How can I replace this coolant hose?

[belfert]

A while back I removed a coolant hose and had to destroy it in the process.  It is a 1.5" hose that was originally between 2 and 3 feet long.  The hose goes in a half circle between two fittings.  The fittings are 11.5" apart.

I cannot find any 1.5" hose that can bend that tight a radius.  They all collapse when bent that tight even when the hose is 3 feet long. 

Any ideas on how to replace this hose?  I can't use exhaust tubing as the shop can't bend two 90s that close together.  I could use copper, but I really don't want to spend $150 on the pipe and fittings.

This is really getting frustrating as I'm spending money like there is no tomorrow on the bus.  A hundred here and a hundred there drains the bank account in no time.

[Zeroclearance]

Brian,  with that short length I would use a piece of copper tubing.    You could step up to stainless and have it bent.   Call Burns Stainless they are in CA.   They would have a piece of stainless for you.    Have you called a Wholesale plumbing house or Salvage company.   They should have the copper tubing that has sat around and discolored.   

You could use a 45 degree fitting or two to make your radius.   

We have seen you spend enough time on this issue, maybe there are other guys that can offer some other suggestions.    Do you have any pictures of the old line?  Or any pictures with it previously installed?

[luvrbus]

I would go to a good auto parts and ask to look at hoses and find one that had a radius I could use it will have some turns on the end you don't need cut those off and use what you need even put a coulping and clamps  between  2.  

good luck

[NJT 5573]

Brian,

Go to the big truck bone yard and look for some bends that will get you there. Cut them to fit. Then use 2 or more pieces of shorter hose. Maybe your old hose will even get you there if you cut it into smaller pieces.

[gus]

Do you mean a long curve in the shape of a C or is it more of a U?

There is an exhaust pipe made in a U shape, it is called a "180". 1.5" is a pretty common exhaust pipe size.

Auto parts stores also sell a type of hose with a large straight wire molded into one side of the hose so it can be bent to just about any angle.

However, I'm not sure it comes in 1.5" size but it is worth a try.

[belfert]

This is a different issue than before.  The 5 or 6 foot long coolant hose was replaced with two pieces of exhaust tubing and some 1.5" coolant hose to join everything together.

Attached is a photo of the original hose.  It is maybe 2 feet long at most.  It is spread out further than when it was in the bus.  The fittings in the bus are between 11" and 12" apart.

I think I maybe figured out a plan using two molded hoses from Napa and a barbed coupler.  Thatnks to whoever suggested using molded hose.

[belfert]

I'm really upset at myself now.  I didn't realize the Napa store halfway across town closed at 4 pm.  I thought it was 5 pm for some reason.  I could have gone to two different Napa stores and gotten everything I needed today.

Oh well, tomorrow is another day.  I'll just have to be there when they open at 7:30 am tomorrow.  I wasn't originally expecting to be ablae to get what I needed today anyhow.

[dickegler]

Hi Brian,

that hose looks identical to the hose we use to dispense liquid fertilizer on our farm. Much heavier than moulded radiator hose, more like stick radiator hose, but quite flexible. Should be available at a local farm supply store.  Fabric reinforced and 1 1/2 inch hose is very common.  Tractor Supply and Rural King come to mind.

if you can't find it locally, I can send you a piece, 

Dick Egler