Lower hose getting cut

[Kaioken]

Hey guys, I have brought this issue up on the Facebook group page but now I am still having issues.  My lower radiator hose keeps getting cut by the A/c fan clutch.  Before the clearance wasn’t too bad and I would zip tie out the way.  Now the clutch is resting on the hose.  No way around it. 

  So far I have figured it is not the hose placement or size.  I see no signs of previous front end impact.  I do see the engine mounts are old and even though it is not causing excessive movement to the motor, I am wondering if it is sagging enough to push the a/c compressor to the lower hose.    I currently am running out of ideas and I need this truck running. 

Any suggestions?  Would aged motor mounts cause the engine to be sagging far enough to touch the hose?  Also, what is the thickness of the stock radiator?  I have an aftermarket radiator and also wonder if that is the issue.

[Crumb]

 Usually it's an aftermarket radiator issue, they have 90 degree lower and it puts the hose dangerously close to the clutch. Otherwise core support damage and or trashed mounts could make an issue.

[Kaioken]

Usually it's an aftermarket radiator issue, they have 90 degree lower and it puts the hose dangerously close to the clutch. Otherwise core support damage and or trashed mounts could make an issue.

What would be a good brand of Radiator?  Besides OEM

[Crumb]

In the for sale thread a guy has a line on some upgrades.

[Kaioken]

In the for sale thread a guy has a line on some upgrades.

awesome!  Checked it out.  Would totally jump on it if it wasn't above my budget and its something I need now.

[Crumb]

 Find an OEM junkyard radiator and have it rebuilt, you'll be in it cheap.

[Kaioken]

That I will have to give a try yes

[Kaioken]

Well, I went to cart-parts and found a place in Kentucky who has a radiator (used with a warranty).  Went ahead and ordered it.  Once it gets here I will update to see if it fixes the problem. 

[Crumb]

What radiator does it have currently?

[Kaioken]

Definitely not OEM.  I have no idea the brand but judging by what the previous owner used to use for maintenance, I would assume NAPA.  At least where he got it

[Kaioken]

Yesterday I installed the replacement radiator.  It is an OEM from a 1998 Montero with less than 60k miles.  Hard to believe really but that’s what I was told.  Anyways, the differences are slightly noticeable.  Not only is the OEM slightly thinner than the aftermarket, the nozzle is not as tall and just as you mentioned @toasty, the nozzle was at an angle.  That gave me about 2 inches if clearance (guesstimating).

I have pressure tested the radiator and found no leaks.  Right now I am driving the vehicle with a radiator flush to clean it up.  Already have drained it once.  I’m hoping by the next 2 days I will put in my Mitsubishi Coolant.

Remember kids, OEM in these trucks are best, unless it’s an Adventure Driven Design part of course lol. 

Also, some aftermarket hoses are crap in design.  If you can’t get OEM, this Australian brand hose I got from advance auto parts was perfect.  Part number G2000-166169

[Crumb]

 Nice!

[MudRaider]

Another great reason to go thru the effort of getting a stock radiator rebuilt. Getting your hose cut, in the middle of nowhere would definitely put a cramp in a trip.

[bear]

Turn your hose upside down. One end is different and made to
Clear the ac clutch . I had the same problem when
Someone else installed my radiator