Coolant Conundrum

[Kenneth K]

Great idea Ken. They are Marelon elbows, but that's still a good precaution.

Yeah, you could argue that if it's stiff enough, or wire reinforced hose, it's not going to fold over, but it's still cheap insurance.

 

[Prairie Schooner]

. . .
I use a plastic Shur-flow, so I'm not against non-bronze strainers. Mine is located just above the waterline. But, if attaching hoses to plastic hose barbs, just remember that the plastic is the weakest link in the hose-clamp/hose/barb connection. If the plastic barb cracks or deforms and allows the hose to come loose, the upper hose end may still be able to drop/droop below the waterline. So, sometimes I'll safety safety-wire a hose into its elevated position when I attach it to plastic, i.e.,
. . .

I've never heard a convincing argument for the bronze strainers. I mean, they look really cool, Jules Verne Nautilus-y but the bowl is polycarbonate so by the 'weakest link' principle, they're still plastic. And they introduce another metal part into the galvanic action sweepstakes. But, I am open to be convinced otherwise.

Thanks Ken, I'll do some sort of hose anchor like you suggest. We do winterize every year, but it's never really been a hassle to disconnect a hose and stick it in a bucket. I'll reread your description, though. I could be missing something.