Ok, I'm on my third new lower radiator hose in 6 weeks. I've used 2 hoses from Napa and 1 from Checker. Each one has only lasted 2 weeks before they develop a leak at that manufactored "T" fitting.

I've taken great care to not stress the joint while installing. The engine has also never shown indications of running hot, even though I lost about 1/2 gallon in the 2 week period.

Has anyone else had problems with this?? Am I just getting extremely unlucky with bad hoses or could there be other engine problems I'm not familar with?

What brand hoses to most others use?

 

Does the hose itself develop a leak (a tear or hole or something like that)?

Or does the leak occur between the hose and the fitting?

FWIW, I believe the dealer prices on hoses and belts are not that outrageous (relatively speaking, of course) ...you might think about it.

 

Its a leak between the hose and the fitting. They used a what seems to be a plastic shrink fit ring instead of a hose clamp. So I believe their method of securing the hose to the fitting is faulty in type of clamping material used.

But I've been wondering that if excessive engine movement is putting strain on it causing it to fail.

 

The Napa ones are probly made by Gates. (I personally dont like these hoses, but their belts are good.) The Checkers may have been a DriveRite, made by Dayco, but I would either check with the dealer or try to get an actual Dayco.

 

Well, pressurized systems automatically find the weakest link to leak... Is it possible that you have an overpressure condition.. as in a stuck radiator cap relief? or a blown head gasquet that is overpressuring the system?
After running for a while, check how stiff the upper radiator hose is. Try squeezing it. If it is a hard as a rock, you may have overpressure...
tom

 

Well, I did have the overpressure problem after all. After a full going over, the hose wasn't the only place I had a coolent leak from.

On a truck with only 77,000 miles, meticulously maintained, replacing most things before they wear out, and I drive with a very light foot-always have.

I have a blown intake manifold gasket and a bad water pump. And yes the NAPA hoses are crap also-I've gone back to OEM.

Add on top of that a badly rusted a/c accumulator, and my credit card debit that was close to being payed off, just doubled.