Coolant hose replacement

[DBoyd]

I am replacing the coolant hoses on my 97 before I head out on vacation and was wondering if it was best to replace with aftermarket (Gates from O'Reillys) or go with the Dodge hoses for the best fit. Just trying to get a good product at a decent price.

Thank you.

PS. Is there anything else I might want to change while I'm under the hood??

 

[bmoeller]

Gates makes good parts. I shy away from the Dayco junk, unless I'm putting them on something that is going to be sold. They don't hold up over time like the Gates does.

 

[TowPro]

check Genos Go to the bottom of the page.

 

[NETim]

hoses

I replaced all of the rubber hoses on the cooling system on my '97. EVERY one just because the rig was going on six years old.



I found out that the 90* elbows are very expensive. If I remember right, they are 5/8" ID. I noted that if I were to do it again, I'd find some "will fit" heater hose from some other app and cut 'em to size rather than buy the pricey MOPAR pieces.



I believe that there were 4 90's and then there were 4 or 5 short 5/8" straight pieces connecting other lines together such as the transmission cooler (autos) on the pax side of the block. And naturally there are two longer 5/8" pieces going to the firewall.



The 1/4" "U" shaped bypass hose on the thermostat up top is another pricey item as well.



I bought mine at the dealer. I might have been able to get them from Cummins, but I don't have a local Cummins dealer. A reliable one anyway.



You'll have fun contorting yourself in the engine compartment should you decide to replace all of the hoses. They put them in the darndest places. It can be done though.



I did mine in conjunction with a KDP tabbing. That got the radiator hoses out of the way while doing that job.



Some of these hoses may be 3/4" rather than 5/8". I am working from memory and it ain't what it used to be.



Good luck,



Tim

 

[americana]

might want to consider

you might want to consider some of those colored silicone hose kits some of the members were talking about some time ago. i think the price was competetive if not cheaper than mopar but loads cooler.