Lately, my 1999 xk8 has needed several top-offs on the coolant (no visible leakage). Today, I opened the bonnet and found the radiator hose compressed. I opened the resevoir cap, and the hose went right back into shape.

Should I be concerned?

 

First the leak:

If there is not an obvious leak, look around the the base of the thermo tower for dried colored coolant. Next, there are two Norma connectors in the heating hose routing, behind and left and right of the engine, that have a history of slow leaks. Again, dried coolant may be the only sign. Both of these location tend to leak as the car cools, not under heat and pressure.

I had a leak that just couldn't be found. Went to Advance AP and used their loaner tool program for a pressure tester. Best deal in town . . . free. Pumped it up and there it was but not in any place you could see/feel with the engine hot.

The collapsed hose will probably now have a tendency to collapse under suction from the water pump when coolant is low. Might be a good idea to change it.

I think I have a hose that was on my '00 for about a month before the wreak knocked it off if you want it.

 

There's a leak somewhere. What's your oil look like?

Pressure test the system when it's warm and look closely. Sometimes they only leak under pressure and it evaporates right away.

If you haven't changed your hoses do it; it's easy and cheap. New clamps, too. www.rockuto.com

 

This does no find you leak but will let you know what to look forward to if you decide to change both upper and lower hoses.

If you want to use the friction band clamps you owe it to yourself to buy the tool. Otherwise buy the Breeze clips. I just did my hoses and I bought a fluid pump, Kmart 15.00, and pumped out the coolant thru the t-stat filler neck, Then I removed the top band clamp, pumped out the upper hose. Then pumped the radiator down below the lower hose radiator inlet. Because some pencil pusher felt there was no need to put a drain **** on this radiator. But you will have to remove the fan assembly so you can access the lower hose.

Also the lower hose is a b***h to get on. Because the after market hoses are much stouter than the factory. But they are also way less.
You can expect to spend 25.00 for the upper and 35.00 for the lower. That is if you buy them from Car Quest.

 

If you want info on replacing the hoses and t-stat housing go to my page. As for the clamps any good clamp will work and I would recommend changing them all. As for the leak you need to do a search. We have had several chats on this subject. TestPoint can provide info on the pressure testing.

Gus

 

Thanks all.

The guy I bought it from had the dealership install new top hoses just the day before I picked it up, but it sounds like a pressure check is in line.

Thanks again to all...this forum ROCKS!!!

 

Let us know how you make out.

 

I haven't looked real close at my radiator's construction to say this for a fact but do these radiators have gasketed end tanks? If they do then those gaskets could be leaking which should show up in the pressure test.
I have had tank ends fail on two Ford products where the gaskets began to leak. I think I had the whole radiator regasketed for about 100.00.

Also I would definetly inquire about the lower hose. Was that changed as well. Not just the 3" stat hose and upper hose.

Some times I talk to much!