In that case I don't know. Maybe what seems tight isn't too tight. Can you post a pic of what you have ?
You don't want to stretch the hose or cause a sharp bend at its metal connections. I do know the aftermarket makers will short us every fraction they can. I ran into this problem with a lower radiator hose. Gates hose was as long as OEM so I could push it all the way onto the nipples. Store/china brand was hardly long enough to get under the clamps.
