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02-23-2008, 12:17 AM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Gl500 Radiator hoses I am wondering why used radiator hoses for the gl500 are going for $16.00 a pair on e-bay and $22.00 new at servicehonda.com ?   Is there something special about these hoses ?  there certainly is not a lot of rubber there, are id size metric or something ?      Has anybody come up with a alternative in the Marine or Automotive sector, or maybe a cheaper source ?   Just wondering......... 1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

02-23-2008, 7:45 AM larryb22 Joined on 12-13-2007 Buchanan Michigan Posts 144 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses Probably supply and demand set the prices. I would rather pay the $22 for new then $16 for used. Your hoses are probably original. If you look at the cost, that's less than a dollar a year. Larry 1996 BMW K-1100rs. SW Michigan. 2008 Yamaha xv250. 1995 Kawasaki Vulcan 500.    Report

02-23-2008, 9:27 AM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses Yep, They are the orginal hoses,  I wonder how long the orginal hoses would last.  They look good from the outside ( no cracks ) But it is kinda on my mind because I am wanting to take some longer trips this year. Is there anybody else still running orginal hoses after 25 years ? 1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

02-23-2008, 3:06 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses  N1265 wrote: I am wondering why used radiator hoses for the gl500 are going for $16.00 a pair on e-bay and $22.00 new at servicehonda.com ? It's because P.T.Barnum was right.   Actually, I don't have a clue why anyone would even attempt to sell used 20+ year old rubber parts that were supposed to be replaced every few years to anyone for use on a vehicle they intend to actually drive. The liability issues if a rad hose that old burst and caused the scalded biker to fall in front of a car alone should scare people away from even considering selling something like that.   I don't understand why anyone would contemplate buying 20+ year old used rubber parts either. It's just not worth the risk.   As for the dealer's price, there are too many middlemen and not enough competition from the aftermarket so you often find parts marketed for bikes to cost as much as 5 timeswhat the same part costs from the automotive aftermarket.     Is there something special about these hoses ?  there certainly is not a lot of rubber there, are id size metric or something ? Well, they are cut to the right length and have the right curves. And they are actually 22mm ID, but good clamps will easily make 1" hoses seal well. I have been using 1" hose on my bikes for a long time and it has never caused any problems.   Has anybody come up with a alternative in the Marine or Automotive sector, or maybe a cheaper source ? Actually, I did. Years before I got one of these bikes I took the old hoses from my GL1000 to a friendly local auto parts guy and he sold me a heater hose that I could cut both hoses out of. I did the same thing for the GL500. Unfortunately, I didn't write down the part number. and my current setup (650 with shortened transfer pipe and block heater) uses something different. He tells me that the hoses, thermostats & rad caps they make these days are good enough to use for at least 5-6 years before replacement based on age (as opposed to the annual replacement we were taught in auto shop in the '60s).   Have a look at this article about cooling system servicing. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

02-23-2008, 3:31 PM TwoW4B2C4V Joined on 11-15-2007 Posts 509 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I can't offer any technical info, just some BTDT and personal experience. My 1978 CX500 still sports the original hoses, I bought replacement hoses about 5 years ago...couldn't justify changing them, the original hoses weren't cracked, or exhibited any signs of failure.  Cleaned them up and couldn't tell the new ones from the OEM.   Just out of curiosity, put them on a pressure tester, the hoses didn't even bulge at 90PSI (WAY more than they'll ever see on an engine.)  I bought a parts bike, it had the original hoses too, still as good as the day they were installed, covered them in silicone grease, wrapped in plastic and keep them under the seat as spares, have yet to need them.  As long as radiator hoses aren't working in an environment where they're covered in oil, transmission fluid or hydraulic oil, they seem to last a long, long time.  I had an old Mercedes Diesel, that car went to the big bone yard in the sky after 35 years on the road and over 450K miles on the clock, the heater hoses were all factory and not a single leak.  The bottom radiator hose was a 3 year proposition, but that hose was covered in all the dinosaur derivatives leaking from the rest of the engine 5 minutes after installation. Anyone actually had one of these hoses go south and leave them stranded?  I haven't heard of one yet. That being said, I would never buy old rubber anything either, it's too much of a dice roll.  As replacement for OEM no longer available hoses, if you have a decent hydraulic shop in your area, they'll have THE best quality hose around, much better than anything you could pick up at a local parts store.  These hoses are thick (like the old Honda hoses), and can take an angle without closing up like conventional heater hose does. Please reply if you don't get this message. 01/20/13    Report

02-23-2008, 5:23 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses  TwoW4B2C4V wrote: Anyone actually had one of these hoses go south and leave them stranded?  I haven't heard of one yet. I seem to remember someone takling about getting sprayed with coolant on one of the forums a few years back, but I can't for teh life of me remember if it was from a hose failing or from the fan coming apart and going through the rad. I have seen failed rad hoses on cars and I wouldn't want to be sprayed with hot coolant. I don't remember hearing about anyone having a crash because of 25 year old tires either but I don't think I would try using them either. Old rubber is old rubber. It has deteriorated over time, even if you can't detect the deterioration. Maybe the hose you tested was too hard to bulge. Maybe testing it to that high a pressure has stressed it & it is weaker. I don't know and I wouldn't take a chance. After all, who knows what the previous owners put them through? If you go the hydraulic hose route, make sure it is certified for use with coolant. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

02-23-2008, 6:07 PM TwoW4B2C4V Joined on 11-15-2007 Posts 509 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses  Sidecar Bob wrote: Maybe the hose you tested was too hard to bulge. Maybe testing it to that high a pressure has stressed it & it is weaker. I don't know and I wouldn't take a chance. After all, who knows what the previous owners put them through? No previous owners, and the hose was as supple and flexible as the new one.  I wouldn't ever use old tires either (especially on a motorcycle), but if you do any traveling, you'll find retreads in many parts of the world which are probably on their 3rd or 4th million miles.  Saw an article on Cuban cars a while back, there was a 54 Caddy running on 4 original (as in 50+ year old) tires, which had been unused spares from other cars of the era.  But then again that thing probably never gets over 40MPH given the scarcity of legal fuel and price of black market gas on the island. I agree with all your points on replacement intervals.  But just saying it's not the end of the world if you have to get around on old rubber in a pinch, and the real useful life of many hoses may be MUCH longer than we're told they are, either for commercial or legal reasons instead of practical ones. Please reply if you don't get this message. 01/20/13    Report

02-23-2008, 7:14 PM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I went ahead and pulled the radiator today and the hoses look good on the outside but it looked like there is some  " flaking" on the inside. Although it doesn't look that bad after I cleaned them out and would probably last for a while yet, I decided not to use them again.  The time it takes to pull everything of an Interstate justifies putting new back on. The hoses are discontinued from Honda and I will try to match something up at NAPA .... Thanks for the tip on the 1in. hose.    I am also going to pull the fan and check the tack cable while I am there because I am having trouble with it      " floating ".  I want to know the size of the bolt needed to pull the fan.  Is it :  M-14x1.5?   I got this number from another thread but was not sure if this is the right size.  Also,  if the cable checks out ok what are the chances of the housing on the motor side being the culprit verses the tack itself ?   Many thanks. 1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

02-24-2008, 5:13 AM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses  N1265 wrote: Thanks for the tip on the 1in. hose. Don't forget to buy new clamps while you are there. The ones Honda used aren't the greatest and the bolts can rust into the plate they thread into. I prefer to spend the extra bit for stainless steel clamps because they never rust. I want to know the size of the bolt needed to pull the fan.  Is it :  M-14x1.5?   I got this number from another thread but was not sure if this is the right size. That sounds right to me. I used a wheel lug bolt from a VW beetle that was in my odd metric bolts bucket when I had the 500.   Also,  if the cable checks out ok what are the chances of the housing on the motor side being the culprit verses the tack itself ? Not too likely. The speedo & tach are fairly precision instruments and have been vented to the atmosphere for 20+ years. The cable drive is geared and has spent it's life in an oil bath inside a closed crankcase.   A quick way to check the cable & drive (before you took the rad off) is to disconnect the cable from the tach and start the engine. If you can stop the end of the cable from turning by grabbing it with your fingers there is a problem with either the cable or the drive, most likely the cable. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

02-24-2008, 11:11 AM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I did check the cable to see if I could stop it from turning a while back and it seemed ok, I could not stop it nor could I pull it out but it did seem to turn slower than I thought it would. I just figured since I had the bike apart for the hoses I would pull the cable on the motor side and look there also. But if you think it is not likly to be the problem maybe I won't. Many Thanks, 1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

02-24-2008, 2:03 PM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses Went down to Advanced Auto Parts today to match up some radiator hose,  This is what I come up with :  Top hose :  the top hose on the GL500 is straight, I got a 1 foot piece of 1in.diamater heater hose for $1.58, ServiceHonda.com wanted $7.00 for the replacement for the top hose. Altho the 1in. hose is noticabley bigger in ID, I figured if Sidecar Bob has been using it for years with good results then I would too. For the price diffrence I have no problem cutting the hose for the right lenght, It appears to be the same thickness as the orginal hose. Bottom hose :  The bottom hose on the GL500 has a slight bend in it, They matched it up with part  # A71651CS which cost me $9.88. ServiceHonda.com wanted $14.00 for the replacement for the bottom hose, Like the top hose it is also 1in. diamater and noticable bigger in ID than the orginal, It also needs to be cut for lenght and appears to be the same thickness.   I cant remember if the above prices includes shipping or not. I am in no way trying to "bash" Service Honda with this post,  Just trying to give you guys some insight on what I decided to do. SidecarBob, do you normally use any gasket sealer when using the 1in. hose ?  or do just tighten down the hose clamps really tight and call it good ?   Just Wondering.... 1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

02-24-2008, 5:30 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I usually get a hose that I can cut whatever bend I need and the straight part form, but then, I'm probably one of the cheapest people you will ever come across - I drive a sidecar outfit in winter so that I don't have to pay for insurance & licensing twice.   I just tighten the hose clamps until the rubber starts to come through the little slots that the screw engages with (I use the kind of clamp in the pic below). When the engine is started I look everything over carefully and give any clamps that are leaking another 1/4 turn or so. No sealant is needed - in fact, when you take them apart in a year or two you will need to twist them with pliers to get them loose. BTW: I always use a 1/4" drive socket wrench (5/16" or 8mm) with an extension to tighten & loosen these clamps because it is less likely to slip and damage something than a screwdriver is. I mentioned before that I have a block heater. It is an inline type designed for pre-heating a car's heater core with a 1" hose, so I would have to use 1" hose for the hoses that connect to it anyway. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

02-24-2008, 10:40 PM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses   Those are the type of clamps I got to replace the OEMs, Thanks for the info on the sealant and 5/16s wrench.   1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

02-25-2008, 7:57 AM TwoW4B2C4V Joined on 11-15-2007 Posts 509 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I would recommend a better clamp, the worm gear types only advantage is that they're cheap, but they're usually a one use proposition.  The worm gear slots cause extrusion and shear of the hose over time.  That's why cheap OEM applications use spring clamps instead of these. Euro, or Embossed clamps do not have perforated slots and protect the hose, it's the kind of clamp that's OEM on high end cars such as MB's, Audi's etc. and only costs a few cents more.  Any decent foreign autoparts supplier will have them. Please reply if you don't get this message. 01/20/13    Report

02-25-2008, 11:14 PM N1265 Joined on 11-01-2007 Fremont ohio Posts 185 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses Thanks for the tip on the clamps,  Does anybody know what the spring on the bottom hose is for ? 1982 SilverState " no mater where you go, there you are "    Report

02-26-2008, 6:48 AM TwoW4B2C4V Joined on 11-15-2007 Posts 509 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses  N1265 wrote: Thanks for the tip on the clamps,  Does anybody know what the spring on the bottom hose is for ? That part is no longer available from Honda, it's a protective cover for the outside of the hose, to keep the parts around it from rubbing on the hose and wearing into it. Please reply if you don't get this message. 01/20/13    Report

06-23-2008, 11:03 PM Anonymous Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I had the local NAPA inventory to look through today and found that their #8230 looks to have the right bends to cut out the bottom & top radiator hoses for the GL650. Not sure what the original vehicle application for this hose was?? This hose has an ID of slightly larger than the original and measures about 15/16" so, as noted earlier in this thread, some compression with the hose clamps will be needed. Just thought a numbered alternative would be appreciated out there.

06-24-2008, 4:38 AM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Connecticut, USA Posts 3,459 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses It is appreciated, thanks. Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009 Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3) GL650I, CX650E, CX650T    Report

06-24-2008, 10:28 AM RustyTec Joined on 08-26-2007 Dallas Tx. Posts 606 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses Thanks Anonymous. $16. Here is a link. http://www.dmauto.com/web/dmauto/Catalog/NAPA_ECAT/mfg/NBH/8230/ RustyTec ’81 GL500. Dallas Texas. RustyVape Electronic Cigarettes Local NE Dallas, Texas    Report

03-12-2010, 11:20 PM RAGBrian Joined on 10-23-2009 Wildwood, MO Posts 74 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses Ahh...I had been hoping I would find a source for replacing my hose on my '78 CX rebuild. It does look good for cutting the two ends (w/ bends) and making the connection. The price has gone up, tho. $17.87. Still looks to be a bargain - if I get one I will write up the surgery and installation.  RustyTec wrote: Thanks Anonymous. $16. Here is a link. http://www.dmauto.com/web/dmauto/Catalog/NAPA_ECAT/mfg/NBH/8230/ RAGBrian 1978 CX500 Standard (Running...) | 1982 CX500C (donor) | CB360T (NOT running) | CB350G (donor?)    Report

03-12-2010, 11:46 PM Cobram Joined on 06-23-2007 Boston, MA Posts 1,542 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I don't know if the hose above will work. The Gates 28475 and 19670 have the same inside diameter and will fit the CX after cutting. Here is a thread on the subject, should be part of a FAQ if we ever get one.  I don't remember what they cost, but both hoses were cheaper than what Honda wanted for the bottom hose, the top hose was NLA when I tried to price one at the time. Here is the link: http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/108995/ShowPost.aspx 1978 CX500 - I live on a one-way street that's also a dead end. I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm going to get out. Four wheels move the body; Two wheels move the Soul.    Report

03-13-2010, 8:40 AM RAGBrian Joined on 10-23-2009 Wildwood, MO Posts 74 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses cobram, Thanks for the new info. I clicked on that link and quickly read the post info. Looks like I will be stopping at my local NAPA store down the road for some parts. I made a note for my manual/checklist and will look at these parts when I get the engine ready for new coolant.  Cobram wrote: I don't know if the hose above will work. The Gates 28475 and 19670 have the same inside diameter and will fit the CX after cutting. Here is a thread on the subject, should be part of a FAQ if we ever get one.  I don't remember what they cost, but both hoses were cheaper than what Honda wanted for the bottom hose, the top hose was NLA when I tried to price one at the time. Here is the link: http://choppercharles.com/cs/forums/108995/ShowPost.aspx RAGBrian 1978 CX500 Standard (Running...) | 1982 CX500C (donor) | CB360T (NOT running) | CB350G (donor?)    Report

03-13-2010, 9:33 AM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses Okay, I'll be the odd ball out. I have the original hoses on too. No sign of them about to fail. THat said, I'd buy an old set for $5 and leave them in the fairing. You never know if out on a trip the ones on the bike fail. THe used ones would be cheap insurance. Jerry 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

03-14-2010, 6:17 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,624 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I don' know who supplied the original Honda hoses but the quality is amazing.Mine are all original and no signs of ageing or splitting.I do use ACF50 as a maintenance on them though. My 10 penn'th. My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

03-14-2010, 9:42 AM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I think I know where you can get some original tires to go with them ;-) Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

03-15-2010, 12:51 AM marshallf3 Joined on 01-12-2009 Oklahoma City Posts 1,526 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I have an extra set of the spring covers I have no use for. (provided I can find them) I've got some surgery coming up so it'll be a week or two until I'm back at 100%. They may actually be in the trunk of my car, $10 shipped if you really need them. 1979 CX500C ░░░░░░░ 96 & 98 GTP, 78 Chevy G30 400V8, 78 Gremlin 304V8, 65 Barracuda 273V8    Report

03-15-2010, 6:00 AM roadster5580 Joined on 01-18-2008 Atlanta, GA Posts 326 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses You can get the wire protection at any hydraulic shop.  If your local NAPA makes hydraulic hoses they will have it.  I don't mind spending a little extra money for quality, so I moved away from using the antique style of hose clamps we've seen for the last 50 years.  With silicone hose coming into common use on most OEM equipment over the past few years, much better hose clamps have also come onto the market.  If you use the common hose clamp we've all seen for the past 50 years on silicone hose, you are guaranteeing an eventual leak.  There are two types now being sold for use on silicone hose: Liner-type .... Shown in the photo above Constant torque -  These are expensive when compared to a common hose clamp, but they are spring-loaded and maintain a constant torque pressure on the hose to compensate for thermal expansion. As with anything, you get what you pay for, but these are the recommended hose clamps for use on modern silicone coolant hose.    Report

03-18-2010, 10:44 PM Louragu Joined on 03-19-2010 Posts 1 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses The top inlet is a 5/8 " inside diameter hose. Use either silicon based or heater hose with corded line run through the tube for strength. US a good stainless clamp and place it as close to the edge of the end of each hose end, Should work better then original parts. Hope this helps. Lou G    Report

03-19-2010, 2:29 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Gl500 Radiator hoses I don't think so. As I said 2 years ago (4th post inn this thread) "And they are actually 22mm ID, but good clamps will easily make 1" hoses seal well. I have been using 1" hose on my bikes for a long time and it has never caused any problems." Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

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