Gates 23043 Radiator Coolant Hose - Upper or Upper - Pipe To Thermostat

Gates 23043 Molded Coolant Hose Overview

The Gates 23043 molded coolant hose is an OE-style radiator coolant hose built for upper cooling system applications. Made from EPDM and formed to the correct molded shape, it supports a direct replacement for select Dodge Dakota, Ram Dakota, Mitsubishi Raider, and Ford Explorer Sport Trac applications.

Gates Molded Coolant Hose products are engineered for radiator hose replacement jobs where the original hose routing and formed shape matter. This line is built to cover upper, lower, bypass, heater, and other coolant applications with OEM-quality specifications.

Key Features

• Part number: Gates 23043
• Material: EPDM for coolant-system service
• Molded hose construction for proper routing
• 1.5 in. inside diameter at both ends
• 8.8 in. centerline length
• No spring and no quick-connect fittings
• Direct replacement style for upper coolant hose applications

Detailed Description

This molded radiator coolant hose is shaped to match the original hose path in the cooling system, helping maintain proper fit and hose alignment. The Gates 23043 is listed for 2011 Ram Dakota, 2005-2010 Dodge Dakota, 2006-2007 Mitsubishi Raider, and 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in upper or upper-to-thermostat positions. If you are replacing a worn upper radiator hose on a Dodge Dakota or Ram Dakota, this hose provides the formed profile needed for a clean installation.

This part cross-references Continental 62953 and Dayco 72232 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Coolant leaks from cracked or aged upper radiator hoses
• Softening, swelling, or collapse in the hose body
• Poor hose routing caused by a misshaped replacement hose
• Overheating concerns related to coolant loss
• Fitment issues when replacing the original molded hose

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the hose routing, end diameters, and centerline length before installation. Inspect the thermostat housing, pipe connections, and clamps for wear or corrosion, and replace any damaged sealing surfaces before installing the new hose. Confirm the application matches your vehicle by year, make, model, and position: Fits 2011 Ram Dakota, Upper; Fits 2005-2010 Dodge Dakota, Upper; Fits 2006-2007 Mitsubishi Raider, Upper; Fits 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Upper - Pipe To Thermostat.

Quality Assurance

Gates molded coolant hoses are manufactured to OEM-quality specifications for radiator hose replacement across a broad range of cooling system applications. The Gates 23043 is part of the brand’s molded coolant hose line, which is built for formed-fit replacement coverage in upper, lower, bypass, and heater hose positions.