1997 Chevy Cavalier lower radiator hose keeps detaching

[97prizm]

Hi all,

Kind of a weird problem that I've never had happen with any previous vehicles. The lower radiator coolant hose has worked its way loose on several occasions. Last year my dad and I installed new hoses radiator etc. Earlier this year same thing. So I went to Advance Auto and they had heavy duty coolant hose clamps. They guy there said they've always held. Last week I left work with no issues, stopped at the store then headed home. When I got home I turned off the car and brought groceries in. Came back out and it's leaking coolant again. I read it's due to too much pressure in the coolant system. Either the lower hose is collapsing which I doubt or the thermostat isn't staying all the way open. Any fixes for this?

 

[Chris142]

Is it the correct size hose for the neck? What do these HD clamps look like?

 

[IndyIan]

Is there a shot motor mount? Maybe the engine is tugging a bit too much on the hose, when it torques over? Maybe your rad cap is not the right one, or coolant reservoir line is plugged? Or does it have an expansion tank? Maybe that is too full? What is the actual running temp of the engine?

 

[clinebarger]

X2 on the fitment of the hose & is the neck it attaches to it good shape.

Pressure testing radiator caps seems archaic but still a foundational diagnostic step in my opinion.

 

[D60]

Subarus do this on the upper hose when the HGs are failing. Are we sure combustion isn't pressurizing the system?

 

[clinebarger]

Subarus do this on the upper hose when the HGs are failing. Are we sure combustion isn't pressurizing the system?

Going to try teeing in a pressure transducer next time I suspect a combustion leak in the cooling system.....Cracks in the head behave different than a compromised head gasket.

 

[BigCahuna]

I had the same problem with a motorcycle I used to have. The only thing that kept the hoses on was, Rubber cement. I bought it at the local auto parts store. Pull the hose off, wipe it dry, then smear the cement in the hose, and put a good clamp on the hose. Let it dry for at least an hour before filling it up with anti freeze. Never had a problem after doing that. For less than $5.00 it was a deal.,,

 

[97prizm]

Is there a shot motor mount? Maybe the engine is tugging a bit too much on the hose, when it torques over? Maybe your rad cap is not the right one, or coolant reservoir line is plugged? Or does it have an expansion tank? Maybe that is too full? What is the actual running temp of the engine?

This was one of the things mentioned. The transmission chunks when downshifting.

 

[97prizm]

Clunks

 

[97prizm]

X2 on the fitment of the hose & is the neck it attaches to it good shape.

Pressure testing radiator caps seems archaic but still a foundational diagnostic step in my opinion.

No radiator cap just a cap on the overflow bottle which is new with new hoses.

 

[97prizm]

Is there a shot motor mount? Maybe the engine is tugging a bit too much on the hose, when it torques over? Maybe your rad cap is not the right one, or coolant reservoir line is plugged? Or does it have an expansion tank? Maybe that is too full? What is the actual running temp of the engine?

Not sure on the temp. The temperature gauge will sit below half way at night when cool. I don't think the fans kick on, as it hates stop and go traffic.
Never overheated it but it rises well above the middle notch. I have a temperature gauge that I could wire up and run to the inside to see what it's actually running at.

 

[GSCJR]

Pressure testing radiator caps seems archaic but still a foundational diagnostic step in my opinion.

+1

 

[Marcozi]

Is the hose leaking from the radiator or the engine? I’d closely inspect the radiator’s outlet or the engine’s inlet for issues.

 

[IndyIan]

Not sure on the temp. The temperature gauge will sit below half way at night when cool. I don't think the fans kick on, as it hates stop and go traffic.
Never overheated it but it rises well above the middle notch. I have a temperature gauge that I could wire up and run to the inside to see what it's actually running at.

If it's moving off the middle, its probably getting to hot. I would get a rad fan going some how, before you have a bigger problem than the rad hose coming loose.

 

[PontiacHO]

Radiator cap has been replaced so is the coolant belching into the recovery tank when it gets hot? If not at least try a new thermostat.

 

[97prizm]

It seems like the motorad thermostats don't last.

 

[D60]

It seems like the motorad thermostats don't last.

You're just now figuring this out?

 

[drtyler]

Might try searching for NOS 24577288 or older Stant 14028. I think thats the right thermostat part number for your car. Seems to be quite a few out there and not expensive. The older NOS part will likely be better than Motorad.