When Do I know it's time for a new Radiator Hose?
 

I can squeezwe mine, and it's not the easiset to push in, but i thought there was supposed to be more pressure than that. am i right or wrong? what do you think?

Re: When Do I know it's time for a new Radiator Hose?
 

Hoses are basically a PM type of item that should be changed every so often, unless they show obvious signs of wear. A lot of times hoses will wear internally with no signs of external problems, these are the type of hoses that leaves you on the side of the hwy. What's really funny (or stupid, depends on how you look at it) I've had my car since 96 with 29K, 7 yrs and almost 100k later I've yet to change the hoses. All other PM items has been changed regularly, I'm really asking for it :D

what do you mean by PM item? private message? wtf :confused:

My bad, you're the second person that ask me what PM meant. I forgot in the internet world PM means private message, but with me working in the maintenance feild, I'm use to PM meaning preventive maintenance. Note to self, never use PM on the internet when trying to talk about maintenance issues :)

Re: Re: When Do I know it's time for a new Radiator Hose?
 

ME TOO!
well alot more k's :D
I've yet to do many others like feul injection cleaning, ATF change, Coolant Change blahb balhblahba

Re: When Do I know it's time for a new Radiator Hose?
 

Is this with the engine on or off? Try doing that w/the engine at normal running temperature:D

I knew what you were talking about...of course I am in the maintenance field too.

also just a note, dont always rely on the "squeeze test", sometimes hoses have metal "frames" in them to help hold shape, and may give you false readings.

MrGone

TEN FOUR!

The metal "frames" are usually in the lower radiator hoses and not the top, usually. You are correct, these frames are there to help prevent the hose from collapsing. I cant't remember the actual terms and reasoning, but if you have a faulty radiator cap it can cause your lower radiator to collaspe when the engine is shut off.

FYI, do you know when you shut off your engine the coolant temp rises before it starts to lower? Have you ever seen a motor run fine but over heats when you shut it off?

I have a 91 se 5-sp it has 211k and one of the hoses just went this weekend. It was the one that goes to the thermostat and autozone doesn't carry that hose. I had to go with the flexy hose, its diamiter was a little big but it is holding. My heat is acting funny now though. I don't know if a peice of hose broke off in side and got stuck in the thermostat or even worse the heater core.

nope, havent noticed...i know what you're talkin about though