Leaky Radiator Hoses

[Ora Ashley]

1954 Studebaker Commander Coupe 232 V/8

A few days ago, I returned my engine to running condition after five years storage. In addition to other engine preparation following storage; I also flushed the cooling system, replaced the radiator, water pump, thermostat, all hoses and OEM style spring clamps. I used 50 / 50 coolant mix, and pressurized the system according to the service manual instructions.

After pressurizing the system, both radiator hoses began to leak at the thermostat housing and waterpump return hose. I replaced my OEM clamps with racheting type, and the leak stopped.

Engine runs great!

Any thoughts where I messed up?

Oran

Oran Ashley

http://photobucket.com/54stude

[sweetolbob]

Oran

You answered the question when you found the gear clamps worked.

The reasons are potentially: Hoses older and harded, If newer hoses-thay may be thinner walled, The outlet surfaces have corroded with time and are rougher and possibly more difficult to seal.

There are probably others but you seem to have the problem resolved.

Bob

[53k]

quote:Originally posted by Ora Ashley


1954 Studebaker Commander Coupe 232 V/8

A few days ago, I returned my engine to running condition after five years storage. In addition to other engine preparation following storage; I also flushed the cooling system, replaced the radiator, water pump, thermostat, all hoses and OEM style spring clamps. I used 50 / 50 coolant mix, and pressurized the system according to the service manual instructions.
After pressurizing the system, both radiator hoses began to leak at the thermostat housing and waterpump return hose. I replaced my OEM clamps with racheting type, and the leak stopped.

New hoses do have thinner walls. The spring clamps, made for thicker walls, do not tighten enough.
SDC National Judging rules have recognized this and now allow the gear-type clamps with no penalty.



Paul Johnson, Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. '64 Daytona Wagonaire, '64 Daytona convertible, '53 Commander Starliner, Museum R-4 engine, '62 Gravely Model L, '72 Gravely Model 430

[Ora Ashley]

Bob and Paul,

Thanks for the quick response, sounds like this is one I can mark "solved".

Now on to more challenges!

Oran

quote:Originally posted by 53k

quote:Originally posted by Ora Ashley


1954 Studebaker Commander Coupe 232 V/8

A few days ago, I returned my engine to running condition after five years storage. In addition to other engine preparation following storage; I also flushed the cooling system, replaced the radiator, water pump, thermostat, all hoses and OEM style spring clamps. I used 50 / 50 coolant mix, and pressurized the system according to the service manual instructions.
After pressurizing the system, both radiator hoses began to leak at the thermostat housing and waterpump return hose. I replaced my OEM clamps with racheting type, and the leak stopped.

New hoses do have thinner walls. The spring clamps, made for thicker walls, do not tighten enough.
SDC National Judging rules have recognized this and now allow the gear-type clamps with no penalty.



Paul Johnson, Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. '64 Daytona Wagonaire, '64 Daytona convertible, '53 Commander Starliner, Museum R-4 engine, '62 Gravely Model L, '72 Gravely Model 430

Oran Ashley

http://photobucket.com/54stude