VARIATIONS
Hoses -- Most radiator hoses are molded into a curved design for a specific location on a particular engine.
MOLDED COOLANT HOSE
Courtesy of Car Care CouncilSome hoses are flexible and come in various lengths and diameters suitable for many applications.
FLEXIBLE COOLANT HOSEHowever, the molded hoses custom made for a particular make and model of car are preferable to the flexible hoses.
Certain hoses must be reinforced with steel mesh in the wall to prevent collapse from vacuum action. Alternatively, they may have a metal coil inserted throughout the hoses inside cavity. The lower radiator hose connecting the radiator to the water pump is a prime example of a reinforced hose. Reinforcement is necessary to withstand the suction or pull from the water pump.
Clamps -- Clamps are used to secure the hoses. Clamps can be of many types: worm drive (most common and shown below), wire spring, screw tower, twin wire, or banded clamp.
TYPICAL HOSE CLAMP
Courtesy of Car Care Council