When to replace rad hoses?

[OverDrive]

Is there a maint schedule for this item? or should we just judge it ourselves by the hand squeeze method?

ps
Is there a reason why some posts say don't use Prestone coolant?

Regards

[theirishscion]

I don't believe there is a schedule for the hoses, beyond checking for cracking or bulging at regular intervals. When I've asked the question at parts counters in the recent past, the consensus has been that you replace 'em when they fail, or when they look like they're about to, but usually not before. I get the impression that they synthetic rubbers and 'ply' (for want of a better word) in modern hoses has a much longer service life than it used to. That said, the hoses are still not usually included in extended warranty policies. I've had one very small, short radiator hose fail on my Ford Explorer, but it's not one you'd have changed anyway, buried deep in the V, connecting the thermostat housing to the block and inaccessible without quite a bit of disassembly. Evidently it was a known failure because the parts guy knew exactly what my wife was talking about without even seeing the part.

Of course, in these days of plastic-capped radiators, they're pretty much a consumable item as well. A friend who drives a 2002 BWM 540i says that while the radiator in his car hasn't failed on him yet, they have a reputation of only lasting 60,000 to 80,000 miles. The plastic hose attachment at the top of his engine block cracked and failed at 80,000 miles as well, leading to much mirth on my part as I brought him hose clamps and tools at the gas station he'd rolled in to.

I have no idea about coolant choice, Prestone or otherwise. When the time comes, I'll probably put in the Honda branded stuff anyway. It doesn't take that much.

[rocky]

Based purely on experience they start failing after about 8 years if ownership. However if you say has to replace the radiator I'd replace the hoses to.

[krazykarguy]

^^^ Sound advice, granted the expected lifespan of the terrible plastic end tank design of the radiator which should start leaking around the same time.

[theirishscion]

Originally Posted by krazykarguy

^^^ Sound advice, granted the expected lifespan of the terrible plastic end tank design of the radiator which should start leaking around the same time.

Only slightly off-topic question; What's the newest car you've see that came from the factory with a metal radiator? Honestly, I can't think of one built in the last 10 years off the top of my head.

[hondacuraplanet]

What makes the radiator hoses deteriorate is the mineral elements in the water mixed with coolant causing the rubber to deteriorate by electrolytic conduction. Since it's premix, radiator hoses last a LOT longer. I've seen 15 year old Honda products with the original hoses that still look good.

[jestmaty]

Looky here... my 20 yr old Nissan (1991), that I bought from the original owner back in July of '02.

Not sure of the service history, but I've owned it for the last 46,000 miles and just over 9 yrs... bought it from him in July of 2002 with 70k miles on it.

I've changed the radiator fluid a few times in the last 9 yrs, but I'm pretty dang sure this upper radiator hose is OEM. See the insulating boot on the hose? Hoses bought at auto parts stores don't usually have the insulators and it's almost impossible to get the 'old' insulator over the new auto parts hose. The one you see is not 'split' and stuck back on... it's solid all around the underlying hose.

And, who reuses those hose clamps? I mean, geez, that's old school.

But... it's prolly better than a clamp I could buy nowadays

No leaks, so I ain't fixin' it cause it ain't broke. So I say you can go at least 20 yrs before worrying about it!!