I changed my heater core not too long ago, and since I couldn't find the drain plug for the radiator, I went ahead and disconnected the lower radiator hose so coolant could drain through that instead. I reconnected it when I was done, filled the system up, and everything was good.

Now, however, it started leaking. I tightened it up, but the leak persisted. It seemed weird that this much tension was being applied and it was still not fixing the problem. I removed the old worm clamp and moved the hose back as much as I could so I could try to clean where it connected without having coolant spill everywhere. Put the new clamp on, tightened it, but it's still leaking, so it looks like I'm going to have to disconnect the house completely and clean where it mates to the engine block as best as I can.

My questions are:
1. Since I'm in there, should I just replace the lower radiator hose? It's not cracked or anything, but rubber is rubber, so it deteriorates when it gets old.
2. Is it OK to reuse the coolant? It's about two months old and I flushed the system prior to filling it with new coolant.

 

If it's an original hose it may well be worth replacing for the cost of doing so. I just replaced my radiator and had leaking issues after putting the old hoses back on. They had no external cracks but the internal walls turned out to be shot. I had water seeping up a crack, past the clamp and out the end. New hoses on and all is good.

I reused my coolant and just ran it through a fine filter before pouring back in. I used a car paint strainer from our sprayers place but anything to catch even bits of dirt during collection is better than nothing IMO. As the fluid is fresh I can't see any reason in wasting it.

 

In the time it took to make this post you could of replaced the hose .

 

Be sure this isn't the issue.


water pump leaking.

 

Probably, but I wanted to see if it was anything else (like the water pump, which cruisier mentioned).

Another thing: Do see a lot of varying opinions, but do I need a spring for the new hose?

 

You can re-use the old one. I wouldn't worry about it since they are molded pieces that fit a certain pre-designed shape.

 

No need for the spring.

 

Put the hose on yesterday and wiped everything down real good. Fired it up it and it's still leaking. Starts slow and gets faster. I suppose I'll replace the water pump next, but it doesn't look like there is a leak coming from it.

 

wanna bet it isn't coming from the pump?

 

Heh. Don't bet against the cruiser.

 

The water pump is designed to leak when the bearing and seals are failing. To alert you to the need to replace it. Now is the time.

It is hard to see the leak source because it comes from a very small weep hole that is tucked up underneath. But it dribbles down the hose (typically) just as shown in cruiser's post.

 

I need to call my bookie......

 

Why yes you do lol.

I had my grandpa come over and take a look at it before hand and he swore it's the hose. He wants me to drain the coolant again and buy a replacement hose (he's somewhat stubborn). I think I'll just buy a water pump. Should I buy anything else as well, like a thermostat?

 

the hose, water pump and thermo housing are all very cheap to replace..not doing them all at once is false economy imo, especially if you have a suspicion on the hose

you can have a good look at everything

no reason you cant re-use new coolant, filter it with your old stockings

 

The metal tube that threads into the waterpump doesnt always come out so you may want to buy another for the new pump, just in case. A brass 3/8" NPT X 5/8" fitting also works in place of that metal tube if rust is an issue. But you will need a longer hose to reach it.