What is the best way to get the 45* angle coolant bypass hose on?

[ncsurfer]

Hi Guys,
I have everything off of the front of the engine on my 280SL, including the A/C- generator bracket. I have replaced the water pump and I am also replacing all of the hoses, belts, etc. I removed the thermostat housing off by cutting the old bypass hose off. Now I am trying to put the thermostat housing back on with the new bypass hose, but having trouble getting the hose on because of the two long bolts that the thermostat housing has to go over before being bolted down. Would heating the bypass hose in hot water help make it more flexible? Thanks for any help.

[w113dude]

Soak the by-pass hose in hot water for a few minutes then rub the lips of the tube with a bit of grease, it will slide in without much effort.

[ncsurfer]

Thanks, I will try that.