Think you nailed it Bill. Some of the older hoses were a lot thicker and could stand the suction. This new crap we get from the vendors is much thinner. That said, even some of the older lower hoses came with the wire coil inside.
I've made several supports using piano (spring) wire from McMaster Carr. Don't remember exactly what size I used and without going out and looking I'd say about .050" dia. wire would do the trick. I pick a form about a 20% smaller than the inside diameter of the hose and wind it on the bench lathe. You could do the same thing in a drill press on the slowest speed.
Just my opinion, but I don’t believe there is any need for a sealer. In fact I‘ve seen Permatex #2 used and I thing it just make it more slippery and more of a chance of it sliding off. I just make sure I’m putting clean rubber on to clean cast iron and use a new hose clamp. Taint had one blow yet.
DG

Last edited by Denny Graham; 05/27/2011 1:05 PM.
Denny G
Sandwich, IL