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Radiator and hoses

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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 03:15 PM
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Default Radiator and hoses

Last week, when taking her for a spin, I smelled something like burn rubber when cruising the highway. As soon as I pulled into a parking lot and turned the engine off, something poped, some steam came out and most of the coolant liquid drained out to form a nice green river. As the car being so low, I couldn't crawl underneath and see where the coolant is coming from. General area - the front passenger wheel.

Since it was Sunday and all shops were closed, I got her towed home.

At this point, I suspected the lower hose to be the problem. But after taking it out yesterday, to an untrained eye, it seems to be fine.

What else should I look for/do?
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 04:02 PM
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If you're lucky it could be a heater hose. Obviously something has a leak. I would check the coolant level in the radiator and I would keep a close watch on the temperature gauge even if the coolant level is OK.
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 05:19 PM
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maybe you overfilled the overflow tank
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 05:27 PM
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Hi myz,
It's possible that the hole in the hose is only really visible when the hose is under pressure (HOT).
You may have to look for other green clues in the engine compartment and under the car to narrow down which hose is bad.
Otherwise fill up the radiator with water and run the car just long enough to see the 'spurt'.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 05:31 PM
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Thanks guys, but when looking under the hood when it happened, it seems as the coolant leaked from somewhere lower than both suggestions, that's why I couldn't pinpoint the location.
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 05:34 PM
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And thanks Alan, I'm not going to put the old lower hose back. Working on ordering a new one!
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 11:53 PM
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While searching for parts, I found this aluminum radiator:
http://www.genesisautoparts.com/prod...5X0001-3AA.htm

Price seems right! Does anyone knows it and can provide feedback? Also wondering if/how aluminum radiators are better?
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 01:09 AM
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Likely that either your lower hose has a hole that only shows up under pressure as stated (had this with my upper hose last summer, looked basically perfect but had a pin hole on the under side that leaked when pressurized), or your radiator's overflow hose kicked coolant out because of too much heat or pressure.
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted by my_z
While searching for parts, I found this aluminum radiator:
http://www.genesisautoparts.com/prod...5X0001-3AA.htm

Price seems right! Does anyone knows it and can provide feedback? Also wondering if/how aluminum radiators are better?

I bought a radiator for my 1993 Bronco from them. I haven't installed yet it will go in with new engine.
Looks rather crude in construction quality, but the price can't be beat. I do like that it doesn't have plastic end caps like the original.
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 07:34 AM
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Why did we go from hose to rad replacement ?? Go to Advanced Auto and rent , or have them use there pressure tester on your cooling system.. You will then know exactly what the issue is...
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 07:47 AM
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My 68 didn't come with an overflow tank, if the system was low, got hot, the pressure release on the cap would pop an expel even more coolant.
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Old Apr 22, 2013 | 08:24 AM
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69s didn't have an overflow either (or my 70), just a hose running to the ground from the cap. It's usually the source of coolant under the car when you can't find damage anywhere.
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Old May 20, 2013 | 11:13 PM
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An update - ordered new lower hose online to find out it's bit too long and won't fit (even if I cut it, angles are off).

Was thinking to use the top flex hose on the bottom (and get a new SS hose for the top), but would like confirm it's okay first? Any input would be appreciated! Thanks
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Old May 21, 2013 | 06:45 AM
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The bottom hose on my 73 has a spring running thru it to prevent it from collapsing due to the suction of the water pump. Yours should be the same if your plan to use the flexible hose from the top.
Fran
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Old May 21, 2013 | 02:30 PM
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Originally Posted by my_z
Thanks guys, but when looking under the hood when it happened, it seems as the coolant leaked from somewhere lower than both suggestions, that's why I couldn't pinpoint the location.
Not to be Mr. doom and gloom, but didja check the freeze plugs and the drain bolts?

Also - That lower rad hose with the spring - You want that.

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Old May 21, 2013 | 05:06 PM
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Guess new question would be- since the "original" size/shape won't fit, what would be the best alternative?

Schaggy, can you be more specific about that hose?
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Old May 22, 2013 | 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by my_z
Schaggy, can you be more specific about that hose?
Sure thing!

I have this hose.

I have had a LOT of cooling issues with my car and this is one of the things that made a difference. When the car is hot the lower hose can collapse, reducing flow. The spring inside keeps that from happening.

I'd go so far to say that it's necessary if you go with a high-flow water pump, although that's my personal opinion.

Hope that helps!

Last edited by Schaggy; May 22, 2013 at 10:18 AM. Reason: edited for accuracy
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Old May 22, 2013 | 12:01 PM
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Thanks Schaggy!
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Old May 22, 2013 | 12:23 PM
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the radiator outlets,where they are connected to the tanks,are real flimsy and coud split easily at their juncture.p.s gates claims ther hoses do not require a spring.i have had no issues with their springless hoses.
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Old May 23, 2013 | 11:07 AM
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At this point IDK what hose to get and in need for some directions. As mentioned above, the hose for my car (per catalogue) does not fit and according to store it's due to the fact there's a 383ci in it.

Here's a picture of the two hoses (left one is new), you can see clearly the differences at both ends:
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