flexible radiator hose?

Question

I just installed a napa (upper) flexible radiator hose on my 1995 toyota pickup (NOT tacoma).

Because this hose is flexible, it gives me the impression that it is a little "flimsy", and makes me a little nervous.

Is this a good, or bad choice for a "bone stock" daily driver? Is this type (flexible) only meant for race applications?

The reason I went with a flexible radiator hose, is because with the rigid hose, when I rev my engine, the hose pulls on the radiator, causing (over a few months) the seem around the upper inlet (on the radiator)to separate.Because of this, I have gone through three (warrantied-THANK GOD!!) radiators.I also went with a radiator that recognizes this (what I call a design flaw) in the radiator, and therefore reinforced the seem around the upper inlet.

I have read/been told that the radiator seem separating is a common issue with toyota pick ups.


I have changed out both my motor mounts, and my transmission mount.

Should I go back with the "rigid" radiato

Answer 1

you can go back 2 a ridgid hose if u want,to be honest the only thing you can do is get a hose,ridgid or flexible,with a thick wall,beef up ur mountings because this sounds like a toyota design problem,hope it helps

Answer 2

Heck no leave the flex hose on. You've already gone through a ton of radiators be sure you have a genuine new Toyota radiator pressure cap in case excess pressure is splitting the radiators. I'd be really skeptical of any motor rocking an excess amount when you goose the throttle. Make sure the motor mount rubber is at least as hard as new stock Toyota mounts.

Answer 3

that one should be fine,you shouldn't have any problems from that one,id try it and see if it lasted,by changing the mounts you probably cured the problem of it popping hoses,but it should be fine now,those hoses work and last as good as the others do,good luck with it.