Real Time Help: Blowing lower radiator hose

[DomSmith]

Ok I'm at the end of my rope with this Ram Jet install... Finally got everything dialed in and started it up. I continue to blow lower radiator hoses off the bottom radiator fittings. 5 times and 10 gallons of coolant in the garage/driveway (I know, I'm filling it with water only until I get this figured out). I'm running an inline "T" fitting for the return of my heater but everything else is normal. Ram Jet 350 w/ reverse flow H2O pump in serpentine setup. I'm closing in on cutting the fuel lines and lighting a match...

 

[spotcruiser]

Head gasket issue? I've seen that blow hoses off before. Can you do a pressure check on your cooling system?

 

[Colorado Boy-74-FJ40]

Do you have the water pump turning backwards? Maybe the pulley is routed wrong. Overpressurizing the hose and radiator as it fights against the closed thermostat

 

[DomSmith]

Thanks guys for the input. Not suspecting a head problem with zero hours on the motor and I confirmed that the serp belt is on correctly and spinning the pump in the correct direction. I decided to start from scratch (again) on the lower hoses and it seems to be holding. we'll see...

 

[DomSmith]

Figured I should update this for the record. I did re-work the lower radiator hoses and was able to still use the lower T-fitting between the water pump and radiator which has a heater hose attachment. I think the angles were too severe and caused a weak link under pressure. I've disconnected the heater hose since then and should probably just remove the damn fitting now and run one solid hose from the water pump to the radiator. Add it to the list...

 

[mberbusse]

I am not familiar with the reverse rotation water pumps. On the older style SBC pump the heater hoses go from the water pump bypass to the heater and from the heater to the intake manifold. Are you ab;e to route your hoses that way and eliminate the T completely?