How easy is it to change this hose [pic attached]. I just got this car not too long ago and i want to do more and more things myself and this looks like a pretty easy job because the hose has a pin sized hole in it and it is leaking and it smells like coolant. Im assuming i will have to drain the radiator first because i think that hose is always full of coolant [or am i wrong]

Also what is this hose called and how much is it?

 

Real easy, 15 minutes tops.

Kyle

 

[sigh of releif]

So what do i do? Do i drain the radiator?

can you guesstimate on the cost of one of these?

i was going to buy a new deck tomorrow but i dont know how much this is going to cost now.

 

it's just the top rad hose. it's probably like 5 bucks at auto zone. it took me 30 seconds to get half of mine off when i was replacing my thermostat, and that was the first time i ever did it on this car, so shouldnt be too hard.

 

so i dont have to drain the radiator?

 

You don't need to drain the entire radiator, but draining a good gallon or so would probably prevent you from spilling any coolant when you remove the hose. If you're lazy and just take it off and spill coolant all over, it wont really matter. Just make sure you add it in again after the new hose is on.

 

the coolant wont harm anything? will it come gushing and spewing all over the place or will it just pour out.

 

Make sure the engine is cold and not pressurized. Once the engine is warm it pressurises the coolant. If you pop the rad cap with it hot coolant will go everywhere. Follow these steps and you will be successful.

1. Let engine cool completely
2. Remove Rad cap carfully
3. Find petcock to drain some coolant.(if equipped, look down low for wingnut looking thing)
4. Open it! Catch coolant it a bucket or pan. (technically it is illegal to let it run uncollected: EPA violation!!)
5. Watch coolant level through rad cap opening. Once level has dropped about 6" or so, you drained plenty.
6. Remove clamps that hold on hoses.
7. Carefully remove the hose from the Rad. and Thermostat housing. Use car to not damage the Rad. neck, its only plastic you know.
8. Toss old hose over you shoulder. (compare old hose to new one to make sure it is the same)
9. Revese step 7 to install
10. Tighten clamps
11. Add coolant and water in a 50-50 ratio
12. Start motor and check for leaks and top off fluid as needed.
13. Reinstall pressure cap and test drive if you think you need to. Also fill expansion tank to full Hot mark


BTW it probably took me longer to type this than it will take you to change the hose. You could also change your thermostat and pressure cap at this time too if you feel it is needed. Have fun.

 

couldnt of said it better! :hail:

very easy job..

 

im lazy as hell so i didnt drain anything. i'd say almsot half a gallon came outta my upper hose, but it was no big deal, most of it just spilled all over and eventually dripped into a bucket i had prepaired on the ground

 

coolant will harm cats, dogs and small children if they drink it, cats and dogs are attracted to it and when they drink it, it "crystalizes" their inards and kills em, so clean up!