Does anyone have a suggestion on what lower radiator house to use on my 1980 MGB V8? I am using the stock MGB radiator and stock Rover 3.5 water pump. The lower port of the radiator is on the driver's side and the water pump port is on the passenger's side. What I have today is a combination of two hoses with a metal sleeve inserted in the middle, which all to often separates from the hoses, leaving me stranded. Your help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Jim Ray
Hartwell, GA
There is nothing wrong with what you are running now but you have to put beads into the ends of the metal tubing to keep the hoses from slipping off. The simplest tools I've seen to do that can be made from Vise Grips.
Bead.jpg
bead1.jpg
Beader.jpg
Jim, could you also lay a bead of weld around the circumference of the tube? Just curious what you thought of this.
A weld bead would work also, all you need is something to keep the clamp from being able to slide off the tube.
When you have your joint/sleeve finished, use heat shrink band clamps and you'll NEVER have another leak point at that joint.
http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=65112
Here's a shot of my lower rad hose - I have 2 heat shrink clamps in the 3-piece hose assembly and use 2 worm type clamps at the ends.
The top band clamp is just visible in the vertical section of the hose.
lwrradhose.jpg
Graham - you use a section of pipe inside at the joint with those heat shrink clamps, right?
Doesn't the early Ford Mustang Rad have the lower hose connection on the driver's side?
Brad
Quote...Graham - you use a section of pipe inside at the joint with those heat shrink clamps, right?
Absolutely!
How do you do the quote like that on this forum?
Basically with these opening and closing tags, but with the extra blank spaces removed: [ quote ] and [ / quote ].
Incidentally, an odd assortment of tips and tricks are recorded in sticky threads at the top of the "Test Messages" sub-forum.
Awesome, thanks Curtis.
QuoteHow do you do the quote like that on this forum?
Well, the easy way would be with a quote button, but we are not about doin' things the easy way 'round these parts. ;) So, you get to learn a few basic HTML tags.
I have used these convoluted stainless hoses on many projects. They make very tight bends and I've never had one come apart. You can buy a 48" piece with fittings and clamps for about $60 on EBAY. Usualy that will do for both top and bottom hose.
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I've got the same hoses as Dave on my car. No issues. My water pump inlet is passenger side. Thermostat outlet, driver's side.
Are those hoses smooth or convoluted on the inside?
Jim
They are convoluted inside and out.
Dave