Asked by: Massin Dopazo
automotive auto repair

Can a collapsed radiator hose cause overheating?

Last Updated: 14th March, 2020

10
A collapsed radiator hose does not necessarily indicate a bad hose. Buildup of chemical deposits or debris in the cooling system will gradually constrict coolant flow. This and other coolant blockages can cause system overheating and a vacuum sufficient to collapse a weakened hose.

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In this regard, can a bad radiator hose cause overheating?

The radiator hose may be to blame because they crack and leak over the years from the high heat and pressure they are exposed to. The radiator hose is the most common cause for overheating. If the engine is allowed to continue to overheat, it may cause the engine to fail and the vehicle will no longer operate.

Similarly, how do you know if your radiator hose is bad? Perform a squeeze test.

  1. A radiator hose in good condition should feel firm, but not hard.
  2. A radiator hose in poor condition feels very hard, spongy, or soft. You may find a single soft spot as opposed to the entire hose being soft. A soft hose or a hose with a soft spot should be replaced.

Also to know, what would cause a radiator hose to come off?

The radiator hoses can pop off for several reasons. Typically it is because the hose or the plastic neck that connects it to the radiator/component has failed. You will want to inspect both sides of the problem hose, and determine if the clamp is doing its job.

Can you drive a car with a blown radiator hose?

Do not drive with leaking coolant. Overheating engine: Since the radiator cools the engine, a cracked radiator may not cool the engine like it is supposed to. This can cause the engine heat to rise, and eventually the vehicle will overheat. You should have your coolant system checked before you continue to drive.

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Why is my car overheating but it has coolant in it?

A common cause of car overheating is a low-cost thermostat stuck closed, restricting coolant flow. A blown head gasket can be the cause or the result of car overheating issues. Coolant can leak out, air gets sucked in, and the engine temperature needle wraps around to full hot. Plugged heater core.

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How do I know when my water pump is bad?

Here are some common symptoms that hint towards having a bad water pump:
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What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?

There are several common symptoms associated with a bad or failing thermostat that will alert you that service is due.
  • Temperature gauge reading very high and engine overheating.
  • Temperature changing erratically.
  • Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing or under the vehicle.

Cristen Lindenschmid

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Can a bad thermostat cause pressure?

When the engine reaches ideal operating temperature, the thermostat opens and allows the cooling system to flow freely. When the radiator stops working correctly, too much pressure is put on the thermostat, often causing it to stop working. When the thermostat fails, the valve inside gets stuck either open or closed.

Zella Isernhinke

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Can you drive with a bad water pump?

Hey there, To answer your first question, yes, it is very possible to drive a car without a water pump. If you plan on keeping your car, then you definitely need to have a new water pump installed, flush out the coolant system, and make sure all the coolant hoses are clean and free of holes.

Clodoalda Quiblier

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How do I know if my radiator is flowing?

Start your car's engine and allow it to idle. Look through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.

Quirze Ciurariu

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How long does it take for a car to cool down after overheating?

It typically takes a solid 30 minutes for an engine to cool down enough for it to be safe to handle. If you'd rather let a professional handle the problem, it's time to call for a tow truck. Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant tank. It's usually a translucent plastic tank near the radiator.

Mujer Gattiker

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What is a collapsed radiator hose?

The most common cause for radiator hose collapse is a vacuum issue caused by a faulty radiator cap. Another common problem is clogging of the smaller radiator runoff hose, which leads to the coolant tank. As the engine cools, if fluid cannot return to the tank, this will also cause a vacuum.

Sukhwinder Osinaga

Pundit

Are radiator hoses supposed to be hard or soft?

They should be pretty soft. Especially if they're hot. You should be able to take the radiator cap off (when the car's cold) and be able to squeeze the lines and watch the level of the water come up. It's possible tha the hoses are very old and dried out.

Xudong Facorro

Pundit

Why is the top radiator hose hot and the bottom one cold?

Lack of Coolant in the Engine
The coolant is elated in and out of the radiator by upper and lower hoses. Thus, making the lower radiator hose to heat up. It may happen that your car might get low on coolant and is not able to reach the lower radiator. As a result, the lower hose emits cold air.

Federic Krinner

Teacher

Why is there no pressure in my radiator hose?

A faulty hose can not create this symptom. If a radiator hose can be squeezed, it only means there isn't pressure in the cooling system, but this can indicate a problem. Cooling systems are designed to hold pressure. This raises the boiling point of the coolant so it can run above 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

Julianne Pintassiglo

Teacher

What causes pressure in radiator hose?

As water heats up it expands increasing pressure in the system. Being that water flows through the radiator hose it is also under pressure. The systems are sealed to hold this pressure for one main reason. Water under pressure has a higher boiling point.

Yaima Outin

Teacher

How long should radiator hoses last?

There is no true set lifespan for a radiator hose. They should last for at least five years, but some will last longer, particularly if you're vigilant about having your coolant changed and your vehicle maintained properly.

Dolors Berentz

Teacher

What causes upper radiator hose swelling?

There are three primary causes for a hose to become swollen. The first is too much pressure. Finally, hoses can become swollen when exposed to very high heats. If your engine has overheated (due to a stuck thermostat, low coolant or for some other reason), it's possible for superheated coolant to swell the hose.

Fidelis Rabbi

Reviewer

How often should radiator hoses be replaced?

Radiator hose replacement is recommended every four years or 60,000 miles. Stop and go traffic may require more frequent replacement of your hose. If you are going to replace your hose yourself, be sure to get the exact hose for your year, make and model.

Abran Palazzi

Reviewer

Which radiator hose should be hot?

The bottom radiator hose should be cold, or maybe warm on very hot days. This indicates that your radiator is operating correctly: it is successfully cooling the hot coolant which is leaving the engine via the upper radiator hose.

Issaka Chin

Reviewer

How much does it cost to replace all the hoses in a car?

Re: Cost to replace ALL hoses question
Or are the hoses $300 and the labor is $700 to $900 meaning the costs would be $1,000 to $1,200.

Noumidia Gatta

Reviewer

Should my top radiator hose have pressure?

most systems for small blocks use a 13-15 lb. pressure cap-if your system is tight, no leaks, then it is normal for the upper hose to be hard when the system is up to operating pressure.

Joella Harris

Supporter

Can a water pump be bad and not leak?

A bad water pump can cause an engine to overheat.
A bad belt and tensioner cause premature bearing and shaft failure and as such drastically reduce pump life. Conversely, a leaking water pump inevitably affects the belt and tensioner.

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14th March, 2020

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