I've seen it before, but have always wondered (as I've never seemed to be able to "remedy" the situation): what causes my upper radiator hose to collapse, like it's being sucked-shut (squeezed/pinched closed), when my vehicle cools down? I'm supposing some sort of air-pocket/air-lock type of thing, but my expansion tank stays within range (though I did over-fill it recently) - but then shouldn't that cause the system to 'balance-out' (i.e. replace whatever space may be dis-placed by air)??

Just curious (or am I IN TROUBLE HERE!?!.)

Thx!
glenn ...

 

It isn't allowing the vacuum to pull the water from the overfill it is usually a problem
with the radiator cap or if it is pulling the water it needs from the of and still collapsing
the hose you probably have weak hoses. There is a cure for it and that is a big spring
that goes inside the rad hose the full length of it since it is usually the longest hose
that has the problem you only need one.

 

Yes sir thanks. Most likely the radiator-cap I suppose as I changed the radiator hoses this past summer (approx. 6 months, about 10,000 miles ago). The cap is always ('often seems' to be anyway) a likely suspect (am on my second, maybe third, in 7/8 years - 162,000 miles). I'll "attempt" to clean it up first and see if that helps - I've found plenty of times that parts such as this can often be cleaned - sort of 'renewed' - to extend their life - at least a li'l bit).

Of course, I could have a weakness in a heater-hose considering the age/mileage (though they both appear to be in real good shape). I haven't really found (seen/noticed) any other 'by-pass' type hoses or anything in the system. God-forbid a head gasket or something of the like - can't afford that right now!

Thanks again - will let you know what I find.

glenn ...
PS - I have always preferred those straight ("flex"?) hoses with the spiral wire inside - tough to find anymore (I think??) - everything seems to be pre-molded - at least the ones with proper measurements for my app. - Thx again.

 

Most likely a bad radiator cap. It not only releases excess pressure but also has a valve that allows air to enter the cooling system when the engine cools off.

 

Cleaned-up the cap, and she quit SUCKING the upper hose closed. Saved myself $5/$10 for another 'who knows how long' (??).

Thanks again,
glenn ...