Curved v. Molded Radiator Hoses?

[12GMCYukon]

I'm looking to replace the upper and lower hoses when I replace the radiator, and I'm running into two types of radiator hoses--curved and molded.

Can anyone tell me the difference between the two? And which one is better?

 

[Doubeleive]

I'm looking to replace the upper and lower hoses when I replace the radiator, and I'm running into two types of radiator hoses--curved and molded.

Can anyone tell me the difference between the two? And which one is better?

oem is molded and less than $40 each on rockauto. they are generally good for at least 10 years or more.
unless one is expanded like a snake ate a goat or something else going on then they are probably fine.
usually the heater hoses and "T"'s on the firewall are of more pressing concern, because the plastic gets brittle and is prone to just snap off spewing coolant out at the most inopportune time.

 

[12GMCYukon]

Going to replace those heater hoses and the T's. Are these part numbers the best upgrades over OEM?


800414HP
800413HP

 

[mikez71]

I didn't even know there was a difference between curved and molded!

Sounds like molded is better because it will be less stress on the hose bib.

 

[Doubeleive]

Going to replace those heater hoses and the T's. Are these part numbers the best upgrades over OEM?


800414HP
800413HP

maybe, but if they ever need to be changed down the road (leaking o-ring or whatever the reason) I have my doubt's that they will be anything but easy to remove.
the metal ones are a relatively new design so unknown at this point.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Definitely change out the Tees and heater hoses, or as @Doubeleive stated they will rupture when you least expect or want them to. Also, when you change out the tees, be sure to wear gloves, as the firewall insulation is quite aggressive, and your hands will itch for days.

 

[donjetman]

Dorman Products makes metal Ts now

 

[Tonyv__]

im fairly certain that the different brand just describe the part differently. Molded and curved seem to be the same shape.


Its not like I see the same brand selling 2 hoses and 1 is listed as molded and the other is listed as curved.

 

[rdezs]

Pretty much. If it's molded it's curved. If it's curved it's been molded.