Radiator hose install

[billyjakester]

2000 Valk Std.  Does anyone have any suggestions for easing the installation of the upper hose?

The hose took some time to push onto the thermostat body, but the radiator connection is much worse.  Verified with micro-fisch I do have the correct hose, but it is really a battle to get it onto the radiator.  To make matters worse, the radiator neck and side chrome cover don't offer good hand holds while trying to force the hose onto the radiator top connection.  I've bulled the hose about half way onto the connection, but still have at least 1/2" more travel and don't seem to be making any headway.

thanx,
bill

[Challenger]

Take one hair dryer (borrowed from wife) warm hose till soft, wipe some dish washing soap (also borrowed from wife) in the hose, easy on the soap, install hose.

[Madmike]

... a little lubrication may help.... try antifreeze or dish soap.....

[John Schmidt]

Any time you're trying to move rubber(or plastic) against metal, just spray a mixture of water/rubbing alcohol on the surfaces. Some inside the hose, some on the neck in this case. It will slip right on, the alcohol will evaporate and leave no residue. If you have it half way, slip a small shafted screwdriver in between the hose and neck and squirt some mixture in there. Then grab a channel lock pliers and work the hose back and forth in a slight twisting motion while also pulling toward the radiator. Should go on rather easy.

I use the alky trick any time I'm running wires through an insulating tube, literally any time I want something to move smoothly through a tight space. I used it in great quantities when changing the plug wires for new and used the OEM boots. Wires came out and the new back in slick as greased owl....well, you get the idea.    It's something my grandad showed me over 60 years ago and I never forgot it.

[fordmano]

+1 on the Alcohol trick,,


Use it all the time with dirtbike grips also no glue just clean both inside of the grip and the outside of the bar end and leave a little Alcohol on both then Wooops slipped right on, then rotate it how you want it and leave for a day or two so it drys completly.. works everytime so far.