Silicone coolent hoses

Emcemv · May 29, 2014, 09:19:53 AM

Does anyone have a good source for the silicone radiator hoses? I found acehose.com and they have a good selection of large sizes but they are pricey!

Boomer · May 29, 2014, 09:36:00 AM

Bruce, I don't think you would be happy with the silicone hoses. Besides the special clamps required they are prone to cold seeping (it never gets cold in CT, right?). Instead, I would recommend Goodyear Hi Miler hose which is what I have changed all my buses over to. I really like them. HTH
Mark

Debo · May 29, 2014, 10:19:58 AM

I use these guys, but Chesapeake is a short drive for me. I'm sure they could ship to you. Here's a link to their website: http://www.bbhose.com/

They have everything. I replaced every hose on my bus with silicone and the special clamps Boomer was talking about. The clamps expand and contract so it eliminates weeping. Works fine on my bus, and I have zero leaks, but I'm located in the Outer Banks - your situation may be different. I don't remember it being a terribly expensive thing - even buying the clamps. It was worth it to me to have all new, long-lasting stuff that I could trust.

luvrbus · May 29, 2014, 11:40:52 AM

Good 4 ply silicone hose in a 2-1/2 to 3 inches will cost me just under 50 bucks a foot made in the US, good clamps not the china made crap are 10 bucks + ea.One bad thing about silicone hoses most sold are not oil resistant and sales people forget to tell that part

Gates and Goodyear both make good rubber hoses that will last forever

Oonrahnjay · May 29, 2014, 02:26:01 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on May 29, 2014, 11:40:52 AMGood 4 ply silicone hose in a 2-1/2 to 3 inches will cost me just under 50 bucks a foot made in the US, good clamps not the china made crap are 10 bucks + ea.One bad thing about silicone hoses most sold are not oil resistant and sales people forget to tell that part

Gates and Goodyear both make good rubber hoses that will last forever

Thanks, Clifford. I looked at silicone hoses (for all of ... oh, lessee ... about 9 seconds) and once the true impact of the sticker shock set in, I went with Gates Premium hoses. I think I made the right decision for me; it's nice to see my decision discussed by someone who knows what he's doing.

bevans6 · May 29, 2014, 02:46:49 PM

I hate silicon hoses but I still use them on my race cars, they have so many specialty adaptors and such. My current restoration used a bunch of 1.125" to 1.25" adaptors and some right angle bends - you just can't get those in rubber hose anymore. We used to just go to the auto parts store and go in the back and buy off-the-rack hoses that we would cut apart to get the bits and pieces that we needed, but now if you don't have a Vin and a computer you can't get close to a rad hose... They all cold seep, they are a pain in the butt, but that is progress and space age material for you... FWIW I find the hose with the red inner lining is better than the hose that is all blue, and that you can get some old fashioned hair spray and it will tack up the interior of the hose enough to stick and not leak.

Brian

Emcemv · May 29, 2014, 06:53:59 PM

Well, an interesting discussion. Not sure I like the idea of special clamps and the cold seep problem......especially when we are moving to Maine! I'm going with Boomer on this one and will look at the Goodyear Hi Miler hose. My project later this year is to replace every coolant hose and also get the right anti freeze in it...but for now I'm just replacing the hoses I have to remove to get at the fuel pump area.

Thank you all for your comments and advice.!

TomC · May 29, 2014, 07:58:02 PM

You'd be happier with Gates Blue Stripe hoses. Can use standard screw clamps (that are made for hoses). While they won't last as long as Silicone, they will still probably out live the bus. Good Luck, TomC

chessie4905 · May 30, 2014, 08:19:01 AM

I like to get the all stainless screw clamps. Not that much more, and the screw part doesn't get all rusted/seized after several years in environment.

Emcemv · May 30, 2014, 08:01:06 PM

I've been looking at the gates catalog.....yellow stripe, green stripe, blue stripe.....never thought a radiator hose would be so difficult. I'm going to the local Fleet Pride and will see if they have or can get the blue stripe and some stainless clamps.

Dave5Cs · June 05, 2014, 06:17:38 AM

The book says to use automotive silicon on any cast end that a hose has to go on. Just wipe a thin layer around it let it dry over night and then put the hose on it and clamp. I did this 4 years ago and no leaks or problems.

Dave5Cs from Galaxy S III

Emcemv · June 05, 2014, 07:48:18 PM

Thanks Dave I will do that! I've decided to replace all the hoses I can get at while its apart.