top radiator hose

[MikeP]

so i bought this hose from walcks thinking it was the right one also got the lower to havnt tested that 1 yet but im not sure as i put in where it goes but it horribly doesnt fit did i buy the wrong 1 or do i need to trim alot of it etc


https://walcks4wd.com/hose-inlet-radiator-side-mount.html

[Rus Curtis]

Mike,
I'm out of my element on flat heads but I do work better with pictures.  Here's an image from the CJ3B Page of an original 3A:



Initially, it looks the same as the Walck's hose.  If your thermostat housing is pointed correctly, I'd suggest slipping it on that fitting first then drape it over the top of your radiator to see if it aligns with the top radiator hose fitting.  If so, it may just need cutting.  Try this by trail fitting each end to see if one way has a better angle than the other. 

After all that, hopefully a 3A owner, that actually knows, will chime in with the correct information...

[MikeP]

ya it looks just like that however i will test fit it soon and ill prolly have to cut to fit

[Rus Curtis]

Hope that's all it is.  Just be sure not to cut too short.  I align and push the hose back about 1/2" before marking where the fitting contacts the radiator.

The worst is cutting and finding out you have to pull/stretch to get it on the fitting!

you can always trim more if needed.

[athawk11]

Some 3As were equipped with bottom mount radiators. This is particularly true during early production, but the bottom mount style also shows up sporadically throughout 3A production.�

It appears to me that the top radiator hose on a bottom mount radiator style is shorter and doesn't have as much of a bend as the side mount radiator style.

These are my 3As.� Both have bottom mount radiators.� Is your radiator side mount or bottom mount?

[MikeP]

best pics i can do atm also noticed you have the oil filters on the block and i dont i had a pump for the plow do i need that filter?

[Rus Curtis]

This is good info!  You may now have your answer!

[MikeP]

this is my hose attempting a test fit

[Rus Curtis]

I think a 3A owner will probably be able to answer more effectively, but based on comparing the image I provided of Caprio's 3A (radiator w/ straight fitting) and the images provided by athawk11 and you (radiator w/ angled fitting) you may be better off with a hose that is straighter than the one you have.  It seems that even after cutting to length, it would have too much pressure against the molded bend and may restrict or leak.

I've conversed with Walck's multiple times about how a "correct part" didn't fit but found a part they say isn't correct would fit better. 

[SteveKfl]

Have you tried to reverse the molded-form-end to the Therm housing end, using the bend to change "downward" to it instead of a "turn", or even a turn at the cast housing instead of the thinner radiator tube?  I agree with Russ, the 'stress' at the radiator with a 'forced alignment bend' may cause hose cracks prematurely, or maybe even at the radiator inlet solder joint.  Good Luck.

[mtnman37879]

I too had an alignment problem. I used Stainless flex hose. worked great.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/48-Stainless-Steel-Radiator-Flexible-Coolant-Water-Hose-Kit-W-Caps-Universal/113341597364?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D48f0b914aaa343398c9b2d87942e0069%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D183607692315%26itm%3D113341597364%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

[athawk11]

Your radiator is a side mount.� This throws out my theory that the hose for each style radiator may be different.� The hose on the green engine in my photo is what was found on it when I bought the Jeep.� It is not likely original, but may be close to what an original hose was like.� The hose on the red engine was purchased from RFJP.� It is a straight hose.� It fits just fine.

Based on your photo showing the angles on the thermostat housing and radiator neck, a straight hose is a better choice for you.

Edit: I want to add that Walck's is a very good vendor.� I have purchased more from them than all other Willys vendors combined, but they can make mistakes on occasion.� The hose they sent you is way out of spec.� It might fit better on some other Willys vehicle.

[1955CJ-5]

I have the same hose on my side mount as Tim has on his bottom mount.

I don't remember where i got it but Ron Fitzpatrick is a possibility.

Here is a picture with makers name and part number...you might be able to cross reference it...