Lower Rad Hose Keeps Leaking

skloon · Post by **skloon** » 28 Jan 2018, 13:40

I found the cheap ass URO hoses leak really quickly I just got some continentals from ROckauto and will see how they work

Post by **nickelghandi** » 29 Jan 2018, 06:05

I see you already purchased a hose, but...

Two words: Silicone Hoses

I switched to silicone radiator hoses and have done expansion tank hoses now with it too. I had a bad lower leak from a basically brand new hose from O'Reilly auto parts. I would leave streams of coolant and had to carry a gallon everywhere so I could make it home.

I purchased IPD hoses for the expansion tank and Mishimoto hoses for the radiator. The Mishimoto hoses were $30 cheaper on Amazon and had free two-day shipping. I am actually more impressed with the Mishimoto hoses than the IPD hoses. The IPD ones are really soft and if you tighten clamps too much they will tear. The Mishimoto ones are harder and seem more durable.

For some reason Silicone just seals better. Maybe it is the softer material, or maybe it is the way it reacts to heat. Either way, the silicone hoses are better than any new rubber hoses I have ever installed. I want to see how long they last before I can say for sure, but they are cheaper than OEM and seem better already. If you can afford it, go with silicone hoses the next time you need a replacement.