Topic: do I need a spring in lower radiator hose
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
I purchased a new lower radiator hose for my 74 SB. Both places, Napa and Kragens say no springs comes with the hose. Say its not needed. Do I need? Could use the old spring if needed. Should I? Thanks
Steve, Lifetime Member #129
74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles,
all original; paint, interior, engine,
split bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
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
Yes, you should have the spring in the lower hose!!
This does keep the hose from collapsing. The lower hose is the "IN" side of the cooling system(coolant going INTO the engine). If if collapses, then you have NO coolant in the engine. The upper hose does not have the spring, and you may have seen upper hoses collapsed when the system is under a vaccuum, such as during cooling down time, or when the system is low on coolant. It is important to put a/the spring in the lower hose!!
If your old hose does not have one, or the one it has is rusted/weak/unusable, you need to find a hose that has the spring.
This does keep the hose from collapsing. The lower hose is the "IN" side of the cooling system(coolant going INTO the engine). If if collapses, then you have NO coolant in the engine. The upper hose does not have the spring, and you may have seen upper hoses collapsed when the system is under a vaccuum, such as during cooling down time, or when the system is low on coolant. It is important to put a/the spring in the lower hose!!
If your old hose does not have one, or the one it has is rusted/weak/unusable, you need to find a hose that has the spring.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberHot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
ALWAYS use a spring !!!!
Does anybody know where I can purchase a hose with a spring. The Kragen hose was Goodyear and the Napa hose was made by Gates.
Thanks for the replies..................steve
Steve, Lifetime Member #129
74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles,
all original; paint, interior, engine,
split bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.
I can only suggest doing what I did--finding a local auto parts store (in this case, it was an independent, not one of the chain stores like Kragen's or Autozone) that carries AC Delco parts. I just replaced the upper and lower hoses on our '78 with them, and the lower hose did indeed have a spring in it.
I like to 'upgrade' to aftermarket items in a lot of categories, but I stick to AC Delco for hoses, belts and spark plugs.
I like to 'upgrade' to aftermarket items in a lot of categories, but I stick to AC Delco for hoses, belts and spark plugs.
I agree, the spring is best. But having said that, mine is missing the spring, and the new hose I put on does not have one. The do work fine. Some hoses have reinforcement to prevent collaspe even without the spring. Granted they a bit more cost the standard hoses. I don't have that either.
So I'm a bit lucky. I don't have any problems. BUT the problems can show up later, and I have been lucky. I do still recommend the spring if you have a choice.
uhh.. do i understrand right.... it is more important to have a spring in the lower hose than in the upper one? on my vette the upper hose has a spring and gthe lower not.. so i might need to change it?
art-corvette
Steve,
I just bought two new hoses from Corvette Central or Ecklers (I forgot) & the lower had the spring in it.
Make sure you speak w/ tech services before you order. C. Central or Zips will actually pull the part & check while you're on the phone.
I still have my old lower hose w/ spring from my '68 if you want it.
Anthony
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)