Leaking top radiator hose? Leaking top radiator hose how to replace a leaking top radiator
I need to know how to replace the top radiator hose?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If you have not done a job like this before you might want to consider watching a professional from YourMechanic do it for you, especially as the labor time is less than 1.5 hours so it’s pretty economical. The first order of business, of course, is to make sure that the upper hose is actually leaking and you don’t have a different issue such as a crack is the radiator itself where the hose attaches. Also, if that hose is leaking due to a break in aged rubber, the other "old" hoses should be inspected as well. A radiator hose replacement entails removing any plastic shields that prevent access to the hose(s). Then, you have to drain the coolant to a level below the lowest point that you will be working at. The hose clamps are removed and then you have to carefully "debond" the hose from the point it is attached to the tank. Over time, the rubber will bond really tightly to the radiator and you have to break the seal with damaging or severely scratching the radiator "nipple" (the part the hose slides over). Then you slip the new hose on (with clamps already loosely applied), apply the clamps and you are ready to refill. When refilling, you have to open the cooling system bleeder screws (if equipped) to ensure that air does not get trapped. Trapped air could cause the car to overheat as trapped air can block coolant flow.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Coolant leaks are one of the most common symptoms of a faulty radiator hose. They happen when the hose either deteriorates due to heat or abrasive damage, or when there`s a problem with the clamps that connect the hose to another component in the engine.
To do that, buy insulating tape from your local auto parts store and then wrap the insulating tape tightly around the leak. If you can`t get to an auto parts store, you can use duct tape or rags tied tightly around the hose.
If your engine has overheated (due to a stuck thermostat, low coolant or for some other reason), it`s possible for superheated coolant to swell the hose. Swollen hoses should be replaced as soon as possible. This applies to radiator hoses, as well as other hoses under the hood.
A bad radiator cap may trigger ups and downs in radiator pressure. This uneven pressure can cause radiator hoses to burst or tear.
The upper radiator hose is connected to the thermostat housing and to the radiator. From the bottom of the radiator, is the lower radiator hose that is directed to the water pump.
Replacing a leaking radiator hose on your car is fairly easy. All you need are a few basic tools, a basic knowledge of how your vehicle is designed, and some replacement coolant. While you can always tape the gap up to prevent more liquid from leaking out of the hose, you`re best off solving the problem permanently.
Coolant is used to remove heat from the engine by transferring heat through a series of coils. The cool air then flows back into the engine, preventing the engine from overheating. It`s best to avoid driving your car if you have a coolant leak because an overheating engine is an unsafe engine!
Look for signs of coolant leakage—a light-colored residue or stain—around the radiator cap, on hoses throughout the engine compartment (check the ends where they are clamped to other components) and on the radiator itself. If it looks like a hose is leaking near a clamp, try tightening the clamp with a screwdriver.
You most likely have a blown head gasket and the coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber(s), where it is getting past the rings into the oil as well as going out the exhaust. Sometimes the block gets warped from this leakage and has to be re-honed and decked (flattened) or replaced altogether.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Leaking top radiator hose? Leaking top radiator hose how to replace a leaking top radiator
ANSWER : If you have not done a job like this before you might want to consider watching a professional from YourMechanic do it for you, especially as the labor time is less than 1.5 hours so it’s pretty economical. The first order of business, of course, is to make sure that the upper hose is actually leaking and you don’t have a different issue such as a crack is the radiator itself where the hose attaches. Also, if that hose is leaking due to a break in aged rubber, the other "old" hoses should be inspected as well. A radiator hose replacement entails removing any plastic shields that prevent access to the hose(s). Then, you have to drain the coolant to a level below the lowest point that you will be working at. The hose clamps are removed and then you have to carefully "debond" the hose from the point it is attached to the tank. Over time, the rubber will bond really tightly to the radiator and you have to break the seal with damaging or severely scratching the radiator "nipple" (the part the hose slides over). Then you slip the new hose on (with clamps already loosely applied), apply the clamps and you are ready to refill. When refilling, you have to open the cooling system bleeder screws (if equipped) to ensure that air does not get trapped. Trapped air could cause the car to overheat as trapped air can block coolant flow.
I have a leak in the coolant system that I have narrowed to I believe is the water inlet tube off of the lower radiator hose.
ANSWER : First off, I would say it would be best to pressure test the cooling system to verify where the coolant is coming from. With the complexity of repairs to the cooling system on this vehicle, it may be worth the time spent to pressure test the system before tackling the replacement. Now then, as far as replacing the o-ring seal on the water pump inlet tube, it should really only require the removal of the bypass hose, lower radiator hose, and the two (or three, depending on manufacturing changes) mounting bolts that hold the inlet tube to the block. I personally would go ahead and replace the tube while I was there, instead of just the o-ring. Granted, this doesn’t mention what it will take to get down to the inlet pipe, but this is all it should take once you have access to it. If this is something that you feel you could use a hand with, consult with a certified mechanic, like those available at YourMechanic.com.
There’s a hose under the top radiator hose that seems to be leaking antifreeze. What hose is that and is it an easy fix?
ANSWER : Hi there. Usually the hose that’s directly under the top radiator hose is a return surge tank hose; typically coming from the radiator overflow coolant reservoir. Since winter is coming around soon, the best way to diagnose a coolant leak and to ensure it’s not your heater core of heater hose is to contact a professional mechanic and have them complete a coolant leak inspection. This service is the best way to eliminate the guess work and ensure you’re Chrysler 300 is repaired sooner rather than later.
I have an antifreeze leak internal I replaced the upper radiator hose new radiator as well can not see a leak or drip
ANSWER : Coolant leaks no matter how big or small should be addressed as soon as possible. As you noticed, the engine will run hot with a low coolant level. Even a minor leak can expand to a large or catastrophic leak with no warning. A minor repair now can turn into engine overheat and damage. The leak can be small enough now that it is burning away when contacting hot surfaces and not hitting the ground. If the radiator leaking is the cause of the coolant loss, then it should be replaced as soon as possible. The cooling system operates under pressure – usually 12-15 psi. A small leak can become a large leak because of the pressure. Have a certified technician address this as soon as possible. Do not use "coolant leak sealer" products as they are a temporary fix and can actually cause more damage by clogging small coolant passages and damage the water pump as well.
Have a leak from upper or lower radiator hose.
ANSWER : I would recommend looking at either hose to determine which hose the leak is coming from with the car running as this will pressurize the system and force water to the leaking point. Consider scheduling an appointment with one of our expert mechanics to come to your home or office to diagnose the leaking coolant issue and make necessary repairs.
Engine coolant leaking straight out replaced radiator and hoses and still immediately leaks fluid right out of bottom 2000 Cadillac DeVille
ANSWER : Hi there – you may have a leaking water pump, freeze plug, leaking hose, or cracked engine block. I would recommend a coolant leak inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose where coolant is still leaking, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Hi Steven, I have a 1995 pontiac grand am, quad4 16 valve. Today the upper radiator hose broke and I replaced it. The problem I am
ANSWER : There could be trapped air in the cooling system. The sensor could be dirty or defective or there could be a fault in the warning circuit. In some applications, there is a potential delay (documented in the Factory Service Manual) for the sensor to reset once you have completed the repair and refilled the cooling system. If there is no overheating, especially due to trapped air, and the cooling system is full (check when stone cold and check reserve tank, too, of course) and yet the warning light remains on for more than three days, the recommended service to get this resolved is a warning light diagnostic. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
I have to replace an upper radiator hose, what steps must I take to access the hose and remove it.
ANSWER : Access to the hose is clear. On a vehicle of this age, if you are replacing one radiator hose, really all should be replaced, including the heater hoses, due to the inevitable deterioration of rubber products. YourMechanic does perform radiator hose replacements on a mobile basis and so feel free to set up a mobile visit to have the hose(s) replaced. If you replace the hoses(s) yourself, be sure to use any available purge points to remove trapped air as you refill the cooling system. Trapped air can cause engine overheating until it dislodges.
