Collapsed radiator hose.

[Statcher1]

Alright guys. Today I noticed that my top radiator hose was partially collapsed. I know that this is not normal. But my question is what is causing this. And what can I do fix this. Oh yeah. The truck was cold. And hadn't been drive since Sunday if that matters. Thanks for the help in advance.


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[chris1965]

check your radiator cap and also if there is coolant in the bottle. seems like the water can get out when it expands and the radiator cap doesn't open in the other direction- this causes a "vacuum" in the cooling system, which lets the weakest part (hose) collapse.

 

[Statcher1]

I brought the truck up to running temp. And the hose came back out to normal size. I did some reading and digging around. And I'm thinking it could possibly be a weak hose or a clogged breather line on my overflow tank. I'll let it sit until tomorrow evening when I change my oil. And check it out again then.


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[sbarron]

I brought the truck up to running temp. And the hose came back out to normal size. I did some reading and digging around. And I'm thinking it could possibly be a weak hose or a clogged breather line on my overflow tank. I'll let it sit until tomorrow evening when I change my oil. And check it out again then.


Sent from the Rocket in my Pocket

This. A clogged breather won't let he system pull air back in once the coolant cools and contracts in volume.

 

[Statcher1]

This. A clogged breather won't let he system pull air back in once the coolant cools and contracts in volume.

So your saying that sounds like it's my problem.

 

[R/T_Fire]

Not sure on it being a weak hose, I thought the same thing so I bought a replacement for the toll of $55... went go replace it and it looked normal again and the new one feels just as soft.... so I chalked it up to lesson learned and hung it in the shed as later to use spare parts. I had to special order it and paid for it already so I couldn't check it out before hand. Just kept it instead of returning it....

I'm thinking of using the original and sectioning hard piping in it and use the hose for the curved and connection to radiator.. might dress things up a bit.

I forget who told me, I think it was the dealer... but they told me they do this and its nothing to worry

 

[R/T_Fire]

This. A clogged breather won't let he system pull air back in once the coolant cools and contracts in volume.

Where is the breather for the coolant system? Isn't it a sealed system?

 

[sbarron]

The expansion tank by design has to be able to breath. If the coolant system gets over-pressured (too hot), a pressure control valve (usually in the radiator cap, opens and pressure can vent to the overflow tank. When the coolant cools, the system can pull that coolant back from the overflow tank. If the tank can't vent, it would either blow up when coolant entered, or collapse when it left. The collapsed hose jsut indicates that the syetem can't refill its volume when it cools. Either the vent in the overflow tank is plugged. or the return valve in the cooling system is stuck closed. A quick wat to tell which is to first take the cap of the expansion tank. If the hose expands, the tank vent isn't working. If the hose stays collapsed, pull the radiator cap. If the hose then expands, the pressure control valve in the cooling system is bad or stuck.

 

[R/T_Fire]

Good to know, I will have to test this once I get my truck back.

 

[wasntamoparguy]

Bad radiator cap. It opens to let coolant out, and when it cools the vacuum should draw it back in, but it isn't so the pressure is dropping in the cooling system without the coolant flowing back in. Replace the cap and you should be good

 

[Big D 4518]

Brand new 3500 6.7 500 miles opened the hood cold to see this. The upper radiator hose section not spring supported flat as a pancake .Made an appointment for the shop again. Just spent a whole week in the shop for U connect issues GPS/Sirius replaced module then fin antenna. Uhgg

 

[Curmudgeon]

I just noticed mine is doing that too. Radiator cap is original from 2014, now at 126,000 miles. I guess it's time.
Ordered the exact replacement from Benny @AllMoparParts.com .

I wonder if I can remember what tools I need to complete this repair.
And now we wait.