Took the vette to work today, Since it was Saturday and I was only going in for a few hours, thought it would be fine. My buddy thought it would be cool if he came to my house and we drove in together, in the vette. I had no issue with this since we are working on the same project.

We had a blast going in this morning, killed some rice. Had the top down, it was a cloudy morning but still good topless driving wheather. Had a quick couple of hours in work, with no issues. On the way home stopped and got some lunch. It was looking to be a great day.

Then it happened. Leaving after lunch, this young kid in a BMW wanted some so I had to give it to him. From a stop light I ran 1st gear up and had 2 cars on him. While I was watching him in my rear view mirror I saw a big cloud of white smoke come from my car :eek: . Then I smelt it...antifreeze. I just about freaked, stop the car and shut off the engine with in 1 minute, in a parking lot. Popped the hood and got out, I was so afraid to open the hood. And there it was, the upper rear radiator hose was split down the middle :cry . Antifreeze ALL over the engine. My first thought was, MY OPTISPARK :cuss . I really hoped it wasn't turned into opticrap.

So, after calling pepboys, Autozone, and 3 chevy dealers which not one of these stupid places had a damn upper rear hose. I went to Autozone and got a flexy hose that the stupid thing twice as long as the stock one, and 2 gallons of antifreeze.

I was able to limp home, and will be ordering some new hoses tomorrow. Do you guys think I should change all the hoses, upper front/upper rear/and lower hose, while I'm in there. This is my thought, all the hoses look original and while I have everything drained, it's only $60 from MAD for all three hoses, and I might wait till Monday and check at a dealer to see what they charge for the parts. But is it a good idea to just change them while I have in down, would give me peace of mind.... :D .

Thanx for listening to me rant
Scott

 

I would do all the hoses now, as long as the system is drained anyway. You don't need to go through this same thing again next week. Be sure to change the hose clamps, too. Have fun.

 

 

:yesnod:

 

 

:yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:

 

bad luck, yea the system is drained do them all, new hose clamps and maybe even get that braided hose wrap, it actually does not look too bad.

 

[QUOTE]I would do all the hoses now, as long as the system is drained anyway. You don't need to go through this same thing again next week. Be sure to change the hose clamps, too. Have fun.

 

Sorry to hear....I would change em all

 

I had the dealer replace all my hoses and with labor it was around $280. May be high, but at least I won't have to worry about it for several years!

:yesnod:

 

Had the same thing happen to me on the 5th. Was on Hwy 54 cooking up some rice, and wasnt lucky enough to smell the burnt rice as much as coolant. Shut her down , coasted off the 1st off ramp and learned how much power breaks and steering sucks in a vette without a motor running. Ya know in all of El Paso not one darned place has hoses ? Ordered them that night. had to carpool for a week. it sux. Replace them all ! My only regret is that the rice might have thought he got the best of me.

 

Replace them all. Next time your Optispark may not be so lucky... :smash:

 

Can't disagree here! Change 'em all... :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:

 

 

:yesnod: :cheers:

 

I'm actually a fan of changing this stuff "before" manufacturers say you should...

Hoses, belts...anything rubber that can cause you pain will dry and break...so it's worth it to have a little comfort when on trips.

 

Trust me change them all :yesnod: :cheers: :seeya