Gates 25478 Radiator Coolant Hose

Flexible coolant hose for OE-style replacement

The Gates Vulco-Flex II 25478 is a flexible radiator coolant hose built for direct replacement where a formed hose is difficult to source. Its EPDM and steel construction helps it hold shape while bending in almost any direction, making it a practical solution for upper and lower cooling-system routing on a wide range of vehicles.

For Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger, and Mercury Mountaineer cooling repairs, this hose is sized for a 1.5 in. (38 mm) inside diameter at both ends with a 17 in. (432 mm) centerline length. The Gates 25478 is designed to replicate the angles and planes of many OE coolant hoses without the cost of a molded replacement.

Key features

• Flexible coolant hose for radiator and engine-to-pipe routing
• EPDM rubber with steel reinforcement for durability
• 1.5 in. / 38 mm inside diameter at both ends
• 17 in. / 432 mm centerline length
• Improved sealing surface for stronger leak resistance
• Non-molded design for routing in multiple directions

Product details

Gates Flexible Coolant Hose (Standard) line is built for service work where a conventional molded hose does not match the original routing or is no longer easy to source. This hose can be shaped to follow the required path while maintaining a secure sealing surface at the connection points. It is a practical OE-style replacement for cooling-system repairs on vehicles such as the Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Previa, as well as many other listed applications. This part cross-references Dayco 81171 and Dorman - HELP 67906 for the same application.

Common repair uses

• Replacing a cracked or leaking radiator coolant hose
• Restoring coolant flow after hose collapse or softening
• Repairing hard-to-find formed hose routing on older vehicles
• Addressing seepage at hose connection points
• Servicing upper or lower cooling-system hose runs on listed applications

Installation notes and tips

• Verify hose routing, end diameter, and centerline length before installation.
• Inspect the radiator neck, pipe, and clamp surfaces for corrosion or damage.
• Cut and route the hose to match the vehicle’s original path without kinks or sharp bends.
• Use the fitment notes for position-specific applications such as upper, lower, or engine-to-pipe routing.
• Confirm clearance around belts, pulleys, and nearby components after installation.

Quality assurance

Gates manufactures this hose as part of its Flexible Coolant Hose (Standard) line, using EPDM and steel reinforcement with an improved sealing surface for leak resistance. The design is intended to provide a durable replacement for many OE coolant hose shapes and routing requirements.