What are the causes of the collapsed radiator hose? What causes the radiator hose to shrink? How to find a collapsed radiator tube
Radiator hoses, which are essential components of the cooling system, play an important part in fluid flow. The radiator’s hot coolant is carried by the upper hose. The lower hose transports the coolant to the circulation pump, and then back to engine. This circulatory pump makes sure that the engine runs uninterrupted.
These hoses are designed to remain flexible at a temperature of approximately -35 °C to 120 °C. The temperature range for hoses used in racing and performance vehicles might be higher.
To withstand high pressure, hose construction often includes a layer made of Nomex, Polyester or Aramid fibers. Today’s automobiles use hoses that have a lifespan of 150,000 km. This is sometimes twice the value.
The internal coil spring may be included in both the lower and the upper hoses to reduce the possibility of collapse. Unchecked radiator hose collapse could cause engine damage and lead to serious engine damage.
Why do Radiator Hoses Fall Apart?
A collapsed radiator-hose will often look like a tire. The cooling system may experience a partial or total vacuum (negative pressure), which can cause one or both radiator hoses to collapse. A collapsed hose could cause your engine to heat up. You may experience a restricted coolant flow and a rise in the temperature gauge. A temperature light may be activated on some vehicles to indicate excessive heat.
Two possible causes of radiator hoses collapsing are:
1) The radiator hoses collapse when there is a vacuum in the cooling system. The engine is turned off and coolant is not flowing through the expansion tank. This causes negative pressure. This is often caused by either a faulty radiator cap, or a clogged extension tank hose.
2- A clogged radiator can block fluid flow and cause the radiator hose to burst.
Let’s look into the reasons why these possible causes exist a bit more.
Defective Radiator Cap
An inoperative one way check valve in your radiator cap is the first reason that radiator hoses can collapse. This can be due to deposits or aging of the radiator cap.
Follow these steps if you notice that your hose is leaking at the top or bottom.
- – When the engine has cooled, take off the radiator cap.
- – If the hose or hoses quickly return to their normal size after removing a cap, it is likely that the problem is the radiator cap, or a clogged vacuum hose.
- – Check the cover. You may be able to clean it if the cover isn’t covered in sticky residue. You can remove any residues with dish soap and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly. Clean the radiator (or expansion tanks) thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- – Install the cover again.
- – Turn the engine on, heat it up and allow it to run until the expansion tank is full of antifreeze. You can speed this up by taking a quick drive. Turn off the engine, and make sure the hose(s), after cooling, doesn’t collapse.
- If the hose keeps bursting, the defective cap might need to be replaced.
Plugged Expansion Hose
Although it is rare for the expansion tank to get clogged, it can block air flow back into the tank when the engine cools. This can cause the same symptoms as a leaking radiator cap, which causes the radiator tubes to burst.
Follow these steps, just like a leaking radiator cap.
- After the engine has cooled off, take out the radiator cap.
- Check for collapsed hoses. They should return to normal.
- – Check the radiator cap. If there isn’t any sedimentation, it is most likely that the problem is in the expansion tank vacuum line.
- – Disconnect the vacuum hose from your expansion tank. This is a delicate task as expansion tanks are often made of plastic. The hose connection could easily break.
- – Now insert a hard straw into the end you took off the hose. If the straw is not restricted, it will be clear.
- You’ll need to remove several clamps from your vacuum hose.
- – Now, replace and tighten the clamps.
- – Warm up the engine, then let the car run until the antifreeze reaches the expansion tank. You can speed this up by taking a quick drive. Turn off the engine, and make sure the hose(s), after cooling, doesn’t collapse.
You’ve solved the problem if the hoses don’t fall.
Clogged Radiator (Bottom Hose Collapse).
A restricted flow rate through the radiator could cause the lower radiator tube to burst. You will notice this while driving. A temperature increase above normal will give rise to the engine temperature gauge. Alternately, the warning light could come on indicating overheating.
If the engine is showing signs of heat, these are the steps you should take to determine if the lower hose may be collapsing.
- – Now, stop the vehicle and shift the transmission to Park or Neutral (manual transm). Then apply the parking brake strongly. Allow the engine to idle.
- – Remove the radiator cap. You should be careful not to touch that area.
- If the hose is in good condition, ask staff members to gently push the accelerator pedal to slowly increase the engine’s speed. The restricted flow through the radiator causes the lower hose to slowly collapse as the speed of the circulation pump increases.
Take the vehicle to your mechanic and have him tow it to correct the issue.
Every oil change should be followed up with a check of the radiator hoses. The engine should be cold and off while you do this. Hoses that are in good condition will be able to be tightened with finger pressure. However, they should not be too soft or spongy. Hoses in poor condition feel hard and brittle. You should replace hoses immediately if they are soft, swollen or cracked.
