Beware of CRP radiator hose

[darek_u]

I think it's worth of sharing this info with all of the forum members. I had to replace the lower radiator hose - the one from the pump to the radiator lower port. I purchased CRP made hose as I have used quite a few of them in my Porsche and I've never had any problems for the last 5 years. Also the quality seems to be OK... Not in this case. It was leaking notorious at both connections - pump and radiator, no matter how tight I made the clamp. In fact at some stage I was so desperate that I doubled up the clamps... No joy. Upon removal this is what I found out:



It was leaking thought the cords! I've never ever seen anything like this before! It was not pissing liquid obviously but seeping coolant enough to leave few drops on the garage floor every morning. Very annoying. I purchased OE hose from the dealreship and sure enough problem disappeared. Funny thing is that the OE hose looked and felt EXACTLY the same as CRP hose.

 

[gerryvz]

CRP (Continental Rubber Products) have been going downhill for years -- that includes belts and hoses (non-tire products). I've documented this and mentioned it several times on the forum. I believe we have CRP in the "OK" list (not APPROVED) in the Parts Vendor Ratings thread.

 

[gsxr]

Correct... some CRP/Conti hoses/belts are ok, others not so much. In general it's best to avoid them if you can get the OE part at a tolerable price. Didn't use to be this way 10+ years ago.

 

[daantjie]

Never had an issue with Continental myself, they have always been top notch, however I can see that they along with pretty much all aftermarket outfits could have begun the slow slide towards making mediocre to outright garbage quality. Sad but true

 

[gerryvz]

From 2013:

Serpentine Belt OEM or aftermarket? | M119 Engine

I discovered some cracks in my belt over the weekend. Whats the consensus here OEM or aftermarket replacement?

www.500eboard.co

More from 2013:

source for vacuum hose elbows | M119 Engine

Does anyone have a source for those 90 degree vacuum elbows? The soft rubber ones that connect the 4mm hard tubing to various things. I've never been able to find a good source...without having to pay exorbitant money. Thanks!

www.500eboard.co

 

[gerryvz]

I have received additional reports about these CRP lower radiator hoses being defective and leaking from the get-go. When pressurized, they are seeking and leaking from the seams. No bueno.

Avoid. Use factory.

 

[Ntrepid]

Given the issues, is it possible CRP is misspelled and needs to have an 'A' added?


Robert

 

[gerryvz]

I will be getting my hands on a photo of this leakage in the near future. I believe I can no longer recommend CRP for any rubber product in the future, including the serpentine belt. I will recommend only factory, or alternative / quality belt brands such as Gates.

 

[gerryvz]

I have been informed that it IS possible to replace the lower radiator hose with the fan and lower fan shroud in place, but it is a semi-PITA. The biggest issue being the upper connection, where it clamps to the water pump outlet. This is difficult to reach with the fan/clutch and lower half of the shroud in place, and requires a "stubby" screwdriver. The other two connections at the bottom of the radiator and at the expansion tank are easy and accessible. It is possible to install the hose, though.