hose between expansion tank and tee

[Jon R.]

Can anyone help me with the actual original length of the hose between the expansion tank and the tee on a '63 300HP with no power steering or brakes or A/C? I could find nothing in the AIM. I have searched the archives and only found one reference that noted 2-1/4" - that seems short! At that length, even if the tee is set correctly at 45 degrees, it looks like it might rub on the corner of the battery holder. Mine is currently 3-5/8" which is obviously too long as it places the lower heater hose very close to the back corner of the exhaust manifold resulting in a cooked hose! I want to do this once and right as I do not want to mess with the lower connection on the expansion tank any more than I have to! I have read that it is quite fragile.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Regards,

Jon

[Stuart F.]

Re: hose between expansion tank and tee

Jon;

FWIW, mine checks in at about 2-7/8", or just a tad under 3". I don't recall seeing a specific length in any documents to confirm this, but I have been the one who changed it since new and I always use the old piece as a guide for length, sometimes adding just a tad if I feel it would fit better. My hoses (L-76, but same as L-75) all fit very well w/o any close tolerances be it to the battery box or exhaust manifold. I too have a 63 tank and am always watchful about putting any extra stress on the connections which are rolled instead of welded.

In another current thread, I describe my problems this past Saturday with a major overheat which may be due to either an old correct cap not holding pressure, or a stuck thermostat - possibly a combination of both.

Stu Fox

[Joel T.]

Re: hose between expansion tank and tee

Jon;

I agree with Stew... Best thing to do is to pick up a hose from LI Corvette or Paragon, with the clamps, etc.. It will be correct length and look.

In that area in general, there is opportunity for things to rub.. just watch how you position hoses and make sure to use the little aluminum binders to hold the hoses together...

Joel

[Timothy B.]

Re: hose between expansion tank and tee

Jon,
Look at the AIM carefully as the lower hose from the heater core goes outside and above the top heater hose and crosses the T laying horizontal with the top hose and then goes on top of the 3/4" hose into the clamp by the alternator. This arrangement keeps the hose from the exhaust manifold.

Also, the T goes on a 45* angle to accept the top hose and point it to the lower position going forward.