B.C.

Greetings:

I just changed the coolant on my 95 Max (15 k miles; no winter driving). After idling it to operating temperature, I let it cool down and then topped it off. Then, I drove it around the block a few times (about 2 miles). Upon returning, I noticed that the lower radiator hose was completely cool as if the thermostat never opened. After it cooled down again, I opened the radiator cap, put some rags around it, then gave the lower radiator hose a few good squeezes. I noticed some air bubbles out of the radiator. Is a certain amount of air normal to observe or was there in fact an air pocket? Now, I am wondering if I shouldn't have replaced that lower radiator hose anyway on account of the five years. It didn't feel mushy, but there were some two "bumps" on it (could be slight distortions in hose that have been there from day one or deterioration). If I decide to change the lower radiator hose, now I will really wonder how to rid any air pockets down there since I will opening up this section of the cooling system.

Any advice greatly appreciated.