Rad Hose Leak

[richamer1]

My lower radiator hose is leaking at the rad. Not all the time when you idle for a while and until it is really hot. It is a new hose from NApa should be a good hose. Not sure if I am over tightning it or what the issue is. Any tricks or suggestions. Thanks

[merc81]

It makes a mess next time, but paint it with permatex before you slide the hose over the fitting-then use a hose clamp that tightens, not that spring clip deal that is original for it.

[merc81]

It makes a mess next time, but paint it with permatex before you slide the hose over the fitting-then use a hose clamp that tightens, not that spring clip deal that is original for it.

[rockwood84]

yeah i always coat the inside of the hose and the rad nipple with permatex then use another hose clamp [not factory clamp] and tighten until you can't twist the hose.

[Cressidaadr]

Originally Posted by rockwood84

yeah i always coat the inside of the hose and the rad nipple with permatex then use another hose clamp [not factory clamp] and tighten until you can't twist the hose.

In my case I have a car where I have to remove the lower hose to drain the coolant. If I use the permatex like you say can one still get the hose off of the nipple when needed? I sort of doubt you could without cutting it off.

[mhall02]

Side note..has anyone replaced the upper hose? What do you have to move out of the way to get to that hose clamp at the radiator? The other three look pretty easy, I would like to change the upper and lower hoses since mine are the originals from '99. I'm guessing they are approaching end of service life, since I've nerver had ones last this long (nearly 10 years). In the past I've always thrown away the spring clamps when replacing hoses and used a new clamp. By Permatex, I assume you mean something like this:

http://www.permatex.com/products/Aut...one_Gasket.htm

This is what I use on waterpumps and I don't think you would have any problem pulling a hose off if this is on there, just would seal it up nicely.

[rockwood84]

on the question about if you can still get the rad hose off ,yes just twist the hose and the permatex will break free. on the question about hose clamp on the top rad hose just turn the bolt head of the clamp so you can get to it to turn the head.you might need to get the bar out of your way but it just unbolts 3 bolts hold it.

[mhall02]

Originally Posted by rockwood84

on the question about hose clamp on the top rad hose just turn the bolt head of the clamp so you can get to it to turn the head.you might need to get the bar out of your way but it just unbolts 3 bolts hold it.

No, it is the original factory squeeze type of clamp but I can't event get back to it, there is too much stuff in the way. I've never seen anything like this for a simple hose clamp removal. What do you have to move to even get to it? I'm assuming the antifreeze overflow bottle and the bar/brace for starters, is that it? What a pain. It's like changing the air filter, or rear spark plugs, some things were done on this van to make maintence a major pain in the booty. I sometimes long for the days of my old '78 Ford pickup with a straight six engine, everything was accessable on that old beast.

[rockwood84]

yeah get the bar out of your way and rad resevior and use a set of channel locks to get the clamp turned to where you can get a good sqeeze on it you might have to work the clamp out using a screwdriver.yeah they don't give room to do much on these vans.i replace my back plugs and plug wires from underneath whole lot easier.just use a short handled ratchet.and go up right beside the exhaust pipe. have you had to replace the alternator yet? loads of fun.