Has anyone used these eBay silicone radiator hoses from China?

Kaptainkid1

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https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=362741106466
I need to replace my old hoses and wanted to know if anyone has used these cheap ebay Silicone hose replacement kit? Are they stronger or better than stock OEM? It's seems my hose are leaking small droplets from the radiator due to hose fitment issues and I know the leak is coming from lower radiator hose connection. I think the hoses are not sealing properly due to smaller OEM clamps. I have an aftermarket aluminum Champion radiator so I know maybe the clamps needs to be wider since radiator neck dimension are different from stock.
I'm going to do a radiator flush and install new Silicone hose and hose clamps and hoping this will resolve my little leak. I will clean thoroughly the radiator neck and engine block necks to get the best seal.
What do you guys think about these after market products?
If not these chinese silicone hoses, has anyone used silicone hoses and we're happy with the aftermarket product.. Please give brand name of product you used.


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https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=362741106466
I need to replace my old hoses and wanted to know if anyone has used these cheap ebay Silicone hose replacement kit? Are they stronger or better than stock OEM? It's seems my hose are leaking small droplets from the radiator due to hose fitment issues and I know the leak is coming from lower radiator hose connection. I think the hoses are not sealing properly due to smaller OEM clamps. I have an aftermarket aluminum Champion radiator so I know maybe the clamps needs to be wider since radiator neck dimension are different from stock.
I going to do a radiator flush and install new Silicone hose and hose clamps and hoping this will resolve my little leak. I will clean thoroughly the radiator neck and engine block necks to get the best seal.
What do you guys think about these after market products?

View attachment 127529

Try them. Let us know how they work. Then we’ll know.
 
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A company called Samco makes silicon hoses for dirt bikes. They have a good reputation. I couldn't see who made the hoses you linked.
 
Well I've been disappointed before with cheap chinese products and I've bought cheap stuff before and pleasantly surprised. Either case I was hoping another Jeep user might have experience they can share so I can make sound decision.

Sounds like we have a volunteer. Someone has to be the first. 😆
 
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If you go silicone, regardless of manufacturer, here are a couple of tips. Silicone hose requires a hose clamp with a inner band. The inner band keeps the slots from cutting into the hose which will happen on silicone. Or better yet use a Gates heat to shrink clamp. If you cut a silicone hose to fit, such as using bulk hose for the heater etc. be sure to make a clean cut with none of the reinforcing string left hanging. The last batch of para transit vans at work had a lot of the silicone hose connections seeping coolant. Found poor cuts with the string hanging. When the hose was pushed over the nipple the string ended up between the nipple and the hose, and the coolant wicked out through the string. Very annoying.

B
 
I'd be suspect of any company that builds a product for bling as the primary function. Bumpers with fancy bends made of 12 ga. steel, wiper blades of cheap plastic that flow in the dark, etc. But as long as they work well as the first criteria then give them a try. Let us know. I doubt they will last 15+ years like the stock ones.
 
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God, you must have hated the '80s. Rember those neon double blade wipers that had some sort of glitter-like coating on them so the glitter glowed in the dark?
Or the matching hub caps?
Or the matching window rain deflectors?
Or the matching.....
 
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As above, I'd avoid any cheap radiator hoses, they're too critical of a component to go cheap. Even if they look cool. Personally I'd stick with either Goodyear Gatorback or Gates hoses which are known excellent quality that hold up.
 
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I have never run silicone cooling system hoses but know several guys who do. All hoses were imported from somewhere, probably China. None who have used the proper type hose clamps described by @oldb have reported any problems.

There is a lot to be said for sticking to the "tried and true" like Gates hoses with OEM clamps, but if someone doesn't experiment with newer alternatives the rest of us will never know if they are viable alternatives.

@Kaptainkid1, thanks for being a vanguard. Please report back.
 
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So here is another ebay hose kit and its rubber and off brand from the price.
Should I consider these replacement parts?

Look at this on eBay
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/192513100352
Omix-ADA Cooling System Kits offer you the exact parts you need to keep your Jeeps cooling system operating at its best. When you are ready to service your cooling system, just drain the old coolant, install the components in our Cooling System Kit and refill the system. Since all of our parts are engineered to meet or exceed OE quality standards, you'll be running cooler knowing that you did the job right.

This cooling kit with upper and lower radiator hose, thermostat housing, thermostat w/gasket and four hose clamps by

Omix-ADA fits 97-99 4.0L Jeep TJ


Screenshot_20200115-122344_eBay.jpg
 
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If your jeep is for show and shine at your town on Saturday nights buy the fancy hoses bling etc. If you daily drive it or go off road where you will have to walk 10 miles because some fancy non practical part failed stick with oem

While it's true it makes it look purrrdy....I don't think there is much harm. True, silicone is porous and typically used in racing engines with higher operating temps, in many applications, I don't feel that it's a big deal. I've had mine on for probably 15-20 thousand miles. Have I lost any coolant? No.

I feel that they have held up better than my rubber hoses in regard to holding their form. Theoretically, they are supposed to withstand higher temps so I would suppose that would mean that they deteriorate at a slower rate. Who knows....

Mine look purrdy. I have misc red accents to my Jeeps Yellow and black color scheme. Grabars, ARB diff covers, HiLift, fuel can, a few stickers. I think it's a colorful addition that I can't remember being able to find in rubber. Does it do anything at all performance-wide? Likely not. I just hope they last longer than my rubber hoses.
 
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China is China. Some good, some bad. Unfortunately, just like made in USA. All the Gates products I have used lately are now made in China! I see this is an old post. Anyone have any updates. The major advantage of Silicone is heat. I'm in Arizona and heat is a daily issue here. I change everything I can to more heat resistant materials. In my vehicles, house, everything. Silicone just seems like a good idea.