Whats the deal with the springs in the radiator hoses? Do they keep the hose from collapsing or something ? When and where are they necessary ?
most of the time they are on the ...bottom...hose...that is the..waterpump feed hose..(sucking). the top is the return hose, so it is blowing it up... JMO...Frank...:Handshake
Frank, The pump sucks the water out of the bottom of the radiator. It goes to the center of the pump where it is thrown to the outer outlets to feed the block cold water. The cold water travels to the rear of the engine picking up some heat and then it flows into the heads at the rear of the block. The water then flows through the heads to the front and then into the intake cross-over to the thermostat. The thermostat opens when the water gets hot enough and it flows into the top of the radiator. As the water cools and with the help of the pump it falls to the bottom of the radiator and the process begins again.
Yes the spring keeps the lower hose from collapsing since that one sees suction from the water pump.Its not necessary in the top hose,but wont hurt anything if you have one in the top hose.
Just as a side note... From personal experience... A lower radiator hose, without a spring, that sucks shut, can blow one (or both) head gaskets without warning. No need to ask me how I know
It doesn't do squat... until your hose tries to suck shut! Then it becomes really important. Most hoses don't come with springs anymore. I will transfer them from hose to hose, go out of my way to buy a hose with a spring, or swipe a spring from a hose at the salvage yard. I won't run without a spring again.
Barry,, I was convinced I was the only one in the world that ever did that,,, but before the internet, I thought I was the only person on earth into Mavericks.:Handshake Dan
So now you know, there are two of us who will wind radiator hose springs. You're still the only one that likes Mavericks, though.
I guess I'd better add one to the lower hose on the Comet. I just replaced both with new hoses and the lower moulded hose doesn't have one. I started to try stuffing an old spring into it but the damned thing was too big. I'll have to do something different. Head gaskets with aluminum heads tend to blow easier.
The hose manufacturers say the molded hoses don't need springs, but I've seen 'em collapse after the hose gets old and softens up.
