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Top Radiator Hose Is There a Better One Than Gates?

#1 User is offline   notamechanic 

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Posted 10 April 2012 - 03:39 PM

After 4 years of light use (<6k miles/year on truck), the Gates hose drooped and wore through from the fan blades rubbing on it. It seems like the original hose was much more robust. But all I can find for a replacement is the Gates. 1. Is there a better hose? 2. Or is there a bigger issue here,that the fan protrudes aft of the cowling? A Ford dealer has a hose that is $66+. Yikes! Or is that the best solution?

1994 Bronco XLT 5.0 L w/ 144k miles. Thanks so much everyone!

This post has been edited by notamechanic: 10 April 2012 - 03:43 PM

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#2 User is offline   Rons beast 

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Posted 10 April 2012 - 04:29 PM

Hey Not, welcome...
Install the Gates hose, but don't tighten it until you turn it a little at the thermostadt housing. (tourque it to move it a little higher away from the fan blades.)
My shroud had a small hole (1/8") in the top where there was a strap to hold the hose. I zip tied the hose to the shroud with a 3/4" thick wedge of foam rubber under the hose to help hold it up.
It's too dark for pics now. If you need them I will post some tomorrow.

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#3 User is offline   RBuffordTJ 

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Posted 10 April 2012 - 05:23 PM

One option is to go to electric fans on the radiator and then you have no worries with the mechanical one eating a hose and it also frees up some drag on the engine. Just an idea.

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#4 User is offline   DNBELOWBRONCO 

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Posted 10 April 2012 - 11:04 PM

I have a 1/2" metal bar with one-sided stick foam on the ends to protect the rubber hose, mounted to the radiator support under the hose to keep it away from the fan belt! I have an electric fan but the belt is what put a small slice in the hose for me. I replaced it to be safe and keep it for a spare because it wasn't deep I just worry about those things. Your fan shouldn't stick up that much that it hits the hose. Has the shroud been replaced or is it cracked? Forget about using a 90 deg housing, tried that and the hose won't line up. So do like Ron said and twist it a little and yes if I wasn't a Motorcraft nut my next choice would be Gates too! >:) -Kevin-
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#5 User is offline   miesk5 

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Posted 11 April 2012 - 04:03 AM

yo,
Gates is Great.....
Also of high quality is Goodyear® - hose, upper, PN 62482, Molded, curved
see image @ http://info.rockauto...62482_VIEW1.jpg
Length 32"
$11.84 @ http://www.rockauto....year_62482.html


lower is 62076, curved
http://info.rockauto...62076_VIEW1.jpg

I.D. 1.690"; Length 29"
Category: Radiator Lower Hose
$14.84 @ http://www.rockauto....year_62076.html
See our ARCHIVED Big Bronco Technical/Mods, Parts Sources & Technical Service Bulletins Links site[/url][/b][/size] @ http://web.archive.o...s.com/index.php
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#6 User is offline   notamechanic 

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Posted 11 April 2012 - 12:39 PM

Thank you Ron, RBufford, DNBELOW, and miesk5! I will put the Gates hose on. Christy
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#7 User is offline   Bully Bob 

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Posted 11 April 2012 - 04:35 PM

As to the fan being exposed...., it functions "best" with the blade being 1/2 inside & 1/2 outside the shroud opening.
That's the way it came fr. the factory.
Gates is good quality & USA made I believe. :D/
Many rad. hoses have that coil spring inside to help hold shape.
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