Radiator hose sleeves / coil

[johnny42]

Replacing my radiator hoses (Napa 7733) on my 1983 GL1100 Interstate (original 36 year old ones). They have these steel coil wraps that slip on and off. I can not get the upper hose onto the water pump piece with the coil in place. I've struggled for hours trying different things. Not looking for advice on how to make it work unless you have a foolproof, easy method. (I think if I cut some of the coil to make it shorter, I might be able to get it on), but before I bother with that.....

My question is, how important are these steel wraps? Cars and trucks don't have them. This upper hose is well protected and buried in the fairing, etc. The lower one seems more vulnerable and I have that one in place. Looking for opinions. Thanks!

[JSBail]

I used the NAPA hoses on my 83 with the steel coils from the old hoses but I don't recall having a problem getting the hoses on, I may have cut them a bit but I just don't remember. The purpose of the coils is to keep the hose from wanting to kink, I've never seen them on upper rad hose on cars or trucks but I have seen them on lower automotive rad hoses, the difference was that the coil on those slipped inside the hose rather than outside. The purpose they served was to keep the lower rad hose from collapsing due to the suction caused by the water pump sucking the coolant back in. I've seen a lot of overheating issues on cars/trucks caused by that coil not being there which allowed that lower rad hose to collapse which of course restricted the coolant flow and sent coolant temps up.

[Track T 2411]

I wouldn't say the coils are absolutely necessary, but I have always reused them. I've had good luck attaching stubborn hoses by attaching them before I have the radiator fully in place and mounted. This allows for some additional wiggle room. I also recall having to remove and redo one because I didn't plan which direction the hose clamp was facing, and access is tight. YMMV... Good luck!

[5speed]

loosen the rad and tilt the top out towards the front wheel.

[chewy999]

One of the few things I've never had a problem with. The upper hose can be tight, but you can compress the coil and hold it back out of the way, and lube the hose with washing up liquid to make it easier to slide on. As has been said, take your time to make sure the clamp is positioned on correctly so you don't have to take it off again.

[johnny42]

Thanks for the input all. Before quitting for the day yesterday, I removed the coil and placed the hose properly which was easy. Today, I decided to try it again with the coil on. Boom! All good. My theory is that letting the hose spend a night in the correct position pre-shaped it properly. Today, it was a different beast and cooperated nicely.

[chewy999]

Thanks for the input all. Before quitting for the day yesterday, I removed the coil and placed the hose properly which was easy. Today, I decided to try it again with the coil on. Boom! All good. My theory is that letting the hose spend a night in the correct position pre-shaped it properly. Today, it was a different beast and cooperated nicely.

Glad you got it sorted.

[Sidecar Bob]

FWIW, when mine got rusty I tried painting them and when that peeled I left them off.