Looking for some insight on different brands of radiator hoses. My F-150 still has the originals on it with only 87k miles, but I noticed the bottom hose end was getting pretty soft when I changed my coolant recently. Are any brands (Gates, Dayco, Goodyear, etc) any better than the other? I can get the best prices from Advance on Dayco hoses using discount codes.
Radiator Hose Brands?
- Thread starter trx250x92
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Gates! Dayco fit very poorly and the OEM style clamps hardly ever fit. Gates fit properly and have the same (or darn close) O.D. as the OEM, the quality from my own experience is superior.
The Dayco almost forces you to use worm clamps which are the worst thing ever foisted on public. Almost all new hose leaks are from using these pieces of junk, they cut the hose and also weep when the outside temp drops below freezing because they loose tension.
No idea about Goodyear i never used them that i can remember.
The Dayco almost forces you to use worm clamps which are the worst thing ever foisted on public. Almost all new hose leaks are from using these pieces of junk, they cut the hose and also weep when the outside temp drops below freezing because they loose tension.
No idea about Goodyear i never used them that i can remember.
Also consider the Motorcraft hose bought online. If you can get the appropriate Motorcraft number(s) and search for them online, the pricing is actually pretty reasonable. I'm not necessarily referring to the lenghty Motorcraft numbers, but she short ones as well. I offer this as a reference:
http://www.feoa.net/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=69872
You should be able to look at a Dayco, Gates, and Goodyear hose in the store and make up your own mind. Personally I'd look at the Gates and Dayco and see which one I liked best (most likely Gates). Last time I looked, the Goodyear ones were made in Mexico, and cost the same as Made in USA Dayco and Gates.
http://www.feoa.net/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=69872
You should be able to look at a Dayco, Gates, and Goodyear hose in the store and make up your own mind. Personally I'd look at the Gates and Dayco and see which one I liked best (most likely Gates). Last time I looked, the Goodyear ones were made in Mexico, and cost the same as Made in USA Dayco and Gates.
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Any nationally recognized name brand of hose is fine with me.... Dayco, Gates, Goodyear, OEM...
I replaced the radiator and hoses on an old Monte Carlo several years ago. The guy at AutoZone set down a pair of no name radiator hoses on the counter, which were boldly stamped as being "Made in Mexico".
Took the Modine radiator... but left the radiator hoses behind.
I replaced the radiator and hoses on an old Monte Carlo several years ago. The guy at AutoZone set down a pair of no name radiator hoses on the counter, which were boldly stamped as being "Made in Mexico".
Took the Modine radiator... but left the radiator hoses behind.
check the length of old vs oem very carefully- some are 1/2 inch or more shorter- not good when the engine rocks- gates seems to fit well years ago.
price oem too if u can
price oem too if u can
I replaced the hoses in my 95 (low miles)last year. I normally use gates and the top hose was fine. The bottom hose had a steel spring in it to prevent collapsing. For the bottom hose I went with a Motor craft part. I briefly considered the gates but was surprised to see it would not be close even with trimming and would come to close to the fan
Originally Posted By: Trav
Gates! Dayco fit very poorly and the OEM style clamps hardly ever fit. Gates fit properly and have the same (or darn close) O.D. as the OEM, the quality from my own experience is superior.
The Dayco almost forces you to use worm clamps which are the worst thing ever foisted on public. Almost all new hose leaks are from using these pieces of junk, they cut the hose and also weep when the outside temp drops below freezing because they loose tension.
No idea about Goodyear i never used them that i can remember.
Yes! I put Dayco upper on the Montana and I could not get it to stop seeping. I switched the spring clamp out for a screw clamp (I thought it might've been weak) and tightened it down as much as I dared on the plastic radiator. I finally ended up switching it for a Gates. The hose was obviously thicker and I had no problems with it leaking after that.
I put Goodyear hoses on the Saturn. I had no problem with them. I didnt notice at the time how thick they were.
Gates! Dayco fit very poorly and the OEM style clamps hardly ever fit. Gates fit properly and have the same (or darn close) O.D. as the OEM, the quality from my own experience is superior.
The Dayco almost forces you to use worm clamps which are the worst thing ever foisted on public. Almost all new hose leaks are from using these pieces of junk, they cut the hose and also weep when the outside temp drops below freezing because they loose tension.
No idea about Goodyear i never used them that i can remember.
Yes! I put Dayco upper on the Montana and I could not get it to stop seeping. I switched the spring clamp out for a screw clamp (I thought it might've been weak) and tightened it down as much as I dared on the plastic radiator. I finally ended up switching it for a Gates. The hose was obviously thicker and I had no problems with it leaking after that.
I put Goodyear hoses on the Saturn. I had no problem with them. I didnt notice at the time how thick they were.
They are likely all outsourced from the same factory. My gate power steering hose looks identical to the Kragen store/less known brand down to the bag's label inside their boxes, made in Mexico.
Originally Posted By: Trav
The Dayco almost forces you to use worm clamps which are the worst thing ever foisted on public. Almost all new hose leaks are from using these pieces of junk, they cut the hose and also weep when the outside temp drops below freezing because they loose tension.
SO TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Worm clamps are the devil's work for sure!
I have two worm clamps on each end of my lower hose to stop a persistent leak. Even bending the ends (the little bit usually left over) back over the screw to prevent loosening up didn't do the trick.
In the end, I added some BLUE loctite on the screw threads and doubled up on clamps... that finally did the trick!
I wish my local parts stores carried the OE style spring clamps. I guess the dealer sells them(?), but who wants to pay their prices!?!?!
The only drawback to spring clamps is their tendency to be unruly when removing or applying without the nifty tool($$) specifically designed for it.
To the OP, I say Gates... OEM($$) if it really matters to you. And for the reasons stated above, don't throw away the OEM spring clamps, re-use those suckers!!!!
The Dayco almost forces you to use worm clamps which are the worst thing ever foisted on public. Almost all new hose leaks are from using these pieces of junk, they cut the hose and also weep when the outside temp drops below freezing because they loose tension.
SO TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Worm clamps are the devil's work for sure!
I have two worm clamps on each end of my lower hose to stop a persistent leak. Even bending the ends (the little bit usually left over) back over the screw to prevent loosening up didn't do the trick.
In the end, I added some BLUE loctite on the screw threads and doubled up on clamps... that finally did the trick!
I wish my local parts stores carried the OE style spring clamps. I guess the dealer sells them(?), but who wants to pay their prices!?!?!
The only drawback to spring clamps is their tendency to be unruly when removing or applying without the nifty tool($$) specifically designed for it.
To the OP, I say Gates... OEM($$) if it really matters to you. And for the reasons stated above, don't throw away the OEM spring clamps, re-use those suckers!!!!
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OEM only. Nothing is comparable. Only costs a little extra but lasts much longer.
You can't go wrong with a Gates.
Gates makes hoses for AC Delco and Motorcraft branded rubber as well.
I'm against spring clamps, new, I'd use them. But if they've been on the car for a while, no. They lose their tension over time.
I've never had an issue with a worm clamp. Usually it's a low quality or worn out hose that's the culprit.
Gates makes hoses for AC Delco and Motorcraft branded rubber as well.
I'm against spring clamps, new, I'd use them. But if they've been on the car for a while, no. They lose their tension over time.
I've never had an issue with a worm clamp. Usually it's a low quality or worn out hose that's the culprit.
Originally Posted By: EricF
I'm against spring clamps, new, I'd use them. But if they've been on the car for a while, no. They lose their tension over time.
I've never had an issue with a worm clamp. Usually it's a low quality or worn out hose that's the culprit.
Ive never had an ounce of issues re-using spring clamps, as opposed to constant issues with worm clamps leaking and/or cutting into my hoses!
Unless the spring clamp is rusted, it can be re-used. They don't wear out from sitting in one position (aside from cycling). If they were to be constantly taken on and off multiple times flexing and unflexing repeatedly, then perhaps yes, but otherwise no.
I've always used brand new Ideal worm clamps if I had to go that route and still had leaks. It's the inherent design, it doesn't allow constant tension between hot/cold (expansion/contraction) cycles.
They do make constant tension worm clamps, but they are hard to find via "brick and mortar" and are expensive.
I'm against spring clamps, new, I'd use them. But if they've been on the car for a while, no. They lose their tension over time.
I've never had an issue with a worm clamp. Usually it's a low quality or worn out hose that's the culprit.
Ive never had an ounce of issues re-using spring clamps, as opposed to constant issues with worm clamps leaking and/or cutting into my hoses!
Unless the spring clamp is rusted, it can be re-used. They don't wear out from sitting in one position (aside from cycling). If they were to be constantly taken on and off multiple times flexing and unflexing repeatedly, then perhaps yes, but otherwise no.
I've always used brand new Ideal worm clamps if I had to go that route and still had leaks. It's the inherent design, it doesn't allow constant tension between hot/cold (expansion/contraction) cycles.
They do make constant tension worm clamps, but they are hard to find via "brick and mortar" and are expensive.
My Ace hardware has a real good selection of spring clamps that are cheap enough, i usually get small hose ones there for small engine fuel hose.
For transmission hose use fuel injection clamps, they are fantastic.
I have also used the new Gates heat shrink clamps with great success.
Every time i go to the wrecking yard i have my trusty spring clamp tool with me and load up with nice clean ones, he doesn't charge me for the clamps if i buy other stuff.
Check these out. They are not cheap but any Gates dist can order them and they hold tight as can be no matter how hot or cold.
http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=927&location_id=546
For transmission hose use fuel injection clamps, they are fantastic.
I have also used the new Gates heat shrink clamps with great success.
Every time i go to the wrecking yard i have my trusty spring clamp tool with me and load up with nice clean ones, he doesn't charge me for the clamps if i buy other stuff.
Check these out. They are not cheap but any Gates dist can order them and they hold tight as can be no matter how hot or cold.
http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=927&location_id=546
With my application...
Dayco "exact fit" does not fit, at all. No way. I was able to get it on the t-stat housing and rad, but it pressed down hard on the alternator. I returned it.
Gates has acceptable, but not exactly like OE fit. It's close enough though and I haven't had any issues with them.
OE has the best fit by far, but you pay for it.
I lost an upper rad hose spring clamp, so I have China clamps on there now. I actually haven't really had problems with them, but I don't have a lot of confidence in them either. I occasionally notice a small bit of coolant weeping (dry) around the China clamped hose, whereas the OE spring clamps never did that. I will probably grab a few OE spring clamps from Pull-A-Part the next time I go.
Dayco "exact fit" does not fit, at all. No way. I was able to get it on the t-stat housing and rad, but it pressed down hard on the alternator. I returned it.
Gates has acceptable, but not exactly like OE fit. It's close enough though and I haven't had any issues with them.
OE has the best fit by far, but you pay for it.
I lost an upper rad hose spring clamp, so I have China clamps on there now. I actually haven't really had problems with them, but I don't have a lot of confidence in them either. I occasionally notice a small bit of coolant weeping (dry) around the China clamped hose, whereas the OE spring clamps never did that. I will probably grab a few OE spring clamps from Pull-A-Part the next time I go.
I would use a Gates if the OEM hose is either:
1. Not all that durable
2. Durable, but not easy to find
3. Durable but insanely expensive
Also keep in mind that sometimes the only person with the right hose is the dealer.
1. Not all that durable
2. Durable, but not easy to find
3. Durable but insanely expensive
Also keep in mind that sometimes the only person with the right hose is the dealer.
You also do not have the extreme ambient temp changes/variances that we have in other parts of the country, which are the BAIN of worm clamps, NO MATTER how high the quality/country of origin.
Originally Posted By: 229
OEM only. Nothing is comparable. Only costs a little extra but lasts much longer.
+1, OE only. Gates if you're in a pinch.
OEM only. Nothing is comparable. Only costs a little extra but lasts much longer.
+1, OE only. Gates if you're in a pinch.
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