Replacing a Radiator Hose

When it comes to radiator leaks, quite often the most common cause for the leak is due to something being wrong with the hose. Replacing a radiator hose is a task that event the most basic of beginning novices can undertake and accomplish. All that you need to do is follow these simple steps and you are going to be able to cool down that overheating engine.

Materials:

• 1 Gallon Antifreeze
• Large bucket
• Screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Pliers
• WD-40

Steps:

1. Location. The minute that you suspect that you have a leak in your radiator system you need to pull over and turn off the engine. If you do not then you can quite easily find yourself without a working vehicle. Ideally, this would only happen when you were near your home or an auto part store. If you are not near by one of these, then try to make it either home or to the nearest auto parts store so that you can begin your repairs. In the end though there is only one major requirement for a work location, and that is it needs to be level.
2. Temperature. Once you have reached your work location, you need to wait a minimum of twenty minutes to allow the engine to cool down enough. When engines get hot during their operation, engine coolant has a tendency to boil, and if you remove the cap while it is still hot you might find yourself with a face full of boiling fluid. Needless to say, that would hurt just a little.
3. Remove. After the engine has cooled off properly, it is time to locate the leaky hose. This should be fairly easy to find since all that you need to do is to find the one hose that looks wetter compared to the others. Before removing the old damaged hose, make sure that you have the proper replacement hose (since these are vehicle specific) and a large bucket placed under the hose. Remove the old hose by loosening the screws that hold the hose clamps in place, and then twisting and pulling the hose till it is removed. In the event that you are unable to simply remove it in this manner, try lubricating the screws using some WD-40 and pliers. As a last resort, simply cut it off with a utility knife.
4. Replace. The next step is for you to do is simply place the new hose where the old one was at. Make sure that you tighten the hose clamps as much as you can, so that they don't slip off or create any other leaks.
5. Refill/Check. Finally, all that you need to do is to refill your radiator with a 50/50 solution of water and coolant. As you are filling this up, periodically check to make sure that it is at the proper level.