Gates 26504 Radiator Coolant Hose - Lower or Upper

Flexible Heavy-Duty Coolant Hose

Gates 26504 is a Flexible Coolant Hose (Heavy-Duty) built for radiator coolant routing on trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles. Its flexible construction and built-in spiral wire help it replace a wide range of molded hose shapes while maintaining the performance expected from a molded-style hose.

Compatible With Ford E-150 Econoline, E-250 Econoline, E-350 Econoline, F-100, F-150, F-250, and F-350 applications, this hose also covers select classic Ford, Mercury, Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile lower hose positions. Gates 26504 is a practical service part when the original hose shape is difficult to source.

Key Features

• Brand: Gates Green Stripe Vulco-Flex flexible coolant hose
• Part number: 26504
• Material: EPDM with steel reinforcement
• Built-in spiral wire for hose support and shape retention
• End inside diameters: 1.75 in. and 2 in.
• Centerline length: 16.5 in. (419 mm)
• Non-molded design for broad replacement coverage

Product Details

The Gates Flexible Coolant Hose (Heavy-Duty) line is made for applications where a formed hose is not readily available or where multiple molded hose shapes can be replaced with one flexible solution. This hose uses EPDM rubber and steel reinforcement to handle coolant routing in demanding service environments. It is a direct-fit style replacement for many lower radiator hose applications across Ford Econoline vans, Ford F-Series trucks, and selected classic passenger vehicles.

This part cross-references Dayco 82031GL and Continental 52817 for the same application.

Common Cooling System Issues It Can Address

• Cracked or softened lower radiator hose
• Hard-to-find molded hose replacement on older vehicles
• Collapsed hose sections caused by coolant flow demand
• Incorrect hose shape when servicing mixed-fit cooling systems
• Age-related coolant leaks at the hose body

Installation Notes and Tips

• Verify end diameters and centerline length before installation.
• Confirm lower or upper hose position against the vehicle listing.
• Check clearance around belts, pulleys, and fan components before routing.
• Use proper coolant-system service procedures after installation.
• For 1990 Ford E-250 Econoline Club Wagon, E-350 Econoline, and E-350 Econoline Club Wagon, note the no oil cooler application detail.

Quality Assurance

Gates is a recognized name in cooling-system service parts, and the Vulco-Flex design is engineered as a permanent replacement hose that matches molded-hose performance requirements in heavy-duty use.