Christophe2m6

Hi guys!

I'm going to replace both upper and lower radiator hoses on my 69 Cutlass 350ci.
Looking for tips and help about "how to replace them..."

Will I have to drain the radiator?
Is the petcock accessible?

All tips would be welcomed!

Thanks!!

jaunty75

This is not difficult, and it's pretty much self-explanatory.

First off, yes, you will want to drain the radiator. If you don't, the moment you loosen a clamp on the lower hose, coolant will be spilling everywhere, and that's usually not a desirable event.

Opening the petcock and draining the fluid that way is the normal way to go, but sometimes that valve is so gunked up it can't be loosened. Then just loosen the clamp on the lower hose where it attaches at the bottom of the radiator and catch the fluid as it starts to leak out.

Once the fluid is out, loosen the clamps at each end of each hose, pull off the old hoses, slide the clamps off the ends, slide the clamps onto the ends of the new hoses, slide the ends of the hoses over their fittings on the engine and radiator, slide the clamps into place, and tighten.

Christophe2m6

Great tip!! Will do this way to avoid draining with the petcock!
Thanks a lot Jaunty!!

Also found that I would need 15 quarts to fill the radiator with coolant...
Correct info?

Thanks again!

jaunty75

Sounds right, and it should be 50% water/50% coolant. If you're buying the pre-diluted coolant, just by 4 gallons as that's 16 quarts.

If you're buying the undiluted coolant, obviously you would buy two gallons of that and dilute it to a total of four gallons. Either way, you'll have an extra quart. With spillage and all, it might not be exactly that, but whatever is left is handy to have around for topping off later if needed.

m371961

Maybe less mess if petcock drain works. Good time to replace heater hoses and bypass hose as well. Sometimes if they are stuck you may find it easier to slit the end with a razor knife. If you buy undiluted anti-freeze I would mix with distilled water. I also never re-use clamps unless they are good quality worn type.

jaunty75

Worm type.

oldspackrat

Or slightly worn worm.