Thread: Cooling System Plumbing

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I'm getting ready to put the radiator into my 39 Chevy project with LT1 engine. I'd like to use something other than just rubber hose. What are you using for cooling system plumbing, heater and radiator?

FYI, Cool-Flex is not in business any longer.

Thanks

I don't see anything wrong with nice molded rubber hoses, with a stainless steel spring in the lower hose to prevent collapse. And rubber won't work harden.

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I've seen cases of a few blowing off and it wasn't just a case of spraying coolant----racing, etc and stuff under slicks, on tracks surface---race tracks don't like anti freeze spilled

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

I've seen cases of a few blowing off and it wasn't just a case of spraying coolant----racing, etc and stuff under slicks, on tracks surface---race tracks don't like anti freeze spilled

Only way to get anti-freeze off the strip surface is with a propane torch.

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I agree, nothing wrong with molded rubber hoses. The engine compartment is pretty detailed so it's really an effort to stay with that. I also have never used the heat-sensitive thermoplastic clamps. Any complaints regarding them?

Had good luck with the Gates shrinking clamps, I ordered them cheapest from Oreillys also I used the silicone hoses instead of rubber, seems to work fine but like Jerry & Tech mentioned on others instances you need a good bead on the radiiator & filler as silicone is slicker that rubber, only benifit is its shiny and lasts forever, but then again so does a rubber hose. For the bends I used steel mandrel bent bends (Speedway) with beads made onto them and then I beaded my own end when cut but I had to make a set of dies on my lathe, I then powder coated them with the silicone hoses, looks really clean to me. On my other care I used the stainless equivalant of Coolflex I purchased from Speedway also.

My biggest gripe with silicone hose is that during large temperature changes the silicone hose will work loose over time and begin to leak. Heavy trucks went to these several years ago and is an issue every fall. (Up here in our area) This is with a t-bolt type clamp and not a worm clamp either. Also, if you do go silicone hose and worm gear clamps, make sure to use a clamp that has a shield or gaurd under the slotted clamping surface other wise it'll cut into the hose over time.

Thanks guys.