Popped an upper radiator hose
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 919
Likes: 7
From: Aurora CO
Popped an upper radiator hose
I was coming back home through Glenwood Canyon this afternoon and my upper radiator hose got a hole in it, and dumped all of the coolant. I had to put it on a flatbed and have towed. Any tips, tricks or hints on replacing this. The first auto parts store that I went to didn't have it and their warehouse doesn't stock it. So will have to go to NAPA or CarQuest. Hopefully I can get it fixed befor the long weekend. Also, what is the best way to clean the coolant off of the engine and the surrounding area?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,066
Likes: 3
From: Milpitas ca
That happen to me last Labor Day. Busted hose slung coolant everywhere including the Opti which had to replace. I would check the other hoses too to make sure they feel rubbery and not crunchy.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Changing of the actual hose itself is very simple.
You could probably buy a upper hose for a 94 and up and cut it to insert the "T" for the TB.
You could probably buy a upper hose for a 94 and up and cut it to insert the "T" for the TB.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,179
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by His93C4
I was coming back home through Glenwood Canyon this afternoon and my upper radiator hose got a hole in it, and dumped all of the coolant. I had to put it on a flatbed and have towed. Any tips, tricks or hints on replacing this. The first auto parts store that I went to didn't have it and their warehouse doesn't stock it. So will have to go to NAPA or CarQuest. Hopefully I can get it fixed befor the long weekend. Also, what is the best way to clean the coolant off of the engine and the surrounding area?
This is why I reccomend every 4 years replacing the radiator hoses. Prevention. Good luck with the repair, To clean coolant I usually just hose it off... I would leave it running and do not soak the altenator. I also use simple green you can mist the engine bay a bit spray on some simple green and hose it down. thats how I do mine looks good. but I'm sure others will have their own opinions that is mine.
-=Rick
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: Obama=death for America
Do not purchase cheap hoses. Goodyear or Gates makes an excellent hose. Summit Racing sells the blue silicone hoses which last longer than typical hoses. You've already got half the job done as the coolant has already been removed. The upper hose is the easiest of all hoses. You need to carefully remove the hose from the thermostat housing and radiator and replace with the new one. It's not a bad idea to replace the lower hose one at this time or you might have an instant replay in the near future. Also, it wouldn't hurt to change the heater hoses as well. Any one of these hoses can spring a leak due to age, heat and/or corrosion.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
We did a thing about a year ago on radiator hoses, top and bottom and most on the forum said to change them every few years. I thought it was a good idea at the time and did the change. Thanks for the reminder Forum.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 10,864
Likes: 198
From: Southern CA
Originally Posted by 85 500 horse
Do not purchase cheap hoses. Goodyear or Gates makes an excellent hose. Summit Racing sells the blue silicone hoses which last longer than typical hoses. You've already got half the job done as the coolant has already been removed. The upper hose is the easiest of all hoses. You need to carefully remove the hose from the thermostat housing and radiator and replace with the new one. It's not a bad idea to replace the lower hose one at this time or you might have an instant replay in the near future. Also, it wouldn't hurt to change the heater hoses as well. Any one of these hoses can spring a leak due to age, heat and/or corrosion.
Change the stat too.
