First for reference I post a picture of a good original equipment radiator hose MGA (not Twin Cam) and early MGB. These are 1-1/8" ID x 6-3/4" Long with 7 convolutions, well reinforced for pressure strength, and very flexible.


Now on to the bad news. In late 2018 (and into 2019) the following bad hose was found for sale on eBay. It is essentially a solid straight hose with six annular rings molded on the outside, a very poor replication of the original external appearance. Aside from bad appearance, the stiff solid hose will transmit considerable force with engine motion to place undue stress on the metal tubes and tanks and solder joints which can damage the radiator.

We know at least one eBay seller has been notified and has removed this part from market and will be disposing of stock. However, there are likely to be other suppliers of the same bad part, and there may be more of these still in inventory or on a customer's shelf, or on the cars, so heep an eye out for this problem.

Next we have a weak hose. This one has been supplied by Moss Motors USA as their part number 470-270, noted as "replacement type". The same hose is also available from some other suppliers (most notably Moss parts distributors). It has poorly formed convolutions, some difference in size between various convolutions, is quite soft to the touch, and it has very minimal internal reinforcing fiber. This hose will bulge a little under pressure, eventually swell some with repeated temperature and pressure cycling, and is likely to fail in two years or less (unless you don't drive the car much). Where a good hose may eventually fail near one of the end clamps, this one is likely to spring a leak anywhere along the length, most likely on one of the convolutions where it has the most expansion motion under pressure. Cutting it open will disclose very minimal reinforcement fiber content. Definitely inferior construction, but if you just want to buy cheap to get the car out the door, this one could be serviceable for a year or two.