is there any way to change that three inch hose that goes from the water pump to the head without having to pull the water pump? thank goodness it's a 225 and not the little one. they're even shorter. what a great design feature!

also, is there any special type of hose that lasts longer?

It is easier to pull the water pump ans get a full piece of hose on (too bad you aren't in Oregon I have several sets of WP gaskets left over from engine rebuild kits...). I have gotten away with using a slightly smaller length of hose and putting a little lube around the lips of the hose and wrangling it into place...but for the effort of that cheat, you'll be pulling the pump anyway if it doesn't seal right...

-D.Idiot

After you cut a new hose you can force a bend in the hose with a screwdriver, it is not fun but can be done.

Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

I've done it a few times. In fact I prefer to do it that way. I tried it the other way - the hose always ended up a bit too long or too short and the water pump bolt holes wouldn't align right. Once the pump is on you can cut the hose to length with precision. The key like DI pointed to is getting the barbs slippery. I used some silicon brake grease lube on both the barbs. Petroleum lube may degrade water hose rubber. Put the head side on first since that barb is longer. That way you won't have to bend it as much to get it on the water pump side.

Leave the clamps off so they are out of the way when installing. Put them on afterwards.

went by o'reilly's last night on the way home. they DO have silicone water hoses, so i'm going to replace the heater hoses at the same time. i didn't want to get the wrong size since they are pricey (it looks like it has two different sizes. is that correct, or an optical illusion?).

my heater hoses say MOPAR and have the bent wire clamps...

Make sure you get the correct gear clamps for silicone hose. These clamps have a shield inside the band that keeps the hose from squeezing through the holes.

wow! thanks for the good tip!

hi sl6 sages- flexing the hose and lubing the nipples with a non reactive grease is good. only think i would add is precisely measure the hose piece so it has no shortage or excess when you fit it on the pump and head and make flexing the hose easier by putting it in hot water for a few minutes before installation(expands hose and makes it much less stiff). regards and give em L . paladin