Collapsed radiator hoses...

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Apr 29, 2005 | 08:49 PM

Superdave37076

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Collapsed radiator hoses...

I was checking my AIC the other day and noticed the top radiator hose was collapsed, then looked and the lower was also collapsed. I had to pry the vacuum loose on the radiator cap to get it off! I've seen the botoom hose collapse, but never the top. It was after it was heated up to normal and was in the cooling off stage. They are new hoses, water pump, thermostat and cap.
What's up with that?

Apr 29, 2005 | 10:14 PM

CowboyBilly9Mile

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From: Eastern WA

My first reaction/question is are the radiator cap and/or hoses of less than OEM quality or from some price conscious supplier. Where were the parts made and what auto parts store store sold them? If of decent quality (no, china, fing fong, ding wong, etc do not cut it), I'd next try installing your old radiator cap and see what happens. I assume you didn't have the problem before your recent work.

Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Apr 29, 2005 at 10:17 PM.

Apr 29, 2005 | 11:49 PM

Superdave37076

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Hoses are Gates, thermostat Ford, cap Stant.

Apr 30, 2005 | 01:19 AM

CowboyBilly9Mile

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From: Eastern WA

Maybe an obstruction/collapse/crimp/pinch in the line between the burp tank and the radiator or debris somehow plugging the pickup tube in the burp tank. If you look at a radiator cap, you will see that the lower part functions like a check valve. As pressure builds, this check valve seals and coolant escapes due to the spring loaded section in the radiator cap giving way. But when the engine cools and the pressure drops, the check valve allows coolant to return into the radiator. It takes very little drop in pressure for coolant to begin to return.

By chance, is the burp tank overfilled on a cold engine?

Apr 30, 2005 | 06:30 AM

pawpaw

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From: SW Va

Don't know what year & engine you have Dave, but I had the same problem with my brand spanking new 99 4.0L right out of the show room.

Dealer found that the radiator over flow rubber hose to the recovery tank, was being pinched shut where it was mis routed under neath the air box. Rerouting it properly, solved the radiator hose, sucked shut problem.

Let us know what you find.

Apr 30, 2005 | 07:30 AM

wresleu

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I recently had the EXACT same problem. Only my hoses were old. I changed them to new OEM ones and I still had the problem. Changed the radiator cap next, it worked for a couple days and then they collapsed again. Finally I ended up flushing my radiator and got a pretty good amount of gunk (apparently someone put some stop leak in there) out, which ended up doing the trick. Check the seal on the radiator cap, it may have some gunk on it causing it not to firmly seat itself against the opening.

Apr 30, 2005 | 09:44 PM

Superdave37076

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Forgot to mention...new radiator too! I bought another cap and will try that. All the hoses appear to be okay, none pinched, even the overflow hose.

THANKS,
SD