GR2120 Radiator Hose replacement.

[Maux]

GR2120 YR. 2013 “Newbie” My Yard Toy has a radiator hose leak, part# 16805-72870, distal to the radiator. There is a metal pipe, part# 16805-72860 that is attached to the engine block with a bolt. Is it safe (possible) to remove the metal pipe to make it easier to install the new hose? Also, what works best as a lubricant, soap and water, engine oil, or WD40 to help the rubber hose slide easier over the metal male fitting? Let me also ask, is there anything necessary to do after refilling the radiator tank prior to or after the first engine start? Engine Model (best I can tell) GX. D782-E3

 

[Russell King]

From looking for the part numbers you posted there is a metal pipe between two rubber hoses. The steel pipe is held onto the engine with a nut on a stud.

Unless the stud comes out I see no problem with removing the nut. Not sure if that will be more work than just removing the hoses.

I would just use some water to get the hoses on, if you even need that

Refill radiator fluid and run it for a while then recheck the radiator level and for leaks

 

[Maux]

From looking for the part numbers you posted there is a metal pipe between two rubber hoses. The steel pipe is held onto the engine with a nut on a stud.

Unless the stud comes out I see no problem with removing the nut. Not sure if that will be more work than just removing the hoses.

I would just use some water to get the hoses on, if you even need that

Refill radiator fluid and run it for a while then recheck the radiator level and for leaks

 

[Maux]

Russell, Thank you for the quick reply. Even with my smaller female hands, the tight space doesn’t allow much grip to leverage the hose onto the mounted metal pipe. I’m thinking with removing the metal pipe, I can attach both hoses to the middle section, the metal pipe. Remount the pipe and THEN reattach the distal ends of each rubber hose. The hose ends opposite the metal pipe have much easier access. I can only assume the mounted metal pipe was a design afterthought. Anything else would require a more extensive tear down of the belts and radiator fan, etc. Just my opinion as a limited shade tree, yard toy mechanic. Thx again

 

[Russell King]

Sounds like a plan

Just be sure that you will be able to get the three pipes back through that space.
It may be difficult to get the hoses onto the lose pipe so you may have to get some way to hold it

Good luck

 

[Motion]

As always do as you feel is best. When installing hoses I perfer using Sli Glyde just a little on both OD of the fitting and ID of the hose. Any pipes/housings must be free of corrosion.

 

[lmichael]

I honestly only use a little anti freeze. It's actually quite slippery. Or a little silicone lube i.e. SilGlyde. Best not to use petroleum based lubes as it can cause a little deterioration

 

[lugbolt]

the metal pipe was placed there to reduce hose damage. If it were a one-piece molded hose, it has a tendency to flex and move around, which then makes contact with the fan belt which also moves around a little bit, and cuts the hose prematurely. Some of the ZD series mowers had an issue with that but it was mostly engine mount related and not because of the hose. RTV engines had the same design (metal pipe between the hoses) for the same reason.

yes it's tight back in there. I generally use a utility knife to cut a slit in the hose that's hard to remove, then just pull it off. Installing the new one, I have never taken the metal pipe out-kind of a pain to get back up in there to get to the stud, then you have to get the other clamp(s) back on as well which can be challenging. As you've seen there is not a lot of room in there and I can speak from experience how much fun they aren't. I'm 6'8" and you can imagine my oversized hands trying to fit back into those tiny areas. That's why I hated working on BX tractors.