losing coolant , radiator hose PRESSURIZED

[cmptrphreak]

Im pretty sure im loosing coolant Im not overheating or anything . Fnas wokr and everything is peachy but the upper radiator hose gets really pressurized after it runs and I drive it for a bit. I thought I had maybe air in the system so I took of the cap and let the air get out. I did it for a good 20 -25 minutes . I decided to hit the gas a little bit and it was a gyser coming out of there thermostat housing. COuld that be a sign of blown headgasket? I was thinking that the compression from the cylinder is going into the cooing system. at idles it sort fo comes out like a little gyser but doesnt fly everywhere. I checked the throttle body gasket's, all the hoses, thermostat is brand new, fresh coolant.

 

[my98GST]

At first it sounded like the thermostat was stuck..... Their only 7 bucks at autozone so I'd start there.... Thats what happend to me when I swapped my turbo's. I took it out for a spin and came back and the radiator was smoking and the URH was stiffer than a....oh nm. So I put in a 170º thermostat instead of the 180º Just since I'd be running a little warmer wthi the 20g

 

[jccjr1982]

Hi... instead of starting a new thread I'll just post here...

I'm having a similiar problem...

I popped my hood after a drive and noticed that my upper radiator hose is bulging pretty bad. Also my coolant overflow reservoir is near empty. So obviously I'm concluding that the coolant isn't making the return back to the reservoir. I went back about half an hour later and its still bulging. I'm always under my hood and never once noticed this until today. I checked the reservoir hoses for any clogs, they appear free of debris. I do not want to pop open the radiator cap because I don't want a face full of warm coolant. Any suggestions? I will try a new thermostat, but I just want to see if there are any other possible solutions/fixes...

Also from the stock water temp gauge, it appears my coolant temp is fine and no overheating...

 

[jccjr1982]

Ok guys I'm starting to get nervous... the threads in the center of the radiator hose are starting to seperate the hose into 2... and some sticky stuff is coming out from them... it doesn't appear to be coolant though...

 

[blackGSX2g]

Sounds like your hose is splitting/bubbling our. Replace your hoses before you do anything else.

Once you have a new hose, bring your car to a shop (or purchase) and have them check (or buy) a hydrocarbon testor. I had similar problems to you when a headgasket went out. The only symptom I could diagnose was with the hydrocarbon testor.

If that doesn't help, flush the system, new thermostat and new radiator cap. If you have a FMIC, make sure you have the proper duct-work to direct air through your IC, AC condenser, as well as the radiator.

 

[jccjr1982]

Hrm now that you mention the head gasket something comes to my head...

About 300 miles ago I put some of this NAPA brand "Mac's Valve Tune" in my oil. It claims to "Free Lifters", and I was having lifter tick so I thought why not. I was kinda reluctant because I heard of additives like this eating at gaskets... Anyways this product made my lifter tick worst than ever....

 

[siceclipse]

i just did my FMIC 3-4 weeks ago and my car has been overheating for the last 2 weeks now. Im gonna do the ducting this weekend but im having the same scare when i look under my hood and that hose is BULGING!

Makes me wonder if something is blocking the flow of coolant.

I did the thermostat and the cap, next im gonna fluch the system after doing the duck work.

but what should i do about the bulging upper hose.

 

[No_Skillz]

That hose definitely should not be bulging and there are several causes.

1. Radiator cap - I run a 13lb cap, stock is 9lb I believe. Any higher and your coolant system is under too much pressure.
2. Something is clogged somewhere between your hose and your overflow bottle. Look into it. I suggest the hose going to the bottle and the nipple underneath the radiator cap.
3. Your hose is old and shitty. Easy fix.

 

[siceclipse]

Stock is 13lbs

What nipple are you talking about under the radiator cap???

I have a new hose on order from Napa and will be in on Tuesday, will i make it till then??

 

[No_Skillz]

Stock is 13lbs

What nipple are you talking about under the radiator cap???

I have a new hose on order from Napa and will be in on Tuesday, will i make it till then??

When you take the cap off, look to the left side, there is a hole, which leads to the nipple on the outside where your coolant bottle is connected to. Make sure everything flows freely from the cap to the bottle.

Try to keep driving to a minimum. We can't guage how bad your hose is since we're not there, but needless to say you won't be driving anywhere at all with no coolant.

 

[jccjr1982]

Well problem solved for me at least. I wish I would've just replaced the hose first. I replace the thermostat first, and hose was still bulging. Then I replaces the hose a few days ago. No more bulge since.

So chances were that it was just the hose getting old (it separated and splitted between the layers in the middle of the hose after examination). Nothing more.

 

[2GeNTSi]

Bringing this back from the dead....

So I need to replace my lower radiator hose but I have a 6-bolt swap so there's no OEM hose that I know of that'll fit perfect. I have a leak that I tracked to the hose coming from the front water pipe because it is actually three different pieces clamped on a metal tube. I'm planning to get a stainless steel flex one but does anyone know the inner diameter of the hose?