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  1. #1

    Default Lower Radiator Hose

    Working on the cooling system of my '86 GT and have a question about the lower radiator hose. I ordered a new set of hoses from LMR. The lower hose is Motorcraft. Looking inside the hose I don't see a spring to keep the hose from collapsing under suction. Didn't these hoses originally have coil springs in them? Are the new hoses constructed differently so that they don't require springs? Or am I just remembering wrong from back in the '80s?

    Tom

  2. #2
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    I don't recall any of the replacement lower hoses having a spring in them for the Mustangs. Might have been some way back, but I don't recall them. Then again with 50 insight and 3 daughters there's no telling all that I have forgotten!
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  3. #3

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    Non of my oem radiator hoses had one.

    Lots of people have told me that you need one and that the cooling system is hard to purge on these cars, but I've never had an issue. An origonal hose will have a wire type hose clamp with a small square nut and a small bolt with a 5/16 i beleive and a philips or regular slot. It wil also be stapled to the hose and the waterpump side will have been tightened down against the block. Or at least it was on my two cars that had original hoses.
    2 1986 cougars (both 4 eyed and 5.0)
    1 1987 cougar

  4. #4

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    Thanks guys. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

    It's a beautiful weekend here in Memphis. Time to drop the top and listen to those ponies sing!!

  5. #5
    FEP Member Mgino757's Avatar
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    My 85 GT has a spring in it. You probably won't have issues without it. Mine came with one, so I still use it.
    1985 Mustang GT conv. modified 4180C, Weiand Street Warrior intake, equal length headers, true dual exhaust, 3.55:1 8.8'' rear end, 2003 V6 T5, Ford Racing 10.5" clutch.

    1998 Mustang GT auto. PI swapped. Daily beater

  6. #6
    FEP Power Member Hemlock's Avatar
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    If it is a high performance motor, you are going to want a spring especially if you are going to rev over 5500 RPM. That is when it will really take a hit. The temperature on my RS would jump almost 30 degrees when I would really stomp on it from 1st through 3rd without a spring. If I was on a spirited drive situation where I was on and off the gas a lot reving the motor high, I am pretty sure my car would have over heated without one.

    http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/Mus...1W-Mustang.axd

    Hope this helps
    Robert
    1984 RS 347 Capri, To many car parts to list, check out my car build page here for the story on my car and a full parts list/setup!:

    My RS in Action

  7. #7
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    The NAPA hoses back in the day had a spring if memory serves. I had one and I agree - it helped.

    I used to run a 3 core radiator on mine, now I run a frostbite.

  8. #8

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    I would look for one with the spring in it or get a set of silicone hoses that are less prone to collapsing.

  9. #9

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    Hmmmm. For $9 Mustangs Unlimited sells a spring for the lower radiator hose. Better safe than sorry I guess.

    Thanks again for all the good input guys. You all make this hobby much more enjoyable

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