1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 6cyl, 4l

I'm replacing my radiator, and I've removed the old one. Have not started putting in the new one yet. Inside the radiator hose that connects to the bottom corner of the rad I found a metal coil spring, about 5" long. Do I need to put this back in the hose before I install the new rad? Why is it in the hose? Thanks!

 

Mine had one in it aswell. I think its meant to keep the lower hose from collapsing and blocking flow to the engine under certain conditions. Leave it in there. Worked fine with it so why possibly mess up something.

 

yes you need it, put it back in.

 

You need the spring. It's there to keep the hose from collapsing if the pump sucks too much coolant from the bottom of the rad at once.

 

How can you procure a spring for your lower rad hose if you do not currently have one? Is the dealership the only way?

 

Find a hobby store or nice hardware store and get a length of "Piano Wire". Wrap around something that matches the ID of the rad hose. Install. Bonus if you can find stainless piano wire.

After scouring the net for about 10 minutes, they ARE for sale on performance sites. Or, just make your own.

 

The springs purpose is to prevent the hose from kinking at the bend, just swap the old spring to the new hose, you'll be just fine.

 

Cool, thank you.

 

Note: While it certainly doesn't hurt to have the spring for an added protection from collapsing, most newer hoses are molded with a process that makes them stiff enough that they no longer require a spring. If your hose didn't come with one it likely doesn't need it, but if you have a factory spring in good condition it can't hurt to swap it in or if you just want the "peace of mind" of having the spring in there.