A properly running radiator is a necessary way of keeping your engine cool enough to run. However, a break in your radiator hose can cause your engine to overheat and can be dangerous to its health. Thankfully, it's possible to install a used radiator hose on your own to not only fix your car but save yourself a lot of money.
Symptoms Of A Bad Radiator Hose
Knowing if you have a bad radiator hose is as easy as gauging these symptoms:
- Green fluid leaking beneath your car
- Regularly overheating engine
- Steam coming out of your hood – cracked hoses can spray hot fluid, causing steam as it hits the engine
The easiest way to check is to simply open your hood and find the radiator hoses, located at the top of the engine and connecting directly to your radiator. Even small breaks can be a problem, so make sure to really inspect your hoses for damage.
Why You Should Install Used Parts And Do It Yourself
Installing a new radiator hose can be expensive, with labor costing as much as $123 and parts costing as high as $214. You can cut all those installation costs off if you put in your radiator hose by yourself. You can also cut down on the parts cost by buying a used hose from a reliable dealer.
While you could go to a junkyard and take radiator hoses off of a car similar to yours, this isn't your best option. These hoses may be frayed and weathered from sitting outside for so long. Instead, call up a used car parts dealer and ask about radiator hoses for your specific vehicle model.
Replacing One By Yourself
After you find a used radiator hose that is in good condition, you can replace it yourself following these simple steps:
- Locate the broken radiator hose – it should connect your radiator to the rest of the engine at the top
- Park your car on level ground to make it easier to drain the fluid
- Turn off your car and let it sit for half an hour to cool down
- Put a large bucket near the radiator plug underneath of your engine
- Carefully remove the cap and let all the coolant drain out of your engine
- Place the coolant in a safe place where no children or animals can reach it
- Use a screwdriver to loosen the clamps that hold your radiator hose down
- Remove the broken radiator hose and check other hoses near it for breaks – there may be four hoses for your radiator, and any that are broken should be replaced
- Place the new hose in the proper spot and tighten the clamps to hold them down
- Put the drain plug back in your radiator and start your engine
- Refill your radiator with your coolant while the engine runs
Installing used radiator hoses onto your engine on your own will save you a lot of money and ensure that your car runs well. Getting your hands dirty like this can be a lot of fun, so make sure to just dig in and enjoy yourself.
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