Q&A for How to Check Radiator Hoses

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What can cause the top of the radiator hose to become swollen and the heat to no longer work?

Community Answer

The hose might have burst internally and if the coolant leaked or can't flow through properly, you could be running without enough coolant to run the heat. If so, you should replace the hose and replace your coolant.

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Question

Why would the lower hose be cool, but the top hose hot?

Community Answer

Your thermostat controls coolant going to your lower hose. Either your engine has not reached sufficient temperature for the thermostat to operate, or your thermostat has gone bad and no longer operates properly. If your temperature gauge is past its normal point (about half way) and the bottom hose is still cold, fair chance your thermostat is bad.

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Question

Why is the top hose on my car very hard when it has been running for an hour or so?

Community Answer

This is perfectly normal. When your engine is at normal operating temperature, your cooling system is under pressure. The pressure in your system is limited by the radiator cap, usually around 15 psi. The hose feels hard because it is holding back the pressure in your cooling system. This is why you should periodically check the condition of the hoses.

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Question

What do the two small connectors on a radiator connect to?

Charles Slezak

Community Answer

These are lines which connect to the transmission and are for cooling its fluid.

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Question

Under the lower radiator hose there is another smaller hose that connects to a copper hose. What is it? I have a coolant leak where they meet.

Community Answer

Every car is different. Mine has literally dozens of coolant hoses spidering all over the place. One, similar to what you've described here, connects to a copper tube that enters the fuel injection system. I can only assume that it cools the fuel injection system. But, honestly, I have no idea. You'd have to provide more information.

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Question

Does the thermostat push coolant through the heater core hoses?

Charles Slezak

Community Answer

Yes. Once the thermostat opens, the flow from the water pump throughout the sealed system is your cooling system.

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Question

I have pin hole leaks in both the upper and lower radiator hoses. Do I need to replace them right away, or can I go for a month or so before replacing without additional problems?

Community Answer

You need to replace them ASAP or you'll be spraying coolant inside your engine bay. Until you replace them, fold a piece of cloth and duct tape it over the hole. This won't stop the leak, but it will minimize how much of your engine gets hit with it. Top off your coolant before you drive and keep an eye on it if driving more than a few miles!

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Question

Are there four hoses leading to the radiator or two?

Community Answer

In a car with an automatic transmission, it's four - two for cooling water and two for transmission fluid. In a manual transmission there are just two for the water.

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Question

Why would a radiator hose that was replaced within 30 days collapse?

Community Answer

If the hose you speak of is the lower hose, there must be a spring in the bend original OEM design. If this spring is not removed from the old hose and Inserted into the new hose, it could cause a collapse.

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Question

When replacing a manifold gasket, what hoses do you disconnect?

Brett Gilbert

Top Answerer

There are usually several hoses connected to the manifold. You may not need to remove all of them, but it depends on your vehicle. It can include the radiator hoses, fuel lines, injectors, battery cables, and vacuum hoses.

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