How the hell do I get to teh LOWER RADIATOR HOSE???

[kphx87blazer]

So I was doing a little PM this weekend, I flushed the radiator and engine block and filled it back up. I replaced the thermostat and I replaced the UPPER radiator hose but could not find a way to get to the LOWER hose easily. It looks like I have to pull the alternator and maybe the fan shroud to do this?

Also, when I flushed the block, I simply put the hose in the thermostat hosing and unhooked the lower radiator hose from radiator and ran the engine for 10 minutes or so. The water came out brown and then WHITE!

So.... Any idea how to get to the LOWER radiator hose... EASILY???

Many thanks as usual...

 

[michael0584]

It depends on which way the clamp is pointing. I always point mine to where I can get to it under the alternator with a long screwdriver, You could also try from underneath with a small ratchet.

 

[kphx87blazer]

There is just no room to do that. Do you usually have to remove anything to get to the lower radiator hose?

 

[cuervo]

There is just no room to do that. Do you usually have to remove anything to get to the lower radiator hose?

I normally don't but I think that is a fact that when I install the lower hose on the water pump I set the clamp so I can get at it later.

If you have to remove stuff keep in mind the clamp position when you reinstall your stuff so you can get at it later.

I know not much help on getting it off, but the next time it will be.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Usually you end up pulling the fan shroud to get the lower hose off. Keep in mind that even if you can get the hose clamp lose the hose is usually stuck on the waterpump so good that removing the shroud so you can get to the hose with a hose puller is generally in order so might as well pull the shroud and save the headache.

A trick i like to use is to put some vaseline on the ID of the hose before installing it and this usually keeps the hose from sticking so bad the next time you have to remove it.

 

[cabledawg]

A trick i like to use is to put some vaseline on the ID of the hose before installing it and this usually keeps the hose from sticking so bad the next time you have to remove it.

Dude that is an awesome idea! Have you ever had problems with the vaseline breaking down the hose material? I usually end up using large channel locks to break the hose loose then pull side to side to remove.

As for the clamp, you might have to remove the alt and shroud, just remember to install it in a way that is easy to reach the next time. And I use the clamps that are slotted and hex head so if a flat screwdriver wont line up or stay on, I have the option of a 1/4" ratchet w/u-joint/extension or nutdriver.

 

[BoondocK5]

I always use a little Silicone spray on the ID to aid in getting them on.
It will not hurt the rubber.

 

[badmix]

I do the silicone trick. Ive replaced my hoses a couple times over the past 10 years, never had to remove anything. I dont have the air (smog) pump, so maybe that is getting in the way. I have an '84 if that matters.

 

[ryoken]

So I was doing a little PM this weekend, I flushed the radiator and engine block and filled it back up. I replaced the thermostat and I replaced the UPPER radiator hose but could not find a way to get to the LOWER hose easily. It looks like I have to pull the alternator and maybe the fan shroud to do this?

Also, when I flushed the block, I simply put the hose in the thermostat hosing and unhooked the lower radiator hose from radiator and ran the engine for 10 minutes or so. The water came out brown and then WHITE!

So.... Any idea how to get to the LOWER radiator hose... EASILY???

Many thanks as usual...

you should be pulling the block drains too, THAT'S where the sediment settles.... lower rad hose isn't draining that...

 

[Keitha]

you should be pulling the block drains too, THAT'S where the sediment settles.... lower rad hose isn't draining that...

Are you talking about the freeze plugs or is there another block drain that I don't know about?

 

[4X4HIGH]

Are you talking about the freeze plugs or is there another block drain that I don't know about?

On either side of the engine there is a 1/4" NPT plug that is for draining the coolant. Usually when you remove the plugs there is so muh sediment built up inside the block that you have to stick a pick into the hole and work it to clear away the sediment before it will drain. The plugs are about half way down the engine (front to back) and right near the oil pan rail. If you have a TBI truck then the knock sensor is screwed into the passenger side port so you will remove the sensor.

 

[Keitha]

On either side of the engine there is a 1/4" NPT plug that is for draining the coolant. Usually when you remove the plugs there is so muh sediment built up inside the block that you have to stick a pick into the hole and work it to clear away the sediment before it will drain. The plugs are about half way down the engine (front to back) and right near the oil pan rail. If you have a TBI truck then the knock sensor is screwed into the passenger side port so you will remove the sensor.

OK, thanks. I know exactly where those are, but never thought to use them as drain plugs. That will make pulling an intake manifold so much cleaner and easier.