Radiator hose question

[modnar]

Ok, so here goes... Take a look at the attached picture first.

The hose at the top of the radiator seems to be mispositioned. I just noticed that the other day. It is not loose and I cannot move it without loosening the hose clamp. I'm planning on fixing it but I won't be anywhere that I can work on it for a week or so and I have a 500 mile trip between here and there. My question is: 'Does anybody know how far back that metal piece that the hose is attached to goes?' I want to make sure that the hose isnt gonna pop off while im driving. If it's close i'll have to come up with another solution...

 

[IJ.]

That looks like it's just holding on there can't be much tube inside the hose!

 

[Maroon88]

I don't think it will make a 500 mile trip like that.

With the engine cold, loosen the radiator cap so any pressure built up in the system is released and the coolant goes into the overflow bottle. Then go ahead and loosen the clamp and push the hose the rest of the way on the radiator. With the pressure released, there should be no problem loosening the clamp. You may have to twist on the hose to get it to move though.

 

[modnar]

I don't think it will make a 500 mile trip like that.

With the engine cold, loosen the radiator cap so any pressure built up in the system is released and the coolant goes into the overflow bottle. Then go ahead and loosen the clamp and push the hose the rest of the way on the radiator. With the pressure released, there should be no problem loosening the clamp. You may have to twist on the hose to get it to move though.

Thats what I was thinking. Unfortunatly it's illeagal to do any car work here at UNLV and the national rodeo finals are happening so the cops have stepped it up a bit. I guess its time for some covert night work.


modnar

 

[IJ.]

Should only take 5 minutes to do pop the hood get it done close it and drive off to check for leaks.

If you do it at night it'll be more obvious from the lights needed so you can see

 

[cwapface]

Forgive the bad angle, but that pipe extends a good ways out. You shold probably fix it though

 

[mullenc525]

Its going to be different for different rads. IIRC the stub on my rad is shorter. Not many of our cars are going to have OEM rads anymore.

 

[modnar]

Forgive the bad angle, but that pipe extends a good ways out. You shold probably fix it though

It's not really a question of IF i fix it. It's definatly gonna be done, I was just wondering if I could wait a week. However, I've already decided to just give it a shot later on today. Thanks for the help everyone.


modnar

 

[cwapface]

Its going to be different for different rads. IIRC the stub on my rad is shorter. Not many of our cars are going to have OEM rads anymore.

look at the pics, the radiator is exactly the same

 

[mrnickleye]

What's with those 'Prestone' caps??
It looks like modnar's hose clamp is directly over the 'lip' on the radiator inlet pipe. I would do as maroon88 suggests. You could drive off campus and pull over on the side of the road and do it. I could do it in 30 seconds.

 

[miggles]

pardon my ignorance but how isit illegal to do a simple preventative maintenance on your car?Illegal or not if i have to tinker with a part of my car to stop it from costing me more time and $ then lock me up.

 

[Maroon88]

I used to live in Vegas. If he is living on campus they don't want anyone working on cars there and with the rodeo finals going on they would patrol alot more since it is at UNLV arena (I think).

 

[cwapface]

A lot of rental houses and apartments make you sign an agreement that forbids working on cars on the property. I think the reasoning is that since you are probably not an ASE certified mechanic, you have a higher probability of turning the car into a paperweight for a longer period of time and/or creating oil spills and the like

 

[mcpcola]

drive down to a local auto parts store grab a oil catch bucket or plastic bucket and new hose as someone cut that one to short and some anti freeze then go to a local Fast food joint and have lunch or dinner then after the car is cool enough to work on all you need to do is remove the hose at the Therm and push down to drain then put new one on add anti-freeze and leave. Its simple

 

[modnar]

I used to live in Vegas. If he is living on campus they don't want anyone working on cars there and with the rodeo finals going on they would patrol alot more since it is at UNLV arena (I think).

Bingo! I got a ticket at the beginning of the semester for checking my oil! The problem has been solved though. I pulled over into some neighborhood and pushed the hose back on. After moving the clamp, I could tell that there was still another inch of metal under there before. Now the hose is gripping almost 3 inches.

Thanks for everyones help.


modnar