YACT: Can I safely modify radiator hoses?

[djheater]

In reference to my previous thread:

I used Autozone to get the parts and they gave me a radiator that doesn't match.... I then had Pep boys check and they have the same part listed for the car... it WILL fit but the hoses I got are for the OEM radiator... can I just cut the hose to length?

As soon as the car cools down I'm gonna start draining it

Thanks.

========update============
phew... just started it for the first time... it's a long story, I screwed up once and had to take it out and put it back in.. and I did a FULL system flush includingremoving the reservoir.

30,000 miles ago I had a head gasket replaced and, honestly I'm not sure if I've done a coolant flush since then.. The reservoir had oil and so did the rest of the system ... I'll be looking for a recurrence in the coming day to see if I have another bad gasket...

Anyway, just got back from a test drive to get it hot and the lower hose came loose... so I'm going to wait til tomorrow to see if I can't find that part.. the cut piece I used for the upper hose is holding fine... all in all it went pretty well, took to damn long though.

 

[BW86]

yes i've personally done it, its an easy job

 

[BigJimbo]

i cut a hose down in the car when were on a voyage to Mardi Gras a few years back. Hose busted..in the wrong part of town had to think quick cut hose put the clamp on and it got us out of there and all the way home (5 hours). It was my buddies car but i dont think it was ever changed

 

[fredtam]

I never buy the actual hose. I have a stack of hoses with the proper inside diameter that have a variety of different bends in them. I cut what I need.

A nice example of why is the lower radiator for my car cost $35.00. It is a 3" peice of straight hose.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: fredtam
I never buy the actual hose. I have a stack of hoses with the proper inside diameter that have a variety of different bends in them. I cut what I need.

sweet... thanks guys... will report in as it progresses....

 

[Shawn]

sure, as long as that that stock hose doesn't have too much of a curve in it or it will cause the replacement hose to bend and restrict flow. that was the case for me so used that in the meantime and just ordered the part online. cost me a few $.

 

[djheater]

phew... just started it for the first time... it's a long story, I screwed up once and had to take it out and put it back in.. and I did a FULL system flush includingremoving the reservoir.

30,000 miles ago I had a head gasket replaced and, honestly I'm not sure if I've done a coolant flush since then.. The reservoir had oil and so did the rest of the system ... I'll be looking for a recurrence in the coming day to see if I have another bad gasket...

Anyway, just got back from a test drive to get it hot and the lower hose came loose... so I'm going to wait til tomorrow to see if I can't find that part.. the cut piece I used for the upper hose is holding fine... all in all it went pretty well, took to damn long though.