1987 XJS Coupe V12

I'm having an impossible time fitting the lower radiator hose. It seems the firewall side of the male brass fitting to the radiator is too tight (gap is too narrow) so not only with the hose not go on far enough the hose clamp will not fit over either. Anyone have a trick or suggestion on how to get it on correctly. I purchased the hose kit from Coventry West so assume the hose thickness is correct, etc. the radiator, etc are all stock from factory. It's tough to get under to install but I have the hose on the brass fitting just cant get it far enough on and clamp gets stuck.

appreciate any help anyone can provide.

thanks!

bruce

 

I found putting a bit of liquid soap (only a smear) helps to fit them. You only want a really little smear.

 

I used a very small amount of wd40 per my mechanic but it did not work either. It just seems either the rubber pipe gauge is too thick or the firewall side of the brass radiator connector does not have enough clearance. Maybe I should order a thinner hose that has the anti-collapsing wiring inside? I've spent hours under the car today trying to get it to work 😳

 

Sometimes it's just a matter of getting the right angle. It's a very awkward spot to get any leverage. I found it you can get it started at the top and then rock it down that works, rather than trying to push it on square. Also a little bit of rubber safe lubricant works wonders.

 

Likewise.

I used Silicone Spray, way more slippery than WD40, which can become tacky when on rubber.

Some replacement hoses are thicker in the wall section, so a slightly larger clamp is needed, but I always fit new clamps, so no big deal.

Suggestion:

Take that hose, sit down in a comfy chair, place your thumbs etc inside that hose and "work" the rubber in a stretching pattern. You wont get much, and your hands will ache, but it has worked for me a few times. Then I ditched the fans and went Efans on all the V12's, much more room, and I really have forgotten how hard that damn hose is to fit.

 

Ahhh, your post, bbourbon, brought back painful memories of my dealings with leaking radiator and replacing all radiator hoses. That lower right (or left -- if looking from driver's seat) is a real PITA! I remember swearing like hell when dealing with that hose. It took quite an effort. Some flexing (like Grant suggested) in addition to some back-and-forth rocking (like jagboi64 suggested). Just do what you have to do. It is a pain. But you will get there eventually

 

PITA, yes.


Orientation of the hose clamp makes a difference as well....although I can't remember which way is preferable. By the time you're done with this job you want to forge the whole experience


Cheers
DD

 

A little smear of grease round the brass spigot works well for me, and a bit on the hose too, if needed.
Greg

 

If it were me I wouldn't go for a thinner hose , there are cheaper hoses that happen to be thinner , but there is a fair pressure build up in the bottom hose .I have changed the bottom hose with all four wheels on the ground soaped up the hose and my head to get it under the spoiler . If I remember correctly I placed the clamp on the radiator spigot first and then put the hose on .

 

+1 what john1949 said about the hose clamp on the radiator first, then fit hose. I used a heat gun inside the hose but a hair dryer will work too. Just carefully heat up from the inside out but not burn the rubber. Then apply some lube inside the hose and on the radiator.
A little bit of crown and coke makes the job a little less painful though.

 

Worth noting when doing this bottom hose is one of the timing cover bolt heads and it's proximity to the hose at the bend. I have found if the hose is not on both ends all the way it can result in a slight bias towards the front of the motor and the hose can make just a very gentle contact with the bolt head.