Hoses
Old radiator
hoses and heater hoses are frequent causes of cooling system problems. Hoses should be
checked periodically for leakage and general condition. The leakage may often be corrected
by tightening or replacing hose clamps. After a few years of use, hoses deteriorate. They
may become soft and mushy, or hard and brittle. Deteriorated hoses should be replaced to
preclude future troubles. Cooling system pressure can rupture the hoses and result in
coolant loss.
Inspect
the radiator and heater hoses for cracks, bulges, cuts, or any other sign of
deterioration. Squeeze the hoses to check whether they are hardened or softened and
faulty. Flex or bend heater hoses and watch for signs of surface cracks. If any problem is
detected, the affected hose should be replaced. However, where spiral spring stiffeners
are used to control the tendency to collapse, such test will not work and the hose must be
removed for inspection. |
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