Silicone Radiator Hose/Pipe Connectors

[Glennman]

Since I'll be removing my old radiator soon, I thought that since my bus is 450 miles away, I'd ask here what size those large coolant pipe connectors are. They are about 5 or 6 inches long, but I don't know the diameter of them. They appear to be about 2 1/2" or so. I figured I'd pick a couple up while I wait for the new radiator and fan. I'm referring to my 2002 MCI Series 60. Anyone know the correct size? Thanks in advance!

[luvrbus]

Silicone hoses last forever, just be sure to use constant torque clamps ,the old worm gear clamps will damage the hose unless they are lined.The Gates green stripe hoses last too and uses any type of clamp  plus they cost less than silicone

[dtcerrato]

Silicone hoses last forever, just be sure to use constant torque clamps ,the old worm gear clamps will damage the hose unless they are lined.The Gates green stripe hoses last too and uses any type of clamp  plus they cost less than silicone

Our Gates green stripe hoses (all of them) have been on our bus for 40+ years now and look like the day we put them on. All our hoses are double clamped with the old worm gear clamps & never leak fwiw. I just don't think they make rubber like they used too.

[Glennman]

So you believe I don't need to replace them? They do appear to be fine, but I'll be pulling them off to replace the radiator, and they do have the constant pressure clamps installed (if I recall correctly).

Worst case scenario is I have to pick some up while down there, as long as they are available. Auto parts stores are close by.

[Nova Eona]

I recently redid the majority of my cooling system on my ol' 4104 and was faced with a similar decision - wound up going with new green-stripe from the local NAPA because it was much cheaper than silicone, could use two cheap clamps instead of one expensive one, and didn't have enough people going 'oh silicone is *so* much better' to convince me it was worth it.

I'd say save the money for something else that needs it.

[luvrbus]

I recently redid the majority of my cooling system on my ol' 4104 and was faced with a similar decision - wound up going with new green-stripe from the local NAPA because it was much cheaper than silicone, could use two cheap clamps instead of one expensive one, and didn't have enough people going 'oh silicone is *so* much better' to convince me it was worth it.

I'd say save the money for something else that needs it.

Most of the truck,bus and equipment manufactures have gone back to green stripe hoses .I just use 1 good clamp on the green stripe hoses, the cheap clamps you need 2 ,fwiw they sell a torque wrench for the clamps tighten to it clicks with preset wrench and they good