[sjz]

Back in August when I did my first oil change at ~450 miles, I noticed that the lower radiator hose was rubbing against the front edge of the aluminum alternator bracket. There was already a small wear line in the hose. I placed some self stick foam between the hose and the bracket.
Today, when I changed the oil (2900 miles), I made it a point to check the hose. Unfortunately, my repair foam was gone, and there was now an even larger groove (at arrow) in the hose. I got out my die grinder with burr bit and ground off the edge, as depicted by the red lines (I didn't take pictures today, this is from August). Since I only ground off approximately 1/8" of material & kept it smooth, I'm not worried about cracks or weakening of the bracket (which, btw is supported on the other side as well). I also used a metal plate as a shield while burring so as not to put a hole in the hose. The hose no longer contacted the bracket, but I was concerned that it may when it swells under pressure. I took a piece of old 2" ID radiator hose, cut it to about 4" long, put a slit in it, and secured it as a sleeve over the lower hose at the wear point using nylon tie straps. The sleeve is large enough that the straps do not contact the hose. This should solve the problem, but I'll check it at the next change.
This problem may be unique to my particular car (function of exactly where the radiator was mounted, exactly how the hose was attached, etc.) but it may be prudent to check your vehicles.
-Steve

 

[II kings 9:20]

Great pick up, I'll make sure I check mine next oil change or when the hose ruptures whichever comes first.

 

[chasb]

Which car

Steve is this an SRT 8 or a 5.7?

Chas

Back in August when I did my first oil change at ~450 miles, I noticed that the lower radiator hose was rubbing against the front edge of the aluminum alternator bracket. There was already a small wear line in the hose. I placed some self stick foam between the hose and the bracket.
Today, when I changed the oil (2900 miles), I made it a point to check the hose. Unfortunately, my repair foam was gone, and there was now an even larger groove (at arrow) in the hose. I got out my die grinder with burr bit and ground off the edge, as depicted by the red lines (I didn't take pictures today, this is from August). Since I only ground off approximately 1/8" of material & kept it smooth, I'm not worried about cracks or weakening of the bracket (which, btw is supported on the other side as well). I also used a metal plate as a shield while burring so as not to put a hole in the hose. The hose no longer contacted the bracket, but I was concerned that it may when it swells under pressure. I took a piece of old 2" ID radiator hose, cut it to about 4" long, put a slit in it, and secured it as a sleeve over the lower hose at the wear point using nylon tie straps. The sleeve is large enough that the straps do not contact the hose. This should solve the problem, but I'll check it at the next change.
This problem may be unique to my particular car (function of exactly where the radiator was mounted, exactly how the hose was attached, etc.) but it may be prudent to check your vehicles.
-Steve

 

[sjz]

Steve is this an SRT 8 or a 5.7?

Chas

Sorry, Chas. I have the 6.1, but my guess is the 5.7 would be the same.
-Steve

 

[kevenj]

thanks for the heads up. I've had to put similar protective sleeves over hoses in tight areas of other cars. the hose should not swell much even under pressure untill it's old and ready to burst anyway...... like in 10 years or so.... but the sleeve made of an old hose is a sure cure.

 

[Rich]

Thanks take an old radiator hose and slice it and fit it in between the hose and bracket. You may need to put some slits in and use a nylon tie down to keep it secure. :banana:

 

[WhiteDiamond]

I am checking ours in a few minutes. If it is the same, it is headed to the dealer. They need to know about it and they need to come up with a fix!!! Great catch and great info!!!

Todd

 

[kevenj]

I am checking ours in a few minutes. If it is the same, it is headed to the dealer. They need to know about it and they need to come up with a fix!!! Great catch and great info!!!

Todd

yeah there will be a 6 page "TSB" on this which basically says to put a sleeve over the hose. But they will only be allowed to perform this tsb AFTER the hose has blown and your engine has burnt up.

Much easier to just do it myself while I'm under there performing the "TSB" for water in my transmission ( i.e. putting some RTV around the base of the fill tube).

 

[WhiteDiamond]

yeah there will be a 6 page "TSB" on this which basically says to put a sleeve over the hose. But they will only be allowed to perform this tsb AFTER the hose has blown and your engine has burnt up.

I certainly agree, but it is best to make sure DCX does the work. If your sleeve fails for some strange reason and you have never reported it to service, they will blame it on your mod and void coverage for your now warped aluminum head Hemi if you do have a failure.

Todd

 

[[email protected]]

Back in August when I did my first oil change at ~450 miles, I noticed that the lower radiator hose was rubbing against the front edge of the aluminum alternator bracket. There was already a small wear line in the hose. I placed some self stick foam between the hose and the bracket.
Today, when I changed the oil (2900 miles), I made it a point to check the hose. Unfortunately, my repair foam was gone, and there was now an even larger groove (at arrow) in the hose. I got out my die grinder with burr bit and ground off the edge, as depicted by the red lines (I didn't take pictures today, this is from August). Since I only ground off approximately 1/8" of material & kept it smooth, I'm not worried about cracks or weakening of the bracket (which, btw is supported on the other side as well). I also used a metal plate as a shield while burring so as not to put a hole in the hose. The hose no longer contacted the bracket, but I was concerned that it may when it swells under pressure. I took a piece of old 2" ID radiator hose, cut it to about 4" long, put a slit in it, and secured it as a sleeve over the lower hose at the wear point using nylon tie straps. The sleeve is large enough that the straps do not contact the hose. This should solve the problem, but I'll check it at the next change.
This problem may be unique to my particular car (function of exactly where the radiator was mounted, exactly how the hose was attached, etc.) but it may be prudent to check your vehicles.
-Steve

Could some one clarify if there would be no difference with between 6.1 & the 5.7? I got some large sleeves.

 

[kevenj]

Could some one clarify if there would be no difference with between 6.1 & the 5.7? I got some large sleeves.

Wow another ancient thread brought back to life!......

And yes the 5.7 and 6.1 are identical. I found the lower hose rubbing the bracket in both my 300C and my dad's SRT8; I simply made a protective shield from an old radiator hose for both cars and secured them with plastic zip ties. I'd forgotten all about doing that until I saw this thread again.

 

[Tomi33]

My lower rad hose just leaks from the bottom of the hose by the clamp. Soon as this is fixed..Im trading it in for a mazda lol.