Gates 26508 Radiator Coolant Hose

Heavy-Duty Flexible Coolant Hose

Gates 26508 is a heavy-duty radiator coolant hose built for demanding cooling system service on trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles. This Green Stripe Vulco-Flex hose uses EPDM and steel construction with a built-in spiral wire to replace molded hose shapes while maintaining the performance expected from a permanent coolant hose replacement.

Compatible With 1958-1960 Ford Thunderbird upper and 1958-1960 Lincoln Continental lower cooling system applications, this Gates Flexible Coolant Hose (Heavy-Duty) also supports 1958-1960 Mercury Colony Park lower routing. The 2-inch inside diameter ends and 12.2-inch centerline length make it a direct-fit option for specific radiator hose layouts where a flexible replacement is needed.

Key Features

• Gates part number 26508 for heavy-duty coolant hose replacement
• EPDM and steel construction for durability in cooling system service
• Built-in spiral wire helps the hose hold shape under operating conditions
• 2-inch inside diameter at both ends
• 12.2-inch centerline length for selected upper and lower hose routing
• Flexible design replaces multiple molded hose shapes in heavy-duty applications
• Non-molded hose style for broader service coverage

Product Details

The Gates Flexible Coolant Hose (Heavy-Duty) line is made for service situations where a molded hose is not the only answer. This Vulco-Flex radiator coolant hose is engineered to replace a range of molded hose sizes and shapes, giving technicians a practical option for cooling system repairs on older Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles as well as other heavy-duty platforms. Gates 26508 is a direct replacement-style hose that uses flexible construction to match the required routing while maintaining coolant flow integrity.

This part cross-references Dayco 81411 and Dorman - HELP 67916 for the same application.

Common Cooling System Issues It Can Address

• Cracked or split radiator hose material
• Collapsed hose sections caused by age or heat cycling
• Incorrect hose shape when a molded replacement is unavailable
• Coolant leaks at deteriorated upper or lower hose runs
• Service delays on older vehicles with hard-to-source molded hose profiles

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the hose routing, end diameters, and centerline length before installation. Confirm whether the application calls for an upper or lower radiator hose and inspect adjoining necks, clamps, and coolant passages for wear or corrosion before reassembly. For best results, match the hose path to the original routing and ensure the spiral-wire reinforced hose is seated without twist or excessive tension.

Quality Assurance

Gates is known for cooling system components used across passenger and heavy-duty vehicle service, and this hose is built to meet the demands of radiator coolant applications with reinforced flexible construction.