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Replace a Radiator Hose
The cooling system on your car is critical. If your engine runs too hot, it will self-destruct. How can you keep that from happening? Follows five are the most commonly asked questions about preventive maintenance for radiators.
- What does a radiator do?
ANS : The radiator's job is to take antifreeze and cool it. The cooled antifreeze is sent to the engine, where it circulates and absorbs heat. Then it cycles back to the radiator to be cooled again.How do I know if my radiator hoses are still good?
- How do I know if my radiator hoses are still good?
ANS : If you have an older model car or one with a lot of miles on it, and you've never changed the hoses, you might want to consider it. First, with the engine completely cool, visually check the hoses, looking for cracks, divots . . . any deviations on the surface.
Pay special attention to the area around the clamps, to see if they've perhaps pinched too tight and created some kind of opening in the hose. Also check to make sure the hoses aren't brittle. The rubber should still be supple, not dried out. Squeeze the hose firmly. If it rebounds, chances are the hose is still in good shape.
If your hoses don't pass these inspections, you should replace them.
- How do I replace the radiator hose?
ANS : Follow these steps:
- With the engine completely cool, begin by disconnecting the negative battery cable.
- Drain all the coolant out of the radiator. Open up the petcock at the bottom of the radiator with pliers and attach a piece of hose to the drain hole to direct the draining coolant to a basin. Once all the coolant has drained, remove the piece of hose and tighten the petcock once more.
- Remove the radiator hose. A clamp on each end holds it in place. Loosen the clamps with a little nut driver to the point where you can slide them several inches down the hose -- and they're no longer holding the fixture in place. Tug the hose off at either end, taking the clamps with it.
- Are there any hints to make replacing the hose easier?
ANS : Lubricate the inside of the new hose with fresh antifreeze. That will allow the hose to slip into place more easily. But before you reattach the hose, make sure to thread the clamps on, one four inches from either end of the hose. Then, once you've reconnected the hose, slide one clamp to within a half inch of either end of the hose.
Tighten the clamps with the nut driver, but not too tight or you could create a tear in the hose.
- What should I put in my coolant tank?
ANS : Depending on which area of the country you live in, that could vary. On the average, you'll need a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. But if you live in a cold area of the country, you might need a higher percentage of the antifreeze. And remember, before you're ready to go again, you'll have to reconnect the negative battery and take the car for a test drive. Check your hoses and underneath the radiator to make sure you didn't create a leak.
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