Spring in radiator hose

Graveyard1984 · Jun 2, 2018

I am changing the radiator hoses on my tractor upper and lower both have springs in them.
The new hoses dont have them.
What is the purpose of the springs?
Do I need to put them in my new hoses?

Thanks

CCer · Jun 2, 2018

They are in there to keep the hose form collapsing (going shut) if the water pump has plenty of "draw" on it. I would re-install the springs.

Dollar Bill · Jun 2, 2018

As CCer indicated the springs are to prevent hose from collapsing and are usually found only on the suction side of the water pump which is normally the bottom hose. My opinion only but the springs are not required on the top hose (pressure side).

Try to collapse the new bottom hose with your fingers as better quality hoses have the spring made inside the wall.

Additionally, the exposed springs will rust through over time - Much faster if you don't use antifreeze or water pump lubricant.

MarkB_MI · Jun 2, 2018

Certainly put the one back in the lower hose. Replacement hoses generally don't include the springs, but they are important.

Texasmark1 · Jun 2, 2018

The hoses are soft and if the thermostat isn't open and the water pump is turning at a high rate of speed, a vacuum exists on the pump inlet side of the closed loop circuit. Being a soft hose without the spring it would collapse. Usually the lower hose is the only one that uses one as the top hose is the outlet where the vacuum doesn't exist. Never saw one in any equipment of any kind, water cooled.

Texasmark1 · Jun 2, 2018

Or if the thermostat is open and the pump is turning/trying to pump, more volume than the resistance of the block and radiator and all will let flow at the pump's desired rate, the vacuum/partial vacuum/hose collapsing would exist. If it collapses you close off what flow you have and just make the vacuum that much more intense.

Obviously I have nothing to do this morning and like doing crossword puzzles, this keeps the old brain functioning.......I think!

john in la · Jun 2, 2018

First off it is not a spring.
It is a coil of wire.
Has no spring properties to it.

Now that we got that out the way.
You mostly see the wire in one size fits all hoses with the ridges on the outside.
It prevents the hose from kinking when you bend it to much.

In pre molded hoses it will only be in the bottom hose.
It is there to extend the life or compensate for cheap rubber in the hose.
It prevents the hose from collapsing while under a vacuum of the pump running and thermostat closed.
The older the hose gets the more likely it is to collapse.
If you have good quality pre molded hoses and change them regularly the wire is not needed.

I do not know if I would want to use the wire out of the old hose in a new hose anyway.
They do rust out and if a piece breaks off it could ruin your water pump.
If you feel you need the wire buy a new hose with new wire in it.

mmfan55 · Jun 2, 2018

As all have said: wire is to prevent collapse. Smooth hose is a good precaution to have wire. If replacement hose is made with "ridges": not so necessary

DoubleO7 · Jun 2, 2018

I never use a "universal hose", I do not want the resistance-to- bend to be imposing any side forces on the rad inlet or outlet.

jeffcat · Jun 2, 2018

Mark has it right. Put them into your replacement hoses.

Spring in radiator hose

Graveyard1984

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CCer

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Dollar Bill

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MarkB_MI

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Texasmark1

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Texasmark1

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john in la

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mmfan55

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DoubleO7

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jeffcat

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