TheJudge

I applied a little grease to the o ring but when you push the fitting on the horse shoe clip gets about 1/2' from the grooves in the radiator outlet and then binds up. I removed the clip and you can see that it`s not anywhere near close to the grooves. I even removed the o ring and get the same results. I can`t really compare the old outlet internal dimensions to the replacement as all of my measurement equipment is at work. When you reinstall the old, OEM lower fitting it slides in with no problem. Keeping in mind that this is done with the V notch aligned both in the fitting and the outlet on both the old and replacement parts. I`m stumped. There are some things about this truck though that make me wonder if it was intended for a diesel engine and someone ordered it with an8.1 L and it was built and shipped that way. Anyhow, Thanks for your reply. Happy New Year!

Happy New Year all, I am attempting to replace the lower radiator hose on a 2003 Silverado 2500 HD with an 8.1 L engine. I have tried both a Gates and a Delco hose but neither one will go on to the lower radiator outlet far enough to allow the horse shoe clip to engage. Although the hose fittings visually look he same there is something with the inside dimensions, either diameter or depth that isn`t correct. I am waiting on a replacement from my local dealer to see if that will fit. If not I`m prepared to make my own hose using the OEM fitting that I removed and the hoses that I will take off from the new Gates replacement I purchased and some old school clamps. I don`t like the idea of micky mousing something like this but I`m out of ideas. Has anyone else run into this problem or have any suggestions as to where I can get a proper replacement hose if the dealer replacement is a no go? Thanks in advance for your thoughts or suggestions.