Lower Radiator Hose

[mrdetails]

I've had nothing but trouble with my lower radiator hose since finishing my car. I've had 2 resto. GM hoses that the parts vendors sell. I think their made in Pakistan. Both leaked with either a tower clamp or a sew type clamp and permatex. What do you guy's use?

Thks.:
Sam

The spell check feature is nice.......

[vtfb68]

Sam,
 Rust on the water pump? Radiator bung cracked? Thermostat and cap O.K.? I have never needed a sealer on a radiator hose.
  Victor

[BlackoutSteve]

If the leak it at the pump end, check for cast flashing and make sure it's clean & smooth.
If at the radiator, check that the outlet tube is also clean and round and not dented. Any low spot in the neck will not see pressure from the clamp.
Check that the inside of the hose is smooth and has no scars from previous fitting.
Fit the hose clean and without any sealant. Make sure the inner spring is not between the hose and the neck.
Fit the hose clamp just behind the neck's bead.
I have never used or needed sealant, nor gave I ever seen it suggested in any manual.

[mrdetails]

Thanks for the input guys..all those things have been checked. The hose swells up to about twice it's size after the engine has been run for awhile. I checked the cap @ 15 lbs. I don't know what is making the hose swell this much. Any ideas?

Thks.:
Sam

[tom]

Possibly some kind of flow restriction?

[bertfam]

Sam, go down to your local auto parts store and get a gates or equivilant lower hose, and see what that one does.

Ed

[77thor]

Also, check (or replace) the thermostat.

[BlackoutSteve]

The hose swells up to about twice it's size after the engine has been run for awhile.

I have only ever seen hoses that are well past their service life swell excessively like you describe. Especially those that have ever been exposed to oil -either internally or externally. Oil kills rubber.
Yep, grab a replacement.