BUSTED Upper Radiator Hose

[Supermike]

Not sure why, but my upper radiator hose gave up the ghost on me tonight. Engine pressure was fine (or appeared to be), and I've checked the hose several times and it has felt flexible. But a nice split appeared in it tonight on a 2-minute drive, and it sprayed coolant all over my engine compartment.

SO... I can't afford to be out of commission long. This may come across as a dumb question, but ... Is this as simple as going to get a new hose from O'Reilly or NAPA and replacing it? I don't have to do any hocus pocus to remove air or anything like that, do it??

Also, does anyone know if a particular brand or type from a particular store (autozone, napa, oreilly) works better than others?

THANKS!!

[Supermike]

Thanks ToughOldFord!! Appreciate the advice... I didn't think it was brain surgery, but wanted to make sure I didn't get myself into a pickle.

I'm going to try and replace it in the morning... and then head to a car wash with a few plastic grocery sacks and hose off the engine compartment. haha!

[fordman]

gates make good hoses. the parts stores all should have gates belts and hoses.

[ToughOldFord]

No problem. Fordman's right too, Gates is good stuff also. I just don't see them much out here anymore.

[fordman]

gates has a plant 60 miles south of me. i think they only make belts at that plant but i dont know for sure.

[fordman]

i have one of the gates flex hoses on my truck.

[george worley]

I have used flex hose they last as long or longer than the moulded one,they same like their thicker.

[cep62]

The problem with a flex hose is it can put tension on the radiator fittings, and weaken the solder joints.

[fordman]

the better molded hoses should have a spring inside of them. to stop collapse of the hose.

[cmoore]

I just had the same issue with my '70 (360 ci). I got the "Hecho en Mexico" hoses and they seem OK. The original one that blew (possibly a Gates) had a stiffening spring that had rusted out in it. I did an entire flush (vinegar)/refill just to be certain. The vinegar broke loose a lot of crap after about a 20 minute cook cycle...

Regards...

Chris