Who makes the best TRactor motor cooling hoses?

[CinneaghTR]

I've got a new fabric-covered top radiator hose that is rock-hard, unforgiving, and a total pain to deal with in terms of installation.

I was just wondering if there were better hoses out there in the world. Rockauto listed Gates, Goodyear, and AC Delco as suppliers (even though they don't look correct). I've got a regular rubber one from **** in the spares bag that I am going to try.

Any tips or tricks for getting that darned hose on?

 

[TR3driver]

I'm quite happy with the hoses from TRF. Soft and pliable, seem to last well.

But the upper hose tends to be a PITA anyway; I've been known to deal with it by taking the thermostat housing loose from the head first.

One other comment, some sources may try to sell you a hose that is not corrugated as original. A bad idea, since it will transfer more force to the radiator and very likely result in cracking the joint between the fitting and upper tank.

 

[CinneaghTR]

Thanks, Randall. I'm still in the midst of fiddling with it so we'll see what develops.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Have you undone the rods that brace the upper rad & perhaps loosened the lower mounting bolts for the rad? Easy to do a TR4 and gives you a lot of wiggle room.

 

[CinneaghTR]

Hey Geo,

My stay rods don't go to the radiator, but I'll loosen the radiator if I have to. I had just dropped it in after steamcleaning/pressure check so it is old hat.

I'll file this process under "you have to jiggle the handle."