by Dr. Eda Keeling
Published 3 years ago
Updated 2 years ago
As the pressure in the system drops — when the engine is off and cooling down — the pressure cap allows the excess coolant in the overflow tank to return to the radiator. If the radiator cap is malfunctioning, the vacuum created in the system will collapse the hose.Aug 10, 2017
What causes a upper radiator hose to collapse?
The most common cause for radiator hose collapse is a vacuum issue caused by a faulty radiator cap. Caps are rated around 14–16 psi. Under normal circumstances, caps should release the negative pressure caused when an engine cools down and the liquid coolant contracts.May 16, 2017
What happens when radiator hose collapses?
If the collapse happens when the engine is cold, it's because the cooling system is in a state of vacuum. If the radiator hose collapses while the engine is running it's because the water pump is sucking and coolant isn't flowing properly, creating a vacuum condition.Sep 28, 2019
Can you drive with a collapsed radiator hose?
Yes, a collapsed hose can cause overheating. If you are driving when a hose goes flat, coolant flow will be restricted. Your instrument panel will give you an elevated temperature indication and/or an overheating warning light.Oct 12, 2021
What would cause a radiator hose to suck flat?
The cap allows coolant to pass out into the overflow when the coolant expands due to heat. It also is supposed to allow it to siphon back in as it cools and creates a vacuum. If the cap will not let the fluid back in then the vacuum is causing the hose to get sucked flat.
But this is a very very nice tool to have to pinpoint. If you have a leaking cap or defectiveMoreBut this is a very very nice tool to have to pinpoint. If you have a leaking cap or defective radiator cap or if for example your vehicle is overheating to really see if the radiator is in good shape.
How much does a radiator cap cost?
The average radiator cap replacement cost is between $10 and $50, depending on the car model. A new radiator cap costs from $5 to $25, while labor only takes 10 seconds to replace and is often free. The good news is that if you have a faulty radiator cap, it's one of the cheapest possible components to replace.Jan 16, 2022
Why is my top radiator hose hot and bottom cold?
Another cause of this problem could be a defective water pump. If you remove your pressure cap and the upper radiator hose is hotter than usual, it may indicate air is trapped in the coolant system due to an inadequate water pump or circulation issue.
What causes radiator hose to crack?
Electrochemical degradation (ECD) occurs when different kinds of metals in the cooling system create an electric charge. The coolant transfers this charge to different areas, creating electric charges that cause cracks to form inside the hose.May 2, 2018
Can you squeeze a radiator hose?
Hoses should not be swollen or cracked, both of which could lead to a failure. Perform a squeeze test. While the engine is warm after a drive, squeeze the radiator hoses, paying particular attention to areas where the hose bends. A radiator hose in good condition should feel firm, but not hard.Jul 27, 2020
Checking Your Radiator Hoses
At every oil change, you should evaluate the condition of your radiator hoses. The engine must be turned off and cool to do this. Never use your hands to check the hoses with the engine running as this poses risk of severe injury.
Should I be Able to Squeeze the Radiator Hoses?
Yes, with the engine off and cooled down, the hoses should be soft enough to squeeze. Hoses in good condition should be flexible to finger pressure but not squishy or spongy feeling. Aging hoses will be hard and brittle.
Should Both Radiator Hoses be Hot?
After a drive of as little as five miles, the upper hose will be quite hot as it will be carrying coolant directly from the engine. If the radiator is doing its job, the bottom hose will be conveying much cooler fluid back to the engine.
Can a Collapsed Radiator Hose Cause Overheating?
Yes, a collapsed hose can cause overheating. If you are driving when a hose goes flat, coolant flow will be restricted. Your instrument panel will give you an elevated temperature indication and/or an overheating warning light.
What is the Function of the Radiator Cap?
The radiator cap closes your cooling system but enables coolant to flow to and from the expansion tank (radiator coolant overflow tank).
Can a radiator hose collapse?
Hoses are used extensively throughout your engine, and they’re all subject to pressurized fluid. However, collapse is usually only a problem on radiator hoses – generally the upper hose, and only in certain situations.
What happens if a hose collapses?
Some hoses have wire reinforcement woven into the rubber of the body. If some of the reinforcement is faulty or broken, it creates a weak spot in the hose, and collapse can happen. If you have a collapsed hose, there’s definitely a problem in the system.
15 hours ago
What does a collapsed upper radiator hose mean? The most common cause for radiator hose collapse is a vacuum issue caused by a faulty radiator cap. Another common problem is clogging of the smaller radiator runoff hose, which leads to the coolant tank.
30 hours ago
Jun 09, 2020 · The hose can collapse because the hose is soft or has become to weak. In other cases a cooling system fault can cause the hose to collapse. Considering this, what would cause a radiator hose to come off? The radiator hoses can pop off for several reasons. Typically it is because the hose or the plastic neck that connects it to the radiator/component has failed. You …
5 hours ago
Sep 28, 2019 · If the radiator hose collapses while the engine is running it’s because the water pump is sucking and coolant isn’t flowing properly, creating a vacuum condition. Bad radiator cap is the #1 cause of radiator hose collapse. Bad radiator cap—Coolant expands and contracts as it heats and cools. As the engine warms and coolant expands, a pressure relief valve in
30 hours ago
Clogged Cooling System. A collapsed radiator hose does not necessarily indicate a bad hose. Buildup of chemical deposits or debris in the cooling system will gradually constrict coolant flow. This and other coolant blockages can cause system overheating and a vacuum sufficient to collapse a weakened hose.
5 hours ago
Apr 02, 2018 · A plugged check valve on the cap causes a collapsed hose, not opening or overflowing of coolant under normal pressure. I also agree that there is probably a very small leak when warm allowing a void in the system that isn't getting replaced from the resevoir during cool down due to the plugged check valve in the cap.
