How to Bend Coolant Hose?

One question that comes up in the workshop is how to bend a coolant hose. There are several ways to accomplish this, from using a standard hose to using a non-standard application.

Let’s look at some of the most popular methods. If you are having trouble, try Parker’s E-Z Form hose. It can make the job much easier. If you’re unable to find a standard application, you can buy it online.

Using a standard hose to bend a coolant hose

When bending a coolant hose, be sure to follow the proper safety guidelines for handling a crimp. Excessive pressure can damage the hose and lead to a large burst or kink. Attempts to bend a hose outside of its minimum bend radius can cause damage to the hose carcass or cover.

The bend radius should be no more than twice the ID of the hose. Lastly, use the correct clamps.

Depending on the length of the nozzle and fitting, a crimp will require a lubricant. If the hose is too long or too short, it will kink and break. The crimp will also create uneven pressure in the hose. This can cause the hose to rupture, which can be hazardous.

Moreover, if the hose is too short or too long, it will not expand properly and could break under pressure. Using the wrong length will also cause excessive stress on the fittings and reinforcements. Moreover, the twisting process during installation will greatly reduce the hose’s life. For example, one 7% twisting of a hose can reduce its life by 90%.

When bending a coolant hose, use a hose rod or a spool valve that is designed to fit into a specific location. If you are unsure of the size and shape of a spool valve, check the inlet and outlet size of the spool valve.

The spool valve can wear out if it is not flushed correctly. The teflon rings inside the spool valve can be harmed by excessive pressure.

For extreme temperature, use a silicone flex hose. Silicone hoses can withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 260 degrees Fahrenheit. However, rubber hoses can become hard and crack under such extreme conditions.

So, use the correct clamp for bending a coolant hose. You may be able to use a standard hose to bend the coolant hose, but you run the risk of damaging the hose or reducing its flow rate.

It’s important to keep in mind that fuel lines need to be replaced every five years. The fuel itself eats up the hose and can even cause damage to the car’s fuel system.

For this reason, it is best to change the hose every five years or so to prevent the problem from reoccurring. If you don’t want to replace the hose completely, use a reusable hose instead.

Parker’s E-Z Form hose

The Parker E-Z Form coolant hose reduces installation time by eliminating the need to purchase costly, pre-formed hose. These hoses have superior flexibility and tensile strength and can withstand temperatures up to 93 degrees Fahrenheit.

They can be used on all types of engines, including gas and diesel. Listed below are some of the common uses of E-Z Form coolant hoses.

Designed for extreme bends, the E-Z Form coolant hose eliminates the need for metal tubing and preformed hosing. Suitable for tractors and skid-steer loaders, E-Z Form hoses also feature a helical wire to provide full vacuum service.

Parker’s E-Z Form coolant hose is ideal for applications that require extreme bends, including those found on dozers and graders.

Using non-standard applications to make radiator hoses

While bending a radiator hose may seem easy enough, there are a few things you need to know first. You need to know what kind of hose you’re working with, and the application.

There are many types of hose, and they range in length from foot to several feet. The length of the hose will help you match it to the application. Here’s what to consider when using a non-standard application to bend a radiator hose:

First, the hose was not properly inserted into the fitting shell. The fitting had to be inserted far enough to develop its full holding strength. The hose may be too hard to bend and may be cracking. The hose cover also may have signs of drying out or charring.

Then, you may be using the wrong tooling to bend the hose. If you’re using a non-standard application to bend radiator hose, you should check the crimp dimension and make sure that everything is in proper working order.

Another consideration when choosing a hose is the material it’s made of. Hoses made for oil or coolant applications usually have a lower-quality material than those designed for use with coolant. Those made for oil or coolant applications generally have silicone lining.

However, the good quality silicone hoses will be recognizable by their rich color and have an adhesive quality on the exterior layer.

For applications that require high-pressure or structural bending, fiberglass centers are recommended. Silicone hoses, meanwhile, should be flexible enough to allow for flexibility that’s not possible with standard straight hoses.

The kinks in these hoses will interfere with flow rates and can compromise the integrity of the radiator. In these cases, a molded hose may be used instead.

Regardless of the hose’s material, it’s important to remember that it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s specifications. Hose specifications are a guideline that defines the construction and material content of a hose, not a set of legal requirements.

You should always consult a manufacturer’s technical specifications before using a non-standard application to bend a radiator hose.

If your hose has kinks or is too short to fit a specific radiator, consider repairing it yourself. You can purchase a kit that contains rubber or silicone hose elbows, as well as couplers made from steel or nylon.

A NAPA Auto Parts Store or a local auto parts shop will have a variety of both. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, check with a professional mechanic for help.

Then, consider what type of hose you’re using. Silicone hoses are more flexible than rubber and will retain their shape longer. In addition, they’ll last longer, potentially even outlasting your car. So, if you’re a race car enthusiast, consider buying a silicone hose instead.

It will save you money over time by decreasing your vehicle’s maintenance costs and ensuring a longer lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-What is the best way to bend coolant hose?

There is no one definitive answer to this question as the best way to bend coolant hose will vary depending on the specific application and the type of hose being used.

However, some tips on how to bend coolant hose effectively include using a pipe bender or jig, heating the hose before bending it, and using a mandrel to support the hose while bending it.

-What are some tips for bending coolant hose?

Some tips for bending coolant hose are:
-Wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat.
-Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat up the hose before bending.
-Bend the hose slowly and carefully to avoid kinking.

-How do you bend coolant hose without kinking it?

The easiest way to bend coolant hose without kinking it is to use a hose bender. You can purchase a hose bender at most hardware stores.

-How do you route coolant hose for a custom installation?

There is no one answer to this question, as it depends on the specific installation. However, some tips on how to route coolant hose for a custom installation include:

-Making sure the hose is not kinked or bent, as this can restrict flow
-Using hose clamps to secure the hose in place
-Routing the hose so that it is away from hot surfaces and areas where it could be damaged

Final Words

The best way to bend coolant hose is to use a Coolant Hose Bending Kit. This will allow you to get the perfect bend every time and will make sure that your coolant hoses are properly bent.