Automotive DIY: Installing New Radiator Hoses

Yesterday, I discussed draining, flushing, and refreshing the coolant in your radiator (Automotive DIY: Flushing and Filling a Radiator). Today, I will discuss another repair job that you might want to do simultaneously-- installing new radiator hoses.

It makes sense to do them at the same time because both involve draining and replacing the coolant fluids.

Here's what you need:

• New or captured, fresh anti-freeze (Fresh in my mind is less than a year old)
• Distilled water (If going with new coolant)
• New radiator hoses (They are custom fit, sized, and turned for your vehicle)
• New hose clamps (Highly recommended)
• Funnel
• Drain catch pan
• Flat head screw driver or adjustable pliers 
• Razor blade
• Radiator hose grease
• Old containers for the spent fluids (If going with new coolant)
• Gloves and eye protection anti-freeze is not good for you

Here's what to do:

• Park the vehicle on a level surface
• Let the vehicle cool (Touch the radiator cap-- cool or cold is good. Hot is "Old Faithful" in your face and possible burns)
• Open the cool cap
• Put the pets and kids in the house (Anti-freeze is poisonous)
• Check the owner's manual for the drain cock location and the capacity for the radiator fluid
• Locate the drain cock (Small wing nut at the bottom of the radiator)
• Place the drain catch pan under the drain cock location
• Open the drain cock and let it drain down to the catch pan (You may need to raise the vehicle on jack stands to do this)
• Close the drain cock
• Take the captured fresh coolant (fresh and to be reused) or spent anti-freeze and use the funnel to pour it into the old containers
• Unscrew or use pliers on hose clamps
• Pull old hoses off
• Cut hose ends with razor blade if needed to remove
• Lightly grease new hoses lips (1/2 inch into hose) with old or new clamps already on
• Slide new hoses on and tighten clamps (Tight, but not over tight) 
• Now you are ready to refill the anti-freeze with the captured, fresh anti-freeze or a new 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water (Tap water is no good-- minerals rust radiators)
• Fill the radiator using the funnel and close the cap, then run the engine for a minute
• Open the radiator cap and check to see if you need to top off the fluid
• Close the cap and you are good to go

 
Where are you going? To the auto parts store with the spent fluids (if you replaced the fluids). The auto parts store will recycle them for you.

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DDFD believes that self reliance and self sufficiency are the roads to individual freedom.  He is dedicated to living a quality life through frugality, personal growth and productivity, and defensive entrepreneurship.  He also enjoys cooking from scratch and fishing.