Let me preface this faq by stating that CoolCat Express in not a Gates dealer, nor do we have any affiliation with them. In fact, we have no intention of offering a hose set in the immediate future. There is no need to do so.

Many years ago, I bought a set of hoses for my Series II E-Type from SIPC. The hoses have given me great service, but after all this time, they are beginning to swell and soften. The unique thing about the SIPC product was that the lower radiator hose was one piece, as opposed to the stock setup which has two hoses and a metal center pipe. The single hose is easier to install. Over the years, I misplaced the center section. So with SIPC long out of business, I needed a new center section before I could replace the hose. This was the initial motivation for working out a swap.

It's always struck me as odd that there are so many complaints (and solutions) about Jaguar hoses. I have five cars in the barn, and I've had many more over the years. Although I have once or twice had a split hose, none of them has had chronic hose problems. Even the SIPC hoses worked fine in the Jag for years. Yet Jag owners complain about British hose quality, and vendors have all sorts of exotic replacement hoses. It seemed to me that a simple set of US-made Gates or Dayco hoses should go eight or ten years in a Jag (as they would in any other car). Another advantage to Gates hoses is that they are available from any parts store in the US. So if I burst a hose, I don't have to be stranded until a part can be shipped from a specialist. Finally, a full set of Gates hoses costs half the price of a set of British hoses. The only question is, which applications interchange with my Jag?

At the same time as I replaced the hoses, it seemed like a good idea to replace the belts and the thermostat. The Gates interchange guide from http://www.gates.com (free registration required) was invaluable in working out these swaps. Every hose they make is illustrated. The length and ID's are listed, everything sorted in ID order. All their thermostats are documented with a dimensioned technical drawing. This guide saved many hours of rummaging around parts stores.

Upper Radiator Hose: Gates 22022, Dayco 70885 Source: Lexus SC-400 1992-1997 4L V8 upper Note: Shorten long end 3/4"-1".	Lower Radiator Hose: Gates 21053, Dayco 70812 Source: (Ford pickup 1978 351 lower, w/2 3/8" Radiator) Note: Shorten small end about 2". Fit is a little tight on pump end, use antifreeze to lubricate.
Thermostat to Water Pump Bypass: Gates 21746, Napa 8437, Dayco 70468, Continental 66751 Source: Heavy trucks w/Isuzu 4BD1 Diesel motors, bypass Note: Despite odd bend, fits better than stock.	Heater bends: Gates 28460, Dayco 80393 (2 required) Source: Generic 6"x4"x1/2" bends, many applications Note: Trim to suit. Heater valve bend: Gates 21184, Dayco 70948 Source: 1991 Buick Century 3.3L bypass, others Note: Fits better than stock, trim to suit.
Balance of hoses made up from various straight lengths of 3/8", 1/2" and 5/8" heater hose, all generic. Thermostat housing air bleed made up from 5/16" fuel line.	Belts vary from year to year, sometimes from car to car. This set fits a '69 with air. 7250 Alternator (Some vehicles will require 7260) 9520 A/C 9313 Water Pump E-Type belts are still listed in the Gates pre-1990 application guide.
Thermostat: Gates 33188, Motorad 233+180,  Motorad 2033+180 (high flow), Motorad 7233+180 (fail-safe). Motorad "-" models may be substituted.	Locate the Gates theromostat's air bleed by holding up to light. This hole must be oriented to 12 o'clock when installed. Motorad "+" models have a "jiggle valve", rather than a hole.

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