66 Midget radiator hose problems

[jdmae92]

I am trying to replace the lower radiator hose on my Midget. It is a downflow radiator. I got the old hose off but I have been trying to get the new one on for almost an hour. There is hardly any clearance on the bottom fitting so I can't get my hand on the hose enough to push it on. The top fitting just doesn't want to go on the water pump. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get them on?

 

[SilentUnicorn]

Welcome to the forum!!
have you tried using any slippery stuff? a little oil or grease? perhaps. patience and perseverance, will get it done.

mark

 

[jlaird]

yep a bit of goose grease for those tough jobs. No trick here just keep at it.

 

[Bugeye58]

I'd use straight antifreeze for lubricant, rather than grease. Grease and radiator hoses don't go well together.
Jeff

 

[Luke_Healey]

That or a smearing of water and dawn dish soap. At least it will 'go away' after a couple of days. That's how I get my handgrips on to my bicycle handlebars, haha.

 

[jlaird]

Hehe Jeff, Goose Grease is anything that will make it slide, your choice, what ever is handy.

Dishwashing soap is ideal or course.

 

[bugimike]

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif Snot funny! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

 

[Bugeye58]

Yeah, Jack, I caught the "goose grease" reference, but I was afraid some less experienced folk would think of using wheel bearing grease or the like. Not good for hoses!
KY Jelly works well, too, as does silicone dielectric grease.
No matter how you do it, that lower hose can be a pain in the rump.
Jeff

 

[blownbugeye]

You might try to heat up hose with a heat gun to make it more pliable.