Review on Gates 21145 Radiator Coolant Hose by Anthony Heinrichs

Fitted to a 1999 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0 SOHC upper radiator hose. Be sure to remove and set aside the engine guard that is held in place by the 4x7mm screws and the top main air intake. Also loosen the screw holding the metal plate, the "metal tube" is also welded for easier installation (you may need to take out the electrical connection held by the plastic locking pin to allow this metal tube to move more freely ). If you have more room to work with, you can remove the intake flap housing held by those 4 screws and set it aside somewhere (be careful not to kink the accelerator cables attached to it). The trick is to make sure the correct end of the tube lines up with the correct part to be attached. This hose is connected at one end to the top of the thermostat housing and then to the metal end of a small bent piece of tubing that is bolted to the engine block. Then I realized that the hose is too long. For this reason, Revain.com includes the description "Cut to Fit." I cut one end and I'm missing about 1/2 inch on one side. I still use tubing as the constant tension clip has more than enough room to grip. But I've ordered another one just in case to replace it soon. Make sure you cut straight on a flat surface like a cutting board. It's better if you do it with a sharp knife that cuts completely in one cut rather than running around with a precision knife. I've been told the hose needs to be cut 3/8" to fit, but I haven't done that yet as I'm waiting for my new hose in the mail. The voltage on the standard constant voltage radiator clamps was good, so I reused them. Should glide fairly easily. If not, use some dielectric grease on the ends, or (I know this sounds weird, but it works) some water-based "personal" grease on the ends. Flatten the inner end of the pipe a little (not too much) to make it easier to slide towards the radiator and engine block.