Silicone Radiator Hoses Need Info

BusCrazyinFL · January 27, 2016, 12:47:52 PM

I need to replace all of my radiator hoses so I was thinking of using the silicone hoses. How many plys should the hoses be and what PSI? I have an 8V71 in my Eagle 05. Was thinking of getting something from this place http://www.siliconehose.com/

luvrbus · January 27, 2016, 01:33:11 PM

You would be better off to go with the 4 ply green stripe Gates hose,no special clamps needed, and no cold seepage and will last for 20 years JMW,silicone hoses are a bear to seal on older parts

Emcemv · January 27, 2016, 02:36:52 PM

I did what Clifford said, just finished it. No issues, it's the way to go, listen to him!

Lee Bradley · January 27, 2016, 06:55:14 PM

Silicone hoses are very tough to get sealed and its always the one you have to dissemble the engine to get to it. Had the DDEC off several times.

eagle19952 · January 28, 2016, 07:51:29 AM

Quote from: luvrbus on January 27, 2016, 01:33:11 PM
You would be better off to go with the 4 ply green stripe Gates hose,no special clamps needed, and no cold seepage and will last for 20 years JMW,silicone hoses are a bear to seal on older parts

best way.

Dreamscape · January 29, 2016, 02:58:20 AM

I used silicone hoses and regret it! Go with what Clifford said!

MB LeMirage · January 29, 2016, 06:53:20 AM

Agreed, leave the silicone hoses at the store.
Ryan.

belfert · January 29, 2016, 11:36:59 AM

I've tried and tried, but I have never been able to find a supplier that sells the green stripe Gates hose that everyone seems to love. I've tried the Internet, called hose distributors, and visited numerous auto parts places including NAPA.

My bus has a Series 60 engine and many of the original hoses were silicone. I've had to replace a few of the hoses over the years and used silicone again. I don't seem to have any issues with leaks as long as I use the constant tension hose clamps and position the clamps properly. In some places I used Gates thermoplastic hose clamps that Bryce Gaston recommended. The only problem I had is I used a thermoplastic clamp too close to the turbo and it melted on a steep uphill grade. Luckily, I had a spare metal hose clamp and was able to fix on the side on the road pretty quickly. Biggest issue was replacing all the lost coolant.

Dave5Cs · January 29, 2016, 11:45:58 AM

I get green strips at truck supply's like Freightliner, or Kenworth. You can also call Gates and they can supply you or tell you where to get them in your area.
When I use silicon hose I always coat any cast ends that its going on with heat resistant Silicon the day before and then just put the hose over that and clamp with a regular hose clamp. Never had a problem with leaks. Learned that in the DD manual.

Dave

luvrbus · January 29, 2016, 12:49:56 PM

White or Yellow stripe Gates works good too but doesn't last as long (15 years) as the Green Stripe,I have cleaned and painted the end and have used the 3M yellow weather stripping adhesive it worked ok but was a lot of work.I never use regular worm type clamps on silicone hose unless they are lined if not lined they eat the hose up in a short time JMO