Radiator Hose Spring Needed?

[Pop_Rivit]

I'm getting ready to do some maintenance to my 1999 Dodge pickup, including replacing the radiator hoses and coolant.

The lower radiator hose that's currently on the pickup has a spring inside. Most replacements do not have the spring.

I've read some Internet information that claims the spring is no longer needed because newer hoses are reinforced and won't collapse like older hoses. There is also information disputes the "reinforced" idea and claims the spring is still needed.

Which is correct? Is the spring needed to prevent collapse of newer radiator hoses?

 

[GMBoy]

I've always just taken the spring from the old hose and reused it in the new one in cases like this.

 

[ludey]

I tried GMBoy's way on a upper radiator hose on a Mercedes. The spring wouldn't fit due to it's length and size. The upper hose had bends. I saw a radiator hose spring compacted like, a "Slinky" wound up and pushed together. You are better getting one of those. I think I saw at Kragen's/Checker's auto parts store at the counter. I never wound up using the spring and the hose survived for more than 5 yrs anyways. If not Kragen's ask NAPA.

 

[mechtech2]

The lower hose has 'suction'. It is the inlet to the radiator.
Re use the spring, if you can.
Unless your new hose specifically states it is OK as is, re use the spring.

 

[ffhdriver]

Maybe Dodges are different, on all my cars the upper hose was the inlet to the radiator. Upper hoses will collapse when the coolant temperature drops if there is a bad radiator cap.

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I'm getting ready to do some maintenance to my 1999 Dodge pickup, including replacing the radiator hoses and coolant.

The lower radiator hose that's currently on the pickup has a spring inside. Most replacements do not have the spring.

I've read some Internet information that claims the spring is no longer needed because newer hoses are reinforced and won't collapse like older hoses. There is also information disputes the "reinforced" idea and claims the spring is still needed.

Which is correct? Is the spring needed to prevent collapse of newer radiator hoses?


As someone that has lots of experience with Dodge I will tell you that I have never put the spring back and it has been fine in all cases.

You are good!

 

[mechtech2]

Originally Posted By: ffhdriver
Maybe Dodges are different, on all my cars the upper hose was the inlet to the radiator. Upper hoses will collapse when the coolant temperature drops if there is a bad radiator cap.


That is what mechtech said! A supply hose does not collapse, it expands! The lower hose goes to the engine, and is the 'suction' side.