Picked up part # 7357 from NAPA for my 65 Delta 88 425/2. Lower hose does not have a spring like the original.

Salesperson told me "newer" hose technology prevents hoses from sucking shut.

Is this true?

 

I find that the spring usually applies to the ribbed generic type hoses. These usually have a thinner wall. So what he says may have some merit. My bottom hose does not have a spring and no problems here.

 

The lower RAD hoses I have recently bought for 4 different cars have NOT come with springs. They were either Gates brand or AC Delco. In most cases I pulled the springs from the old ones and twisted them into the new ones.
Given the stiffness of most of the new hoses, the springs may not be required.

 

My new lower radiator hose didn't have the spring. I removed the spring from the old hose and installed it in the new one just to be safe.

 

I tried to do that, but the hose was a smaller diameter and the spring wouldn't fit...ugh.

 

It cannot be too much smaller than the original hose in order to fit.
Try "screwing" it in while pushing it in. Doing so will narrow out the spring, allowing it to go in. This has worked for me. They will not "drop right in".

 

I had to use some twine to pull the spring through the lower radiator hose. It went partially into the hose but I had to "flex" the hose while pulling on the twine to get it through the last bend.

 

The end of the hose was the dame size and the olds one, but it necked down about 4" in.

 

I try to stay away from the "flex" hoses. Past experiences were not good.

 

Sounds like a good idea.

I will try it out this weekend.

 

Let us know if it works.

 

X2 no flex or ribbed hoses here. I use quality thick wall hoses which are actually from one of the Oldsmobile repro places. Don't have to worry about the springs and all that junk.

Pay an arm and a leg though.

 

I have also had bad experience with flex hoses. It is better to pay an arm and a leg for a radiator hose for a 394, 371, 303, etc. than have an engine that blows a radiator hose. You can buy most hard to find hoses from Fusicks or Kanter. The good thing about having a 455 is that most hoses are available from the local auto parts store.