Radiator hose collapses
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
Radiator hose collapses
On my 71 big block a couple hours after I shut it off the top radiator hose collapses when it cools . When I take radiator cap off it goes back to normal. Are these caps not vented? Is this normal. I never saw it happen to my other big blocks. Radiator is not low on fluid.
GM Cert Corvette Tech
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,559
Likes: 585
From: Anaheim Hills California
On my 71 big block a couple hours after I shut it off the top radiator hose collapses when it cools . When I take radiator cap off it goes back to normal. Are these caps not vented? Is this normal. I never saw it happen to my other big blocks. Radiator is not low on fluid.
Last edited by Douglas Mariani; Aug 8, 2019 at 11:22 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
Thank you both for the responses. Yes I remember the old ones with the spring. Didn’t know that’s what it was for. So I guess when I restart it it will go back to normal without having to open cap.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
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If it is collapsing that easily, then it's time to replace it. How old is it?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
the hose seems really soft and not so thick.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
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From: CA.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
There is NO problem with the upper hose 'appearing' to collapse when the engine is off. That hose is under pressure when in operation (output of water pump). As mentioned above, when hot engine is shut down and coolant is losing its heat, a vacuum can be created in the cooling system. With a smooth upper hose, it could appear to collapse. Curious....but it means nothing to a running engine. If you just don't like the look of it, stick a spring in there, too. The lower hose NEEDS the spring to keep it from collapsing, as it is on the suction side of the water pump.
Race Director
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Race Director
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
If it's that old, replace both hoses. And as someone else stated, replace the radiator cap.