C1 heater hose to core copper 90 tube

[Bob B.]

Hi all,

I am installing the heater in my '60. The heater hose from the water pump connects to a smaller piece of hose that goes into the heater core via a 90-degree copper tube. The copper tube looks like it is all 1/2-inch OD from one end to nearly the other. At one end, the 1/2" has been expanded to maybe 5/8. This is so the large heater hose can be adapted down to the smaller piece of heater hose that goes into the core.

My question is do I have the correct piece? If so, how in the world does the 1/2" tube with no ridge, rim, or anything keep from pulling out of the hose? I put the hose on it with an RC 15 clamp and the clam was very tight. Yet I can still pull the tube right out of the hose. I would be afraid to use it like this.

Thanks,

Bob

[John O.]

Re: C1 heater hose to core copper 90 tube

Hi Bob

I had the same problem with the 90 degree elbow. I even ordered a new one thinking mine was not correct. It's the same. Since I have spent alot of money restoring my 62, I did not want to chance a leak, so I just used a regular screw type clamp for that elbow.I believe that the original hose may have been a smaller diameter.I think what I will try is, on the extra elbow I have, is try to expand the smaller end so it fits tighter.Hopefully it will work.

Good luck............John

[John M.]

Re: C1 heater hose to core copper 90 tube

Bob,

The elbow is as you describe. Many vendors sell an elbow that is smooth where the hose goes on, and this fitting is a recipe for leaks. The correct elbow will have a rolled bead on each end like the neck on a radiator to assure good sealing. I know that Paragon was selling the correct elbow last time I bought one. The smooth end one that a lot of vendors sell, is nothing but a common copper Street-L that you can pick up at any plumbing supply for less than a buck. If you want to use the original Corbin calmps, you can almost assure a leak with the smooth end fitting.

Regards, John McGraw

[Kent D.]

Re: C1 heater hose to core copper 90 tube

On my '60 I glue all the hoses on with gasket sealer and use the corbin clamps. No leaks.

[Bob Simard]

C1 heater hose to core copper 90 tube

What I did to solve the problem was to use plumbing solder and flux to place a bead of solder around each end of the copper street ell. This provides the equivalent of a rolled edge and keeps the clamp on. I used worm style clamps since my car is a driver and will not be judged. So far no leaks.

[John H.]

Re: C1 heater hose to core copper 90 tube

The correct elbow is 5/8" on one end and 3/4" on the other (to match the correct hose diameters), and has a rolled retention bead at both ends; Paragon has them.