The short lengths of radiator hose on my T look fine and have been on there since the restoration was finished in 2008.
Since the cooling system isn't pressurized, how long to you folks run your hoses before replacing them?
Hoses in a pressurized system last for years, so I expect T hoses would last for decades. I once had to replace the hoses on a twenty-year-old Buick, but I don't think the 1994 Camry I had until this fall ever got new hoses.
"How long to you folks run your hoses before replacing them?"
Until they fail, or ifn I'm lucky, just before they fail.
The hoses on my T have been there about 10 or 12 years and still holding anti-freeze.
YMMV
When you need to pull the radiator for a repair and the hose tears instead of just coming loose. Then it's time to replace the hoses.
Steven
Squeeze 'em. See cracks? Rip'em out. If you're using the brass pipe for your lower connection there's very little rubber exposed to coolant but a full length hose on the lower could de-laminate internally over many years causing a partial blockage. Something to keep in mind.
Thanks all, it sounds like my spare hoses are going to stay in the box for a long time.
T's hoses are no different than any tractor, older car or any water cooled equipment. Cracks in the rubber and etc are reasons to replace them.
But they will last for years in normal use.
On a modern pressurized system car? When they start to bulge too much. (Now, define "too much"?)
On the antiques? When they become too stiff, crack, chip, or break. Seriously, as long as they remain pliable, they should be good.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
I should maybe add also, "as long as they don't leak"?
My 26 has the original top hose nearly 90 years and still good, not so with the bottom hoses.
What?? Cracks in a radiator hose just means that you need to get the electrical tape ready.
You don't have to use it yet - just get it ready to stop a leak!
Fred,
When my grandfather was using the TT on his ranch (1946-63) the lower hoses were wrapped with electrical tape. It was like that the entire time. Only leaked a little.
I replaced them when I went through it. I figure I'm good for another 90 years or so. But I do keep a roll of electrical tape handy just in case.