TR4/4A TR4a top radiator hose question

[tdskip]

Hi guys - does the top radiator hose need to have the "accordion" style of hose or is a conventional straight hose OK?

#1 in the picture below;

Would something like this be OK?

 

[HerronScott]

Sorry, can't answer that since I've only replaced it once and it was with the original style.

Scott

 

[Geo Hahn]

The idea, I think, is to not transmit engione vibration to the radiator. I have always used the accordian style (IIRC not quite the same for TR3s & 4s). I have often seen cars with a straight hose there... I cringe more because it looks wrong than that I am sure it is not a good idea.

 

[tdskip]

Agreed guys - I'll order up a proper one.

Curious as to why it is only need up top rather than on the bottom hoses, any ideas?

 

[sail]

Bottom has more length to flex?

 

[JohnB]

That bottom hose and intermediate steel pipe assembly has a lot of give in its movement. Not sure a flex hose down there is really needed. At least it's not on my TR2.

 

[tdskip]

Makes sense - I went and moved them around and there is some give in the two joints on either end of the hose.

 

[TR3driver]

I bought a couple of Gates "Vibraflex" hoses similar to your picture, Tom. But they are really stiff, so I'm taking one more shot with the stock type hose. But if this one doesn't last at least 2 years, I'm giving the stiff ones a try.

In addition to all the reasons given above, the lower hose is located much closer to the center of rotation when the engine moves on it's mounts. I've never seen a lower radiator tube crack, but I've seen several uppers cracked from not using the right hose.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I suspect that the vibration issue is worse on the TR3s & early 4s with that long neck on the radiator. The joint that connects that neck to the top tank is prone to failure from overly-enthusiast pressing on the radiator cap but vibration could also weaken it.

 

[tdskip]

Thanks guys - always something to learn.

 

[Steveb19]

Know couple of people used straight hose with no problems. Prefer the concertina one as don't have to either loosen rad a bit or force on and risk doing damage to hose or inlets.