Upper radiator hose alternative

[toby1234]

So the plastic on my upper radiator hose got a hairline crack that was allowing coolant to slowly seep out. At $90 for a stock hose, I knew I could come up with something better for less. So I got my calipers, took some measurements, and this is what I ended up with. Its been working great for the past few days and I dont expect any issues with this part for as long as I own the car (few more years). I did invest a good amount of time finding the right parts for this, but I'm a real car guy, so this was fun.

The radiator hose measures 1-1/2 inches in diameter and the hose to the DCCV measures 3/4 inch. So you dont have to buy the aluminum T fitting (#1.50x.75) from this website, you can make it or have it made. However, it is not a common size and they were the only place I found that sold something like this. I cut the large hose (#20704) in sections to get the turns i needed. Then, I had to replace the DCCV hose (#D88369) because the original hose flares out to a 1 inch diameter found on the original plastic T.

Other than that, buy these parts, cut the hose to fit, and use what ever clamps you choose to hold it all together. Again, this is just an alternative to buying the original hose. I like it. It was relatively cheap and its one less piece of plastic to worry about. I hope this helps some of you guys.

And Im well aware that ALL plastic parts should be replaced at once. Thanks guys.

Aluminum T
http://jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_TPI-TBI_Brass-Tees.html

Upper hose
http://www.amazon.com/Gates-20704-Upper-Radiator-Hose/dp/B000C2Y3EK#productDetails

DCCV hose
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Dayco-Hose-Heater/_/N-8gd8t?itemIdentifier=194690_25531_4839_

 

[Telco]

Good job. I like it.

 

[FDR]

Looks good. Let us know if you run into any problems down the road, though, I can't see this setup lasting anything less than the OEM setup barring user error

 

[Blueberryyum02]

I replaced mines with the good year version, and it works like a charm. Make sure after some drive time on it you go in and retorx your clamps mines was loose at the T had to tighten it down and all is good going on 8 months.

 

[joegr]

I replaced mines with the good year version, and it works like a charm. Make sure after some drive time on it you go in and retorx your clamps mines was loose at the T had to tighten it down and all is good going on 8 months.

This is why I prefer the spring clamps.

 

[Telco]

Looks good. Let us know if you run into any problems down the road, though, I can't see this setup lasting anything less than the OEM setup barring user error

The problem with the OEM setup is the plastic is not suited for use in an engine environment, and fails a lot earlier than the rubber will. Removing the plastic and using metal and rubber eliminates that failure point. The rubber hose will last 2-3 times longer than the plastic does.

 

[toby1234]

Ill definitely let you guys know if any problems arise. Although I'll probably sell the car before this piece gives me an issue.

 

[toby1234]

Just an update. I sold my 03 and got a 2006. I swapped this hose over and it’s still doing great. Been running just fine for over 3 years now. Roughly 30-35k miles.

 

[DeviLSh]

Thanks for the LT update. Now that I have deleted my DCCV, I am on the lookout for a 1.5" hose that mimics the bends, but doesn't need to be split in the middle. Gonna have to bring the old hose into the store and visually compare to see if I can get close. As of now I am running stock with the DVVC port "capped". Definitely not a long-term solution.