Upper Rad hose normally "loose"
 

I installed my new hoses tonight on the '83 300SD...got them from Phil.

The upper hose was pretty loose fitting on both ends. Easily slipped on - much looser than the lower hose.

I haven't run it yet. Just wonder if this is normal for the Benz (it is my first). The clamps are nice and snug...:D

thanks,

Tim

Yes they usually slip on pretty easily, especially flexible new hoses.....be sure to add enough coolant into the system and make sure all of it is flowing ok (monitor the engine temp closely at first....sometimes an air lock can form)

Thanks!

I actually chaged out the hoses during my 5th drain/re-fill with distilled water. I have new G-05 waiting to go in. It is clear (at least it looks that way to my color-deficient eyes) and the coolant in the car at purchase is (was) green. So I am making sure to get every last trace of the green out of the system before adding the new coolant.

I was pleased to not find much sediment in the system upon draining. Even with good previous maintenance, you never know what you are going to find in a 24 year old system!

Drove her 12 miles to work this morning and all is good.

edit: now that I have poured the G-05 in I see it is not really clear...just wanted to "clarify"....hehe, no pun intended.

TIm

The new upper hoses are certified POS. Whether aftermarket from Phil or from the dealer, the new hose is about 1/2 the thickness of the original factory hose. It's so bad that you'll probably notice a small kink on the underside of the hose where it makes the bend and connects to the thermostat housing. The hose lacks sufficient rigidity to make that bend without a small kink.

I was so disappointed on the quality of this hose that I returned both the aftermarket hose and the dealer hose and reinstalled the 20 year hose. It's actually in better shape after 20 years than the brand new hoses that you get today. Sad commentary.