Samco hose install
 

Spent the weekend installing the new hoses and flushing the coolant. I have two hoses I haven't fitted though. One is a very short straight section which I think replaces the very lowest hose on the radiator. The second is a double bend piece and is the biggest diameter hose in the set. I think this replaces one just behind the radiator on the passenger side.

Both of these look virtually impossible to access and change without removing the radiator (which I dont want to do right now - sounds like a winter job to me!). Is this what other people have found?

The hoses went on pretty easily for me, I used a smear of dieletric grease as recommended on another post. Getting the original hoses off was a real pain though.

Thanks

Dave

Re: Samco hose install
 

Hi Dave:

I've changed the double bend hose on the passenger side before without removing the radiator. Its not fun, but it can be done.

As for the short lower hose, that is connected to the thermostat housing. The t-stat housing is really very simple to remove, thereby easing the way towards the installation of the new short hose that connects to the lower radiator opening. The only thing to be aware of is the t-stat housing "0" ring, which can easily become dislodged if you aren't careful on reassembly. Do a search at http://listserv.corvettemuseum.com/c....exe?A0=ZR1NET for "thermostat housing removal" and see if you come up with any tips. Good luck! :cheers:

Re: Samco hose install
 

Removing the belt tensioner assembly makes the other hose possible at the same time you do the short hose, still not easy if your all thumbs though.:thumbsup:

Re: Samco hose install
 

Dave, The short piece you can install by just removing the thermostat housing cover. It's held in by a total of 5 bolts.

The other (thick) hose is the WP to thermostat housing hose. Sometimes you can get by just removing the tensioner, but in a couple of cars I've had to unhook the the oil cooler lines to give myself some additional room.

Re: Samco hose install
 

thanks for the info and tips everyone. Might have another look at it. The short one should be easy enough if I remove the housing.. just wasn't sure if that was a good idea or not. The double bend one sounds like the hardest.

Re: Samco hose install
 

While you have the car this far apart and you are going to have to separate the thermostat housing I suggest you visit your local NAPA store and get a new thermstat. the only one they carry is a 180* model and it works great.

That bottom hose that attaches to the radiator is much easier to install when you separate the housing.

Good luck!
Dan

Re: Samco hose install
 

Thats good idea Dan. Does anyone have a napa part no for the thermostat? They might have to order it though.

Re: Samco hose install
 

NAPA # THM124 $19.09 on the website, but your local store should be able to get one for you.

The WP to T-Stat housing hose isn't too bad. That's after I spent an hour and a half the previous night without the grease and I remembered a thread on the grease. The dielectric grease makes it a snap. You just kinda roll it to smear the grease and then you can feel when to push. It should go right on.

To install the t-stat, remove the bracket holding it to the frame, then the two bolts holding the housing together. My t-stat was stuck. Have your bucket ready cause once you pull the t-stat the engine drains FAST. Make sure you get the t-stat gasket perfectly situated in the groove for it and hold it in with the housing bracket. Then the housing goes on and once you get it snugged down, remove the bracket and tighten all the way.

Re: Samco hose install
 

Hi John. Thanks for the part no. and info :thumbsup:

Re: Samco hose install
 

Dave,

I was going to put on red ones but sounded like a PIA so decided the black hoses were good enough.