Lower Rad Hose/serpentine Belt Interference

[Rebel Racing]

Hi Guys,

Installed a set of Cool-Flex rad hoses on the '68 a couple of weeks ago. Chose them so I could bend the lower hose enough to clear my belt near the PS pump (northern big block rad and a late model serp. belt ps pump). It was too close with stock rubber hose. Well.....as much as I bend it, the belt ever so slightly touches the hose. I can't slide a piece of paper between them. We ran the car for over an hour setting timing and filling the rad ect and no ill effects. Took it out on the road for over an hour and the markings are not even rubbed off the belt. For now, I'd say it is O.K. for short city drives but would not take it longer until I can rectify this clearance issue. I know the propper fix is to pull the rad and get a shop to weld on an outlet pointing slightly lower but I am wondering if there is an easier alternative. I have the rad sitting as low as it will go. Any thoughts

Thanks!!

[ScottsGT]

I had the same issue with my Northern Radiator in my '66 and running a 5.0 Fox serpentine system.
I found a stock rubber hose at Advance Auto and cut it to fit. It comes out of the radiator, and turns downward immediately. It clears with about 1" to spare, if I remember correctly. I'll get the number and post it later.

[Rebel Racing]

Originally Posted by ScottsGT

I had the same issue with my Northern Radiator in my '66 and running a 5.0 Fox serpentine system.
I found a stock rubber hose at Advance Auto and cut it to fit. It comes out of the radiator, and turns downward immediately. It clears with about 1" to spare, if I remember correctly. I'll get the number and post it later.

That might work. I'd still like to use the Kool Flex hose I have but if I could link it to a shorter piece of stock hose with a 45' angle (or so), that would solve my issue.

Thanks!!

[Rebel Racing]

Got my clearance!! I pulled off the lower hose and the big collar (Kool Flex). By just using the short rubber coupler and slightly re-bending the flex hose, I was able to get better than 1/4" clearance. I ran it and watched from under--no leaks and not even close to touching. We'll do some short drives and watch it closely but I feel we have it licked.

Thanks!!

[ScottsGT]

I know it's late, and you fixed the problem, but I just remembered this thread. My hose was a Dayco 71714. It the lower rad. hose for a 1995 Dodge Ram.
Look at the photo and you can see what section of it I used.

1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Radiator Hose 71714

[Rebel Racing]

Originally Posted by ScottsGT

I know it's late, and you fixed the problem, but I just remembered this thread. My hose was a Dayco 71714. It the lower rad. hose for a 1995 Dodge Ram.
Look at the photo and you can see what section of it I used.

1995 Dodge Ram 2500 Radiator Hose 71714

Thanks. I'll save that number should we need a replacement of the Kool Flex we have.