Lower Radiator Hose Number

[Christopher K.]

I'm replacing the radiator hoses on my '72 Lt-1 a/c car. I believe the correct lower hose is 3946854 JQ AU.

The numbers on the current lower radiator hose are AU R3 030591 AL.
Before I toss it, does anyone have any info on this number?

Thanks for the help

[Joe L.]

Re: Lower Radiator Hose Number

I'm replacing the radiator hoses on my '72 Lt-1 a/c car. I believe the correct lower hose is 3946854 JQ AU.

The numbers on the current lower radiator hose are AU R3 030591 AL.
Before I toss it, does anyone have any info on this number?

Thanks for the help

Chris------


I would say it's some aftermarket replacement hose. 030591 is not a GM part number.

[Christopher K.]

Re: Lower Radiator Hose Number

Thank you Joe, for the fast reply.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Lower Radiator Hose Number

Chris------


I would say it's some aftermarket replacement hose. 030591 is not a GM part number.

It may be a date code for March 5, 1991.

[Terry M.]

Re: Lower Radiator Hose Number

I'm replacing the radiator hoses on my '72 Lt-1 a/c car. I believe the correct lower hose is 3946854 JQ AU.

The numbers on the current lower radiator hose are AU R3 030591 AL.
Before I toss it, does anyone have any info on this number?

Thanks for the help

Am I the only one who thinks the fact that both hoses have the AU code may be significant? But then perhaps they are both from the same manufacturer.

[Joe L.]

Re: Lower Radiator Hose Number

Am I the only one who thinks the fact that both hoses have the AU code may be significant? But then perhaps they are both from the same manufacturer.

Terry------

"AU" is the GM broadcast code for the hose. However, sometimes aftermarket manufacturers will use the code to help identify the application of the hose. Here's why: there are only a limited number of molded radiator hose manufacturers. These manufacturers supply hoses to both the OEM's as well as the aftermarket. When the cars are young, there may actually be a difference between the hoses they supply to the OEM's for PRODUCTION or SERVICE and the ones they supply to the aftermarket. However, as time goes on and sales volume drops off precipitously, they consolidate and the same part is supplied to both the OEM's (assuming they choose to continue supplying a particular hose in SERVICE, at all) and the aftermarket. They can't apply the GM part number to the hose they sell in the aftermarket, though, so that marking is deleted from aftermarket hoses. The broadcast code can be used and helps identify the application. The same thing often holds true for aftermarket radiators which often display the original broadcast codes but, in this case, are not otherwise the same as the OEM radiators.

[Christopher K.]

Re: Lower Radiator Hose Number

Am I the only one who thinks the fact that both hoses have the AU code may be significant? But then perhaps they are both from the same manufacturer.

Terry,That AU did catch my eye...Thank you for explaining it, Joe