Radiator hose interference

[twistedtree]

I've got another interesting problem with my '64 230.  The squiggly lower radiator hose ends up only 1/4" or so away from the alternator pulley fan.  Sitting at idle there is no contact, but when you hit the road and things start bouncing around a bit, the fan pulley is contacting the hose and starting to cut its way through.

I'm pretty sure my car does not have the original radiator, and my theory is that the lower hose connection is lower than it should be, thereby pulling the hose assembly down and closer to the alternator.

Questions for anyone with a 230, preferably a pretty early one:

1) How much clearance do you have between the hose and the alternator pulley/fan?

2) What is the vertical distance between the radiator lower mount bolt and the top edge of that lower hose?

I'm likely to end up on a quest for a replacement radiator, but need to know what I'm looking for to ensure the problem gets fixed.

Or does anyone have any other ideas what the issue might be?

Thanks in advance

[hkollan]

Hi,

I don't have a 230 myself, but there are two different versions of the lower radiatorhose for the 230 SL.
Make sure you have the correct one.  Part number for the early one should be A1135010582.(according to SLS)
Check the SLS site to see the different versions pictured.

Hans