Cooling Systems: Replacing Your Hoses?

[Capt._Chaos]

After a truck is a few years old, it's usually time to replace the hoses in the cooling system, as well as to put in a fresh coolant mixture.

Standard rubber hoses are usually good for 4 years (or 5 years beyond the production date, usually printed on the hose). Beyond that, you're basically "riding on time" before a hose can break- usually with little or no warning. While they may look fine outside, they deteriorate over time from the inside where it tends to go unnoticed.

Silicone Rubber Hoses (usually identified b their blue color, and identified as such by the print on the hose) can usually last about 8- 10 years, provided they're not rubbing on anything, and the wrm gear type hose clamps are not overtightened to the point where they dig into the hose.

Standard Rubber Hoses:

Pros:
*Less expensive to buy.
*More widely available.

Cons:
*Need to be replaced every 4 years.
*Will "dry rot" quick when used in a "high heat" area (like in close proximity of an exhaust system, and/or the engine block).

Silicone Rubber Hoses:

Pros:
*Longer life expectancy.
*Works better in "High Heat" areas.
*Used in most Emergency Vehicle applications due to being less prone to failure.

Cons:

*More expensive to buy.
*Not always readily available.
*Worm Gear Clamps need to be re-tightened more often to avoid "cold water leaks". May be better off using spring metal clamps, although it's harder to work with them if they need to be removed on the road.

If you spec a new truck and are certain you will be keeping it for a long time, it's best to spec the truck with silicone hoses.

[magicman]

When We've replaced hoses the last few years, we use silicon. I even have them on the Pony pack. They work great.

[maxmiddle]

Silicone hoses are great. But, like the Capt. said, make sure they are not able to rub against anything. They will rub a hole in no time flat.

We use them in all our trucks and have virtually no problems with them. You do need to check the clamps a couple times a year. However, when you raise the hood at the truckstop, glance at the hoses and feel for moisture. Silicone hoses will seep before they start leaking from loose clamps.

[Chiefwhatdahey]

There is also a worm type clamp that is made for silicone hoses

[LSMR]

There is also a worm type clamp that is made for silicone hoses

I've been a big believer in silicone hoses since I worked for Ryder in the 80's.

The Chief is right about the clamps.Use a clamp that the liner covers the slots for the worm gear.I have found that "constant torque" clamps eliminate the cold water leaks.

[Paul Abelson]

Silicone hoses tend to extrude through the worm-type clamps. Special clamps that are better for these and all hoses have a silid band under the slots for the worm drive.

The best are the temperature-compansating or constant torque clamps. They have a spring at the tightening screw. The ones I use are made by Oetiker, but others make them, too. The spring moves the adjustment mechanism in and out as hose fittings heat and cool, expand and contract. Adjustment remains constant. These clamps cost a few more bucks than lesser clamps, but they are reusable and prevent leaks and hose damage. If you're spending extra for silicone hoses, might as well go all the way to protect your investment.