How Do You Install an Upper Radiator Hose
#2
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Carefully? I know not the answer that you are after.
The big trick with the upper hose is just getting access. Going from memory here (sold my X-Type a year ago), the part where it attaches to the radiator isn't too hard, but you will need to get yourself either a set of channel locks or needlenose pliers. From there, you can squeeze the friction clamp and pull it back on to the hose. From there, you can attempt to twist the hose some to break it loose from the radiator, but you may find that it has stuck itself pretty good. This is where you will need something like an o-ring removal tool or other screwdriver type device with a hook on the end. That will allow you to reach in to the recess where the hose sits and slide it under the hose to start breaking the seal between the hose and the radiator. Once you get a portion of it separated, you can start working the hose back and forth to break the rest of the seal.
As for the other end (where it attaches to the t housing), you are doing pretty much the same thing other than you are removing the lower plate under the radiator to give you access to T housing. Again, use the pliers to back the friction clip out of the way and using a screw driver or other suitable piece, slide it between the hose and the housing to start breaking the hose loose. The big trick here is not to force the tool into the plastic, creating a deep groove. The groove will result in a leak later on and will most likely result in having to pull the T housing and replacing it.
It isn't easy work, but it can be done. You may find that you will want to replace some of the other hoses at the same time since you are in there as 1) it may allow you to remove more stuff to make access easier, and 2) if all the hoses are the same age and this one failed (making an assumption here), the others are probably not too far behind and it would be well worth your time to do this job all the way to save a future blowout.
The big trick with the upper hose is just getting access. Going from memory here (sold my X-Type a year ago), the part where it attaches to the radiator isn't too hard, but you will need to get yourself either a set of channel locks or needlenose pliers. From there, you can squeeze the friction clamp and pull it back on to the hose. From there, you can attempt to twist the hose some to break it loose from the radiator, but you may find that it has stuck itself pretty good. This is where you will need something like an o-ring removal tool or other screwdriver type device with a hook on the end. That will allow you to reach in to the recess where the hose sits and slide it under the hose to start breaking the seal between the hose and the radiator. Once you get a portion of it separated, you can start working the hose back and forth to break the rest of the seal.
As for the other end (where it attaches to the t housing), you are doing pretty much the same thing other than you are removing the lower plate under the radiator to give you access to T housing. Again, use the pliers to back the friction clip out of the way and using a screw driver or other suitable piece, slide it between the hose and the housing to start breaking the hose loose. The big trick here is not to force the tool into the plastic, creating a deep groove. The groove will result in a leak later on and will most likely result in having to pull the T housing and replacing it.
It isn't easy work, but it can be done. You may find that you will want to replace some of the other hoses at the same time since you are in there as 1) it may allow you to remove more stuff to make access easier, and 2) if all the hoses are the same age and this one failed (making an assumption here), the others are probably not too far behind and it would be well worth your time to do this job all the way to save a future blowout.
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Lorraine Burke (08-05-2016)
#3
You're going to need to remove the battery and air box to get access. Search YouTube for some DIY videos. Here's one:
I'd also drain the coolant first to reduce the amount of mess. That also makes for putting in fresh coolant when you're done with the repair.
I'd also drain the coolant first to reduce the amount of mess. That also makes for putting in fresh coolant when you're done with the repair.
Last edited by swingwing; 07-31-2016 at 08:23 AM. Reason: Added sentence.
The following users liked this post:
Lorraine Burke (08-05-2016)
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