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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Radiator Hoses

Has anyone modified the bottom hose on a 1275 to make it easier to remove and refit? I have recently had real problems releasing the hose at the bottom. A chepo jubilee clip (yes I am ashamed for using an unbranded one) would not release at the pump. It just clicked as I turned the screw. I was unable to remove the hose at the top and couldn't twist it to release it at the bottom. I have had the radiator out before and know what a nightmare it can be pushing the bottom of the hose over the radiator stub. I wonder if a 90 deg metal bend with a short rubber hose would help. You would then be able to put some force into the hose to push it over the stub.


Jan T
J Targosz

Having had the radiator in and out over the last week I can vouch for what a pain it is . I always seem to resort to sliding a screwdriver or similar up inside the hose and levering it off which doesn’t seem ideal . I found warming the hose up with a heat gun to get it off and using washing up liquid really helped getting it back on .
Mike Fairclough

I have the cross flow rad and yes the bottom hose is a pain.
I replaced the hose with a Samco silicon hose and it’s much easier to fit as it’s so more flexible can’t remember where I bought it now but will try and look it up.

R.
richard b

Having both, I find the vertical flow rad much harder. But then like Richard, I have Samco silicon hoses on the later car. Daniel Stapleton got a batch made up specially and I ordered a set from him. Perhaps, Richard, that's where yours came from too?
GuyW

Guy.
Do you know if Daniel has any sets of silicone hoses left? I could do with a black top hose for my mk3 Sprite, but would be willing to buy a full set it they are available.
Bernie.
b higginson

I've no idea Bernie. It was a good while ago. Maybe 15 years?!
GuyW

Moss have a sale on currently.
Their silicone hose sets look decent value (£56 and £69) but the Samco crossflow are expensive.
https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?search_group=8991&q=silicone+hoses
Jeremy MkIII

Jeremy. I just looked on the Moss site and The down flow sets are now on back order. Some people must have steamed in and bought them up.
Bernie.
b higginson

Guy,
No Daniel didn’t do the bottom hose.
ISTR it might have been Merlin motor sport at Castle Coombe and it was a 135 degree and I had to cut one leg shorter.
Mine unfortunately is Samco blue - they now do black but some are made to order.

The two I got from Daniel were shiney black.

R.
richard b

This thread was discussed between 20/01/2024 and 21/01/2024

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