Top radiator hose (substitute)

Top radiator hose (substitute)

The original top hose on the AC was very unusual and has not been available for decades. It featured a large bulge to permit movement of the engine relative to the radiator, on this very short hose.

Most AC owners install a straight hose, but this puts extra stress on the stub pipes. A modern hump hose is a good compromise, as these have some flexibility.

This Samco hump hose (silicone rubber), is hand made in the UK. You can find cheaper hump hoses, but I prefer to sell good quality parts. Some ACs are already fitted with this brand.

Bore size is a nominal 50mm. Length is approx. 73mm and will need to be cut to length. Since each AC is different, it is better that each is custom fit. It can also help if you cut a curved section from the bottom edge, so that it will go further onto the thermostat stub pipe.

For some reason, AC made the thermostat stub pipe outside diameter, slightly larger than the one on the radiator, so you will find it to be a tight fit. It can be eased on with a screwdriver. Due to the short length of this hose, you will need to remove the thermostat to install it.

Samco recommend tightening hose clamps to about 5 or 6Nm (about 4 ft-lbs).

Silicone rubber hoses are compatible with traditional EG anti-freeze (usually blue or green), but are not suitable for modern long-life anti-freeze. In any case, long-life anti-freeze will wreck an AC engine, so please don't use it!

New. Note that the package has been opened so that I could check its size/fit.