Lower Radiator Hose Clearance

[Chris 69]

I put a new lower radiator hose on my '68 Charger 383 and it fits snuggly against the oil filter.

Is this common or should there be an air gap between the two?

Thanks,

Chris

[resq302]

Chris, I have always had a very tight clearence with my lower rad hose in my 69 Charger with the 383.  Kinda makes you wonder why they put the oil filter there as when you remove it, the oil goes all over the K-frame also.

[bill440rt]

Chis,
I have 440's in both my '68 & '70 Chargers. on my '70, the hose touches the filter. On my '68, there is a little bit of clearance. Why, I don't know. Same engines, same rad's, same repro filers, etc. 

[8WHEELER]

I have cut 1/2in to an inch off of the bottom hose as it goes into the bottom of the water pump.
This can give you a little room so that the hose is not touching the filter. But it still can be close
I would prefer its not touching though.

Dan

[Chris 69]

Thanks for the responses. I am just worried that the excessive temperatures and the contact between the two parts may cause the hose to rupture over a period of time.

Chris

[voodoo]

I wouldn't worry too much, I'd think the filter would would suffer more than the hose but hopefully your changing that often,Just keep an eye on it periodically and if your really worried about it slip a little lithium grease or vaseline between the two and roll on.