Question on install silicone radiator hoses?

[TexasChuck]

Just how big of a mess is the fluid draining when I remove the hoses, am I going to have. Should the bottom cover be removed? Is there a drain valve down there? Any little things I should be aware of?
Thanks,
Chuck

[kenchan]

should be easy to do, if you have a lisle funnel that you can burp your cooling system after the swap.

otherwise your car could sound like you're bathing at niagara or something. lol

[kenchan]

i have something like this.

Lisle 24610 Spill-Free Funnel : Amazon.com : Automotive

unlike my G, i dont think the 370z has a vent release hole on the hose

[onzedge]

Originally Posted by TexasChuck

Just how big of a mess is the fluid draining when I remove the hoses, am I going to have. Should the bottom cover be removed? Is there a drain valve down there? Any little things I should be aware of?
Thanks,
Chuck

Take the bottom pan off first, position a pan under the radiator, remove the clamp from the lower hose and let the coolant drain. Remove both caps to help the process along. No big deal.

[kenchan]

diy: take car to shop, wait, pay, before/after picts.

[chops]

Originally Posted by onzedge

Take the bottom pan off first, position a pan under the radiator, remove the clamp from the lower hose and let the coolant drain. Remove both caps to help the process along. No big deal.

dont remove the lower hose clamp first. use the drain valve on the passenger side. after all the fluid is out (itll take 10min), you can remove the lower rad hose on the driver side. you will make a complete mess if you remove the lower hose before draining the radiator

[onzedge]

Originally Posted by chops

dont remove the lower hose clamp first. use the drain valve on the passenger side. after all the fluid is out (itll take 10min), you can remove the lower rad hose on the driver side. you will make a complete mess if you remove the lower hose before draining the radiator

Oops -- I missed the part about the drain. It serves me right -- tryong to post intelligently when I am in a rusk.

Chops is right.

[TexasChuck]

Thanks, I'm done.

[gomer_110]

Originally Posted by chops

dont remove the lower hose clamp first. use the drain valve on the passenger side. after all the fluid is out (itll take 10min), you can remove the lower rad hose on the driver side. you will make a complete mess if you remove the lower hose before draining the radiator

Originally Posted by onzedge

Oops -- I missed the part about the drain. It serves me right -- tryong to post intelligently when I am in a rusk.

Chops is right.

Make sure you take the "radiator" cap off when using the drain valve. Otherwise the coolant doesn't drain properly. Also even after you've used the drain valve there's still going to be some coolant (not much) in the lower hose.

As far as a funnel for refilling, you can just cut the top off a 2L bottle. It is the perfect size for the Z.

[TexasChuck]

These silicone radiator hoses came from Z1 Motorsports. Hundred bucks! And the upper hose could not, would not, be forced over the engine fitting nipple. Heated it, lubed it, beveled the inside edge. Checked the forum, others had the same problem .
Heated (boiling water) again, and again. Still would not go. BUT, the lower hose could be pushed onto the same nipple without any real effort. I'm screwed.

[kenchan]

Originally Posted by TexasChuck

Thanks, I'm done.

done as in you gave up or....?

[kenchan]

kenchan see post above your post..

[TexasChuck]

Well, I hate to admitted it , BUT, while heating the end of the upper hose for the third time, the side of the hose came in contact with the steel pan, and burned a hole thru the side. So.... Ruined the top hose. I used the bottom hose on the top, ( it does fit over the engine nipple ). Cut the length to fit. Seems to be okay. Not "form fitted", but no kinks and looks okay . I am a little concerned about heat issues and break down, since it is not "the form fitted hose", so I'd like some input on that.
Thanks

[chops]

Originally Posted by TexasChuck

Well, I hate to admitted it , BUT, while heating the end of the upper hose for the third time, the side of the hose came in contact with the steel pan, and burned a hole thru the side. So.... Ruined the top hose. I used the bottom hose on the top, ( it does fit over the engine nipple ). Cut the length to fit. Seems to be okay. Not "form fitted", but no kinks and looks okay . I am a little concerned about heat issues and break down, since it is not "the form fitted hose", so I'd like some input on that.
Thanks

id shoot the Z1 guys a call/email or PM. its unacceptable for silicone radiator hoses to not fit perfectly. they are so simple to mold and form, no one should get them wrong!!

[DEpointfive0]

I bought my upper one from eBay because I couldn't fathom paying like $115 for one hose. Worked and fit fine