I just got hosed

[Frank K.]

Is there a method to remove rubber hoses from the radiator with out cutting them when engine is cool? Are there any tools for the 93 C4 ? These are hoses with spring clips and how safe is it to install them again? Any help is appreciated.

[Mike F.]

Re: I just got hosed

If you're just trying to unstuck the hose from the radiator, I've used a small flat blade screwdriver or a 90* pick to start prying the hose loose and just worked my way around the circumference.

[Keith B.]

Re: I just got hosed

Snap on makes a really good tool that's like a awl but with a 75* angle at the end. It works really well to remove hoses

[Duke W.]

Re: I just got hosed

When reinstalling use a VERY thin film (emphasis on VERU) of silicone grease on the mating area. This will keep the hose from seizing onto the nipple and make removal easier in the future. The spring clamps should hold okay, but make sure any type of clamp is "inside" the typical "upset" on the nipple, so they can't slip off.

I don't like to crank down spring clamps too tight. I once has a heater hose on one of my cars blow off because I didn't quite tighten it enough (I had done the above.) Live and learn!!

Duke

[Bill S.]

Re: I just got hosed

Not familiar with the 93 hose clamps are they round wire or flat spring steel? There are special pliers for both.

[Domenic T.]

Re: I just got hosed

I use a single edge razor blade and cot a straight line then take my fingers and seperate the hose. That is if you can see the hose!

Dom

[Frank K.]

Re: I just got hosed

The clamps are flat spring steel. It is pulling the hose of the nipples and past the crown. Plus this car is 100% original and i do not want to cut because the top hose is not gaining any length and who new when i was buying spare parts the hoses were hard to find matching.

[Keith B.]

Re: I just got hosed

just keep a good eye on those old hoses. i had a ten dollar molded hose fail and cost me a opti on my 94

[Edward B.]

Re: I just got hosed

I've always used a cotter pin puller to loosen hoses from their fittings.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=49867506&cid=CAPLA:B:Shopping_-_Craftsman&utm_term=1100101994109&bingpla=bingpla_19736471&utm_campaign=

[Frank K.]

Re: I just got hosed

Cotter pin puller looks good , but the Snap on rips the large hoses quickly and clean!

[Bill S.]

Re: I just got hosed

The clamps are flat spring steel. It is pulling the hose of the nipples and past the crown. Plus this car is 100% original and i do not want to cut because the top hose is not gaining any length and who new when i was buying spare parts the hoses were hard to find matching.

These pliers work on both types the round wire and the flat steel. See the pics with the types of clamps they work with.

https://www.amazon.com/85-51-250-AF-...FAGJ5YSQ1JXHSC

[Frank K.]

Re: I just got hosed

Never knew there was a tool for every clamp! Use to pull hoses off with my hands Good info Thanks

[Richard G.]

Re: I just got hosed

My wife claims I have every tool known to man.
I say "I have every tool known to women."

[Domenic T.]

Re: I just got hosed

My wife claims I have every tool known to man.
I say "I have every tool known to women."

Richard,
Careful keep the thread clean, and that tool hidden!!

Dom

[Joe L.]

Re: I just got hosed

Is there a method to remove rubber hoses from the radiator with out cutting them when engine is cool? Are there any tools for the 93 C4 ? These are hoses with spring clips and how safe is it to install them again? Any help is appreciated.

Frank-----


If you intend to primarily use this car for show, then re-use of the original hoses is in order. However, if you intend to drive this car, especially on road trips, I would highly recommend going with new hoses. In that case, save the originals for reference or show.

One more thing: the upper radiator hose is a two part configuration with a "tee" between them. The "tee" supports a bypass hose and is made of plastic. These plastic cooling system parts are widely used on cars of the last 25+ years. However, with time and use, they will fail, sometimes catastrophically. I once witnessed a terrible incident in which a service technician was badly scalded when one of these plastic cooling system parts failed while he was working in the engine compartment and only slightly moved a hose. These things seem to become "brittle" with age and use and will break easily. In fact, I think they're more liable to fail than any of the hoses.

The "tee" is GM-discontinued but available from sources like Corvette Central.