Diagnosing a Bad Radiator Hose on Your New Yorker

I once had a '66 New Yorker in the shop that was overheating every 10 minutes. The owner thought it was the radiator. I thought it might be the thermostat. Turns out? A radiator hose that had collapsed internally—looked fine on the outside, but inside, it was mush. That car taught me never to overlook the small stuff.

If your classic New Yorker is acting up, don’t rule out the radiator hose. It’s a simple part—but when it goes bad, it can cause big problems.

Symptoms of a Failing Radiator Hose

Your radiator hose is responsible for moving coolant between the engine and the radiator. If it fails, you’re looking at overheating, leaks, or even a cracked block in extreme cases.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Soft or spongy feel when squeezed
  
  

• Visible cracks or swelling
  
  

• Coolant leaks at the hose connection
  
  

• Engine overheating, especially in traffic
  
  

• Steam or mist near the front of the engine bay
  
  

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Why Age Matters

Even if the hose looks okay, it could be failing internally. Hoses from the 1960s were made with materials that don’t hold up to today’s heat and additives.

Andy’s Tip: If you’re restoring or reviving a classic New Yorker that’s been sitting, just replace the hoses. It’s cheap insurance.

Upper vs Lower Hose Issues

• Upper hoses typically fail from heat exposure and get brittle or cracked.
  
  

• Lower hoses are prone to collapse under suction if the internal spring is missing or rusted out.
  
  

That’s right—some lower hoses have a metal support spring inside to prevent them from collapsing when the engine is running. If yours doesn’t, or it’s rusted and disintegrating, you could have coolant flow issues that are hard to diagnose.

Replacing It the Right Way

• Use new clamps—don’t reuse old ones.
  
  

• Clean the mating surfaces and lightly oil the inside of the hose for easier installation.
  
  

• Route the hose like a factory to avoid rubbing or kinking.
  
  

And make sure you’re getting a hose that’s made to fit—not some universal one you have to cut and guess on.
👉 Find New Yorker Radiator Hoses That Fit – https://www.oldmoparts.com/classic-chrysler-parts

 

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Keep Your Cool—Replace That Hose

Radiator hoses are easy to forget but essential for reliability. If you’re restoring a New Yorker or just trying to keep it roadworthy, don’t skip the basics.

👉 Shop New Yorker Radiator Hoses – https://www.oldmoparts.com/classic-chrysler-parts
📞 Phone Orders: 1-800-487-1250
📩 Email: orders@oldmoparts.com