What options for lower radiator hose on 351W EFI

[C-Dubb]

I have a stock 1996 351 Windsor efi that has a water pump connection on the drivers side with oil cooler. The radiator connection to the water pump is on the passenger side. I am looking for the best option for the lower radiator hose and don’t like the look or fit of the flexible hoses.

I really don’t want to connect multiple hoses together because the hose is so much lower than the radiator the splices always seems to leak.

BC Broncos sells a 5.0L crossover kit that looks like it would work if I didn’t have the oil cooler. Does anyone know if the oil cooler is needed?

I have also considered a reverse flow radiator but it looks like it may interfere with the power steering pump. If it did fit, it mite be difficult to fit a hose in the tight space that is left. Does anyone have experience with this option that you could share?

Is there any other options that I haven’t thought of?

Any and all input is greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[broncobuddha]

I'll have to get you a pic but I ran into this. I essentially cut up a couple of rad hose elbows and used a piece of metal pipe to gap between.

However Im not running an oil cooler. I'm running a 70s era Windsor with a 5.0 accessory belt set up.

So I had to go from the water pump on the driver's side over to the passenger radiator side.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[Timmy390]

I'll have to get you a pic but I ran into this. I essentially cut up a couple of rad hose elbows and used a piece of metal pipe to gap between.

However Im not running an oil cooler. I'm running a 70s era Windsor with a 5.0 accessory belt set up.

So I had to go from the water pump on the driver's side over to the passenger radiator side.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

I did the same, I cut up two pipes. I don't recall which ones. My W is also an 1996 and I removed the oil cooler.

Not the best cleanest solution but it works for me with no issues. I had intentions of going back and doing it better but this works so I kind of left it.

Tim

 

[C-Dubb]

My W is also an 1996 and I removed the oil cooler.

Any temperature issues after removing your oil cooler? I think if I got rid of the oil cooler it would be easier to find a solution and I could also use the larger oil filter.

 

[Timmy390]

Any temperature issues after removing your oil cooler? I think if I got rid of the oil cooler it would be easier to find a solution and I could also use the larger oil filter.

None......I run a stock WP with cheap eBay aluminum radiator and 17 inch electric fan (the one WH sells). T-stat is stock 195. My temps stay at 210 like they should. On hot summer days in stop and go I can hit 220 but that's there my fan kick to high and she cools back down. My fan is controlled by my ECM.

My W came out of an E350. I always figured the oil cooler was a "van" thing......Now if I was to want or need an oil cooler I would go with a remote unit and fan,

Tim

 

[broncobuddha]

Sorry, here are the pics from mine.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[toddz69]

Sorry, here are the pics from mine.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

Looks like it's time for a new belt!

Todd Z.

 

[broncobuddha]

Haha. I keep a spare. I've got something just a hair off and it always takes a rib off. That one's been on there awhile.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[C-Dubb]

Thanks for the input and pics. I am leaning towards removing the oil cooler and using this from BC Broncos.