Top Radiator Hose

[notamechanic]

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!

 

[Rons beast]

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.

Good Luck

 

[RBuffordTJ]

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.

Bufford

 

[DNBELOWBRONCO]

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-

 

[miesk5]

yo,

Gates is Great.....

Also of high quality is Goodyear® - hose, upper, PN 62482, Molded, curved

see image @ http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=1333013&imageurl=http%3A%2F%2Finfo.rockauto.com%2FGoodyear%2F62482_VIEW1.jpg

Length 32"

$11.84 @ http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,catalog,147,partnum,62482,d,Goodyear_62482.html

lower is 62076, curved

http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=1334386&imageurl=http%3A%2F%2Finfo.rockauto.com%2FGoodyear%2F62076_VIEW1.jpg

I.D. 1.690"; Length 29"

Category: Radiator Lower Hose

$14.84 @ http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,catalog,147,partnum,62076,d,Goodyear_62076.html

 

[notamechanic]

Thank you Ron, RBufford, DNBELOW, and miesk5! I will put the Gates hose on. Christy

 

[Bully Bob]

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. /

Many rad. hoses have that coil spring inside to help hold shape.