Changing Radiator Hose? Never Done One Before

[Bob5150]

The upper rad hose on my 1995 3.8 Sable needs to be replaced. It looks to be in very poor shape and I want to replace it before it goes.

Does this sound correct?

-Empty radiator with my fluid extractor pump.
-Remove hose clamps linking hose to radiator and thermostat housing
-Put new hose on
-Refill rad with antifreeze
-Start car with rad cap off, and keep radiator filled with antifreeze

Now, should I run the car until the t-stat opens, and make sure the antifreeze level is correct?

Also, do I need to worry about a pocket of air, since I'll be taking a hose full of antifreeze off, and replacing with one full of air?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[Donald]

Most radiators have a petcock at the bottom to drain it.

I would consider doing upper and lower hoses. Use new coolant. New clamps.

Go easy pulling old hose off radiator. Don't want to bust or bend anything. On the engine side its strong metal.

Burp the hose by squeezing it and letting it draw in more coolant.

Check the level for the next few hot/cold cycles.

 

[Gabe]

Isn't the upper radiator hose on a Sable some horrible assembly??

 

[Bob5150]

This one looks easy enough. I just want to make sure I won't end up with a pocket of air causing an overheat. Those 3.8's are prone to head gasket issues as it is.

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: Gabe
Isn't the upper radiator hose on a Sable some horrible assembly??


On the 3.0L 24V Duratech yes it is a Charlie Foxtrot of hoses and includes a t-stat housing.

 

[Lyman]

Good time to give everything a good flush too. maybe replace the thermostat.

 

[The_Eric]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
Originally Posted By: Gabe
Isn't the upper radiator hose on a Sable some horrible assembly??


On the 3.0L 24V Duratech yes it is a Charlie Foxtrot of hoses and includes a t-stat housing.


That's putting it mildly!

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: The_Eric
Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
Originally Posted By: Gabe
Isn't the upper radiator hose on a Sable some horrible assembly??


On the 3.0L 24V Duratech yes it is a Charlie Foxtrot of hoses and includes a t-stat housing.


That's putting it mildly!




It's funny when I get yelled at by customers that just want one of the hoses. I had a guy telling me that he could get one from AutoZone for $10, too bad he brought in a 12V upper and not a 24V upper.

 

[The Critic]

You may want to cut off the old one with a razor blade. The ends may be really stuck to the radiator and/or engine side. For the new hose, you may want to apply some radiator hose or silicone grease to the ends in order to aid assembly.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
You may want to cut off the old one with a razor blade. The ends may be really stuck to the radiator and/or engine side. For the new hose, you may want to apply some radiator hose or silicone grease to the ends in order to aid assembly.


I think you mean slicing it off from the radiator end so you can peel it open. Remember don't slice it too deep to scar the radiator.