Why does my radiator hose 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.
What is the purpose of radiator hoses?
Radiator hoses are a vital part of the cooling system that carry hot coolant from the engine through the radiator and circulate it back — cooler — to the engine again. There are two hoses, the upper and lower, and they’re thick and sturdy enough to handle both high pressures and immense heat.
Why does my car have a vacuum?
Another common problem is clogging of the smaller radiator runoff hose, which leads to the coolant tank. As the engine cools, if fluid cannot return to the tank , this will also cause a vacuum.
Which way is the coolant pump placed?
In others, however, the pump is placed to circulate coolant in the opposite direction, through the bottom of the radiator. This means one side (where the pump is) is the higher pressure side. Knowing how your cooling system is laid out will help you diagnose issues later on. Depending on the problem, one or both hoses can become flattened, ...
Is a hose collapsed bad?
Just because the hose is collapsed doesn’t mean it’s bad, but you should always double check. If the hose is easy to pinch together, feels loose or sticky or looks cracked, it’s time for a replacement. Many times hoses come with an internal spring that maintains their shape, even in a vacuum situation, so don’t be surprised if a broken or missing spring allowed the collapse in the first place. Changing a hose isn’t too hard, but it can be messy. Be prepared to drain all your coolant in the process.
Why does my radiator hose collapse?
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.
Why do car makers put a spring in the radiator hose?
The lower radiator hose is subjected to the most suction pressure so car makers usually install a spring inside the hose to help it maintain it’s shape. However, if someone has replaced the hose and not installed the spring, the lower radiator hose can collapse.
How does a water pump work on a radiator?
When your engine is running, the water pump is sucking coolant from the radiator and forcing it through the engine and heater core. But the thermostat is the traffic cop in this system. It’s fully closed when the engine is cold to prevent the coolant from circulating. That forces the coolant to heat up. Once the coolant reaches about 165°F begins to open and allow some coolant flow. At 195°F, the thermostat should be fully open. If the thermostat fails in the closed position, the water pump will attempt to pull coolant from the radiator and that can cause the upper radiator hose to collapse. However, this stuck radiator condition will also cause the engine to overheat.
What happens when you shut off the engine?
When you shut off the engine and the coolant cools and contracts, the contraction in the radiator creates a vacuum condition. When the vacuum reaches a certain preset level, the vacuum relief valve in the cap opens and allows coolant in the recovery tank to flow back into the radiator. With the engine cool, remove the radiator cap ...
What happens when coolant expands?
Bad radiator cap—Coolant expands and contracts as it heats and cools. As the engine warms and coolant expands, a pressure relief valve in
Can you spill oil on a rubber radiator hose?
But they can also be damaged by oil. If you spill oil on a rubber radiator hose, you clean it off.
Causes of Radiator Hose Collapse
As your engine heats up, engine coolant expands and the system pressurizes. Excess coolant is moved into the overflow reservoir.
Should I Be Able to Squeeze the Radiator Hose?
Since a healthy coolant hose is made of rubber, you should be able to squeeze the hose a little bit.
Can Radiator Hose Collapse Cause Overheating?
A collapsed radiator hose is not generally related to overheating. However, an obstruction in the cooling system that prevents the passage of coolant could cause the vehicle to overheat.
What caused the radiator hose to leak?
The old hose was too big, and there was some kind of bushing around the lower radiator opening that was the consistency of tar-paper (at least it was after years of use). The disintegration of that bushing probably caused the first leak. The new hose has the correct 1.5-inch opening.
Can you put a bushing on a raditor hose?
There shouldn't be anything on the raditor inlet hose stub other than the lower hose unless it's diameter is too small and it needs a bushing.
stimpy
also try to find a cap that allows the vacuum to pull the water out of the overflow tank too not all caps have this function . as when it cools the vacuum is supposed to pull the makeup water out of the overflow tank if the portion of the cap is not working the hose will collapse also as it cools .
stimpy
I've never really understood how a system with 15 psi in it can collapse a hose, but it does.
stimpy
Gates hoses and Goodyear used to have it in the back of the books . have to go to a quality parts store to get them . Napa used to carry them , but the way they are going ..
smidje
ummm..... I don`t get it, but maybe I`m missing something... you guys build the most awesome guys on the planet, but have trouble finding a radiator hose spring....? Just get some 3-4 mm weldingwire (use stainless if that makes you feel better ),wrap it around a correct diametre pipe, bent the ends inward and stuff it into the hose...