papaindigo wrote:
IMHO the only function of the internal spring is to prevent the hose from kinking on bends. If you can get it out reuse the old spring; if not don't worry about it.
Partially true; While the spring will prevent a hose from kinking in bends the springs primary purpose is to keep the hose from collapsing during operation. Remember, the water pump pulls its suction from the bottom of the radiator and if the thermostat is closed and no flow is entering the radiator the water pump can pull enough suction to collapse a soft hose and cause problems with low flow. The repeated collapsing and uncollapsing of soft rubber hose over time can lead to rubber cracking and early hose failure!!!
Some hose manufactures put wire inside the rubber (cannot see it, but you can feel the stiffness) to stiffen the hose to prevent collapsing.
Just watch out for the cheap chinese junk which may not have the proper protection built in....
If you buy a new good quality name brand hose, i.e. Dayco, Gates, NAPA, etc, it should already be designed with the proper protection built in along with the proper molded curves for any bends to prevent kinking...
