Cool/Heat: Lower radiator hose - needs a coil spring or not?

[garyash]

The replacement lower radiator hose for my '63 wagon with OHV6 does not have a coil spring in it; the original hose did - but the is coil rusted away. I can't find a replacement coil. However, I did find a page at Automotive Mileposts that explains why a coil might not be necessary once the radiator was filled originally at the factory: http://automotivemileposts.com/autob...dhosecoil.html

So, to coil or not? If yes, where to find a 1-1/8" o.d. coil x 14" to 16" long?

[Pat Dilling]

I read several debates on whether it is needed or not. Came to the conclusion that it does not hurt to have it and it does keep the lower (suction) hose from collapsing. I made my own coil out of 16 gauge galvanized wire that I got at Lowes. Just wrapped it around a piece of pipe to form the coils then tied a piece of string to it and pulled and pushed it into the hose being careful not to stretch it out. The hose will not collapse with it in there. I think the wire was only a couple bucks for 25 feet.

[Mike Van Veghten]

What Pat said. I have seen the hose collapse when the engine is reved on several occasions over the years.
Can't hurt..!

Mike