Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) upper radiator hose collapsing

[rowger69]

does anybody have a problem with there upper radiator hose collapsing i noticed mine was collapsed and thought that a new one would fix the problem but it didn't, i noticed the truck was running a little hotter than normal thats when i noticed the hose collapsed.

 

[mwilson]

Are you in a cold climate?? If so is your antifreeze mixed correctly??

 

[phantomusa]

It shouldn't collapse there's a spring inside most hoses to stop that type condition

 

[rowger69]

yes cold climate had the problem through the summer was just thinking that i needed to change the coolant

 

[rowger69]

no spring in the upper hose

 

[phantomusa]

no spring in the upper hose

The spring helps because the normal expansion and contraction of the system especially of have a good tight sealed cooling system
Check your radiator cap be sure it's operating correctly

 

[mwilson]

If it happened in the summer as well consider this another vote for a new radiator cap.

 

[petersonj]

Check your radiator cap be sure it's operating correctly

This is a good suggestion. The radiator cap consists of a relief valve to allow coolant to flow from the radiator into the coolant reservoir under normal engine operation (coolant expanding), and a check valve to allow coolant to return to the radiator when the engine has been shut off and is cooling down (coolant contracting). If this check valve is stuck closed or the line going into the reservoir is very restrictive (especially something blocking return flow), a collapsing radiator hose can be the result.

- John

 

[B.G. Smith]

If it is collapsing with the engine warm and running your thermostat is not opening all the way. If it is just collapsing when shut down you have some air in the system, remember water/anti freeze does not expand/contract. Maybe the cap is bad? bg

 

[Road Dog]

Water definitely expands when heated which is why my domestic hot water and boiler heating system have expansion tanks. In the good old days the expanding water would be pushed back to the municipal water supply but now they install anti-backflow valves to keep the muni water pure.