Quote:
Originally Posted by Bio300TDTdriver
X2 I've had mine to 110 (climbing a pass, A/C on 4 bikes on roof rack) and the hose didn't blow. I don't think that it has ever been replaced on my car. I'm sure it is over due.
How many times have you blown the same hose?  |
I'm on my 3rd. First time that I'm aware that it was changed was in 2005 (OE part w/ part # stamped on it, lasted 18 yrs), I replaced it with aftermarket. 1st aftermarket lasted 2 yrs. Looked for better aftermarket due to OE cost (that one lasted 5 yrs.) All three have blown in the same place and the rest of the hose looks good, which led me to think about a design flaw. No bloating, etc.
No obvious pressure issues in terms of head gasket leaks (coolant is perfectly clear, no bubbles coming in to the expansion tank that I've ever seen, no oil in the coolant, exhaust gas test came up negative a while back).
Also, it doesn't blow every time it goes > 110*C but that's when it does go. In Texas summer heat it used to almost touch the red line around 120*C pretty regularly but I solved that problem eventually with a new radiator. That might have killed the first aftermarket hose. The cap is a great, cheap place to start.
Sounds like this isn't a pervasive problem out there. New cap and avoid the cheap aftermarket parts and I should be back in the game. Thanks to all.