The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop what hose for a 56 235, lower radiator

Just got the new timing gears in, and i've got a drip at the lower hose, so I figured I'd just put a new one on, since it's had a flexible Gates on there since I bought it, and I think those look out of place. So I ordered a formed Gates hose from Rock Auto (# 20584), and it's way too long, and doesn't have the right size opening at the radiator. This is the part Rock Auto is showing for this engine, but it doesn't fit. http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1373/13685773/24611517/414464144.jpg Too long, and although the 1 3/4" water pump fits, the 1 1/2" radiator doesn't go with the 1 3/4" opening on the pre-formed hose. The good news is, I checked the list RA has that supposedly fit this engine and they have a Gates flexible. (I forgot to mention that the hose was on the aluminum radiator so tight, I had to cut it to get it off. I'm guessing it wasn't leaking there after all.) So now i've got a hose to send back, a hose I can't use anymore, and a question for you guys, Which hose will fit this puppy? Be aware that it isn't the original radiator. http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1373/13685773/24611517/414464145.jpg http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1373/13685773/24611517/414464143.jpg The guy I bought it from, who had owned it for decades and did a lot of work to it, had put the Champion aluminum rad in it, so this is more than likely the reason it's got that ugly flexible hose on it instead of a formed hose. My question is also, is there a formed hose that will fit this set up. A 56 truck engine in a '51 with a non original radiator? I'm really hoping at least one person has this set up and can direct me to the correct part number or at least a place that sells them. Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated! Lee

I went to Oreilly’s and took my tape measure and looked through their stock. It took about 1/2 hour and I was able to find a molded hose that fit. Find the manager or the oldest guy working the counter and explain your project. They usually will let you go look instead of bugging them to look through the computer.🛠 Good luck.

Thanks, I'll try that. I just re-checked Rock Auto as I was filling out my return slip, and even their flexible hoses are iffy. Mine measures 20 1/2 - 21", and has a 1.75" end and a 1.5" end. The closest one I can find is 23.5, and says "End 1 is 1.75", but "end 2" is blank. So, I'm not going to chance that again.

I got a the solid rubber hoses, top and bottom, from RockAuto about a year ago.

I have a 54 235 in a 49 chassis with an aluminum radiator. I did the Oriley route and found a solid hose that just needed a little trim to fit perfectly. I’ll look for the part number

ApacheFiend- do you have the original radiator?

Thanks, Awdang. I'm trying NAPA first, then i'll try Orielly's if they don't have one.

Gates 21615

Alright! Thanks AwDang, I'm glad i checked my email once more before heading the 10 miles to the next town where the parts stores are. Fortunately, (or unfortunately), I'm sitting here waiting for a call from an attorney and a visit from the Dell computer tech. For my laptop that after 3 weeks of not powering up, suddenly decided to start working again this morning. Oh well. Your information kept me from having to do the "hose wall search". Thanks again, I really appreciate it. Lee

Went down to NAPA, my usual parts store, and gave them the 21615 number, to which they replied with a different number as a cross ref. I asked, "Is it a Gates?? He said, yep, their Gate made for NAPA. He brought it out, and it didn't look anything like what my old flex did, or the pic I found of them on rock auto. I took it home and it wasn't even close. I called the local O'rielly's and they said they had one. Took the wrong one back, got the right one, and cut about 5 inches off the radiator end, and it's a done deal. And I don't see a leak. So that's good. Now, I have a new problem. After refilling the radiator with water, driving a few miles and warming it up to check the level, I was going to drain a little, add some cascade to clear out some of the rust build up, then drain, rinse and refill with water and antifreeze. But it seems the petcock's butterfly handle is now no longer connected to the drain it's supposed to open. I'm debating dragging my 110v wire feeder out there and tacking it, or just pulling it and putting on a new one. Any body have any stories on these? (I guess I should just start a new thread for that.) But thanks to everyone for the help, especially to you, AwDang, for the hose number. It worked great. Now to find one to replace the flexible hose at the top.

This is my top hoss
Dayco 70112