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.


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Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (15/35)
 11/16/14 4:23pm
Jasond56
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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Thank you and I understand.  

As I was flushing, even after the third flush, antifreeze was still present so I'm hoping I'm okay.  I will check the drains to make sure no water is in there.  I'm assuming water should NEVER be in the system.  If water does drain out, and once the part arrives from Paragon, it's reassembling rad hose and adding coolant and burping as normal?  Nothing more to add as far as fluid?

Any thoughts on SeaFoam into carb for storing?  I read a thread and it mentioned pour SeaFoam straight into carb until the motor dies when storing for winter.  I have the foam but obviously cannot add until cooling system is up and running.  Just wondering if there are any tricks.

Next time we're up there I will give a holler!  We ate at Osteria 166 on Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo on our way to Massachusetts.  Very good food and we had to cut our pizza with scissors!  Brought me back to when I was a kid.  Old school Italian!

Thanks again and as always I very much appreciate the help!




______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (16/35)
 11/16/14 6:04pm
Sarge81Lifetime Member
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.


Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379

So did you flush out the just the radiator or did you flush out the engine and radiator?
If you had the lower radiator hose off and then flushed it from the filler neck then you probably didn't flush out much antifreeze out of the engine.

Carburetor?? Whats that? j/k. Clown I don't have one of them anymore on mine. I don't know much about Seafoam. I've heard of it but have no experiences with it. I would post another thread asking about it. I'm sure there are a few members here who have used it.

I never ate at the Osteria. Sounds like a good place to eat. Good online reviews for the most part. Yeah our pizza here is nothing like Chicago nor NYC stuff. Out of all the places in the USA, I love our pizza pies here. When you do come up this way try to give me a couple days headsup so I can make reservations to a place called "The Mulberry." It's a hidden little secret buried in a old Bethlehem steel plant neighborhood. The Italian cuisine there is heaven on a plate. The meatball appetizer is the size of a softball.


______________

GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.


Lifetime Member #26
Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (17/35)
 11/16/14 7:05pm
Jasond56
Former Member

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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

I love those hidden gems.  I get to travel for a living, and I insist, where ever I find myself, on going local when eating and drinking.  I can hit an Applebees anywhere in the world.  But a place like Osteria or the one you mentioned is where it's at!  Speaking of, your Blue Point Brewing Company in Long Island has a great beer called Toasted Lager...fantastic!  I'm a beer geek.  Cool

What I did was open the petcock on the rad, drain out old coolant, close the petcock and fill rad with water from my hose.  I turned on the vehicle until upper rad got warm, then dumped the radiator.  Wash, rinse, repeat 3X.  
That's just a coolant system flush, correct?  Ermm


______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (18/35)
 11/16/14 7:18pm
73shark
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Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.


Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 864

It is if you had heater on High so the water would flush it out.  Also I use a Prestone Radiator Flush to remove some of the solder bloom and mineral deposits.

Just to be on the safe side you might pour some antifreeze in the t-stat opening 'til it runs out the bottom hose connection.

And when you get ready to fill, unless money is no object, don't buy the 50-50 premix.  Buy regular antifreeze and distilled water.  It's a lot cheaper.


______________

1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (19/35)
 11/16/14 7:29pm
Jasond56
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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

GAH!  Having the heater on high is the one thing from Sarge's step-by-step I forgot to do!!  Is that a bad thing?  Angry




______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (20/35)
 11/16/14 7:53pm
73shark
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Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.


Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 864

It is if the heater core freezes.  It's a bear to replace.

Did you try to get just any lower radiator hose at a parts store so you could pull the spring out of it and use it in yours?

|UPDATED|11/16/2014 4:53:17 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (21/35)
 11/16/14 8:14pm
Jasond56
Former Member

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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Fingers crossed on that heater core.  I'm aggravated with myself for missing that step.  I'm usually spot on with directions, too.  Live and learn I guess...

I checked a number of shops in my area, including a straight Corvette shop, and no one carried the OEM setup.  The corvette shop actually said they hardly ever use the spring when replacing lower rad for customers.  His words were "Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't...no rule of thumb."  No help whatsoever.  

Another parts store said the spring is no longer needed because the material the hose is made of is much more durable than in the past.  

However, I decided to go with C3VR forum recommendations and get the hose/spring combo.  Sarge sent me a link for Paragon in Michigan and I ordered it from there.  I should be able to get back to working on the vette Friday or Saturday.  Praying for decent weather in the meantime!

 


______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (22/35)
 11/17/14 1:16pm
Jasond56
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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Hi Guys!

I did as Sarge suggested and tried to remove block drain plugs.  Unfortunately, I am not finding them.  The pics I've researched do not match what I'm seeing.  I tried to take pics under there by the oil pan area but not sure they will help.  Any help is appreciated!

Driver Side below...





Passenger Side below...the one I'm questioning has the red ground(?) wire coming from it.



______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (23/35)
 11/17/14 2:14pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20124

 




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Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (24/35)
 11/17/14 4:43pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581

In my for what its worth department personally if your worried about block freezing up in the short time it will be sitting, as long as its drained you should be fine. In order for water to freeze to the point of damage to the block it has to be completely  filled with water and no room for expansion. I would make sure your Rad, and heater core are not filled with plain water. I would be more concerned about those having just water in it. If you want to be safe just pour some anitfreeze in the inlet heater hose both directions until it runs out the lower rad connection. The reason I say this is wrenching drain plugs on the block that have been in for 42 years may be a beetch. Plus they are wrenched in there pretty tight when it was born. I feel pouring some anti freeze in the orifices will be easier that pulling the plugs out. Correct me if I'm wrong oh Mr. GuruWink. T

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Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (25/35)
 11/18/14 10:27am
Jasond56
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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

You're not the first person I'm hearing that advice from. For now, I put a space heater in the garage to bump the temp up a bit. It's a modern one so hopefully won't burn the garage down! Leaving town this am and hopefully rad hose will be here when I get back Friday or Saturday. Then I can put her back together, finish winterizing and put her to bed. Thanks again for all the excellent feedback guys!

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"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (26/35)
 11/19/14 10:16am
Jasond56
Former Member

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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Sarge!  How you doing up there?  70" of snow wtf?!?  Hope you and yours are well!



______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (27/35)
 11/19/14 11:05am
73shark
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Overland Park, KS - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.


Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 864

Probably waiting for global warming to kick in.  ;)

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1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (28/35)
 12/13/14 4:28am
Jasond56
Former Member

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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Hello all! I received so much great feedback, I wanted to give an update: Red Velvet is safely sleeping the winter away! I ordered the lower rad hose from Paragon with the inner coil. Took a whole day to replace, but I did get the sucker on! Tore the hell out of my hands, and after slicing almost an inch off the hose and a whole lot of cussing, it's firmly in place. Refilled radiator, ran it properly (with the heat on this time), drove around quite a bit and a little extra tightening...no leaks! Filled the tank and added 5 oz Stabil. Replaced air in tires with nitrogen. Fogged the carb with Sea Foam. Topped off fluids (trans was low). Pulled battery. Dusted her off and covered her up. Oh, and added lots of Irish Spring soap chips inside and out to keep mice away. I'm feeling confident she'll start right up come spring. I can't wait! Thanks again, guys, for the excellent feedback. Merry Christmas!

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"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (29/35)
 12/13/14 11:52am
Sarge81Lifetime Member
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.


Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379

Awesome! Glad everything worked out. 

The "glacier" here finally melted. LOL


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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




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Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (30/35)
 12/13/14 12:09pm
dwa175
Former Member

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leesburg, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1979 coupe and now 2007 c-6


Joined: 7/19/2014
Posts: 195

hi     use hose with spring,put new clamps on where the are easy to get to,use silicone spray to install hose,is the car level or jacked up,put on floor then fill and run ,you will be ok.   dwa
Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (31/35)
 12/13/14 12:16pm
Jasond56
Former Member

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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Thanks! Glad you're okay! First the snow then the flood...what's next?

______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (32/35)
 12/13/14 12:22pm
Jasond56
Former Member

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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Hello - the car was up on the hydraulic jack in front. Used the hose with the spring (there was a debate on whether or not it was necessary (local Vette shop said it wasn't) but I went with the forum members suggestions and went with spring...glad I did). I used anti-freeze to get the hose on. Worked well! It was a difficult job, my first classic, and I have zero mechanical skills, and I'll tell you, after all was said and done, VERY rewarding!

______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (33/35)
 12/13/14 2:57pm
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1402

You did use distilled water with the anti-freeze I hope.  Tap water not good.

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Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (34/35)
 1/2/15 5:28pm
Jasond56
Former Member

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Kenosha, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Corvette Stingray Coupe VIN 1Z37J3S418986 350 L-48 Automatic T-Tops St. Louis Assembly, 18,986th car built in 1973, Paint = 976 Mille Miglia Red, Interior = 425 Dark Red Vinyl (Ox Blood)


Joined: 5/7/2014
Posts: 154

Sorry F4 Gary - This post slipped by me...

To flush the radiator, I used regular water from my hose.  To refill, I used premium universal 50/50 anti-freeze/coolant with ethylene glycol.    


______________
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"




Re: Lower radiator hose replacement (35/35)
 1/3/15 1:00am
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1402

That'll do it.

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