Non-OEM Rad hoses... Yay or nay?

[mikec]

I recently changed my rad hoses, and rather than going to the dealership, bought some from a local auto parts store. The top one we had to trim, but I think the bottom one was the right length.

Unfortunately, I've had constant leaks from the bottom hose since. I've tightened the hose clamps after finding a leak 2 weeks ago, but I just got home to find it had been escaping from both ends. I'm going to check the clamps in the morning, but I'm wondering if the hose itself is at fault.

Does anyone know if the hose has to be the exact diameter of the thermostat housing and rad port, or is a hose clamp strong enough to make up for a small difference?

Anyone think I should just say F-it and buy an OEM hose and some different clamps?

Does the position of the clamp matter? Ie. Closer to the end of the hose versus closer to the end of the pipe its on.

Last one, anyone ever experience hose clamps loosening on their own, over the course of a couple of weeks?

Thanks guys, when it comes to rad hoses, I'm lacking.

[entirelyturbo]

Did you reuse the original clamps?

If so, get the ones that they have in the auto parts store. I HATE the original clamps with a passion. They're prone to breaking, so even aside from the fact that they're damn near impossible to slide on and off the hoses, they're still not good to use especially if they're old.

I have an Advance bottom hose on my car right now, and I haven't had any problems with it for the past 2 years. But I still am not very comfortable with the little kink it has in it, and when I remove my radiator for the oil pump rebuild I have to do , I'm gonna replace both hoses with OEM ones.

[mikec]

Nope, bought new hose clamps also. I also hate the original wire ones, and usually just cut them off.