What Is A Radiator Hose? Its Functions, Diagram And How it Works
A radiator hose is one of the most critical and vulnerable parts of a car cooling system. They are usually made of a synthetic rubber compound because they require flexibility at one end of the engine. Radiator hoses transport coolant or antifreeze throughout the engine, heater, and radiator.
This complex network of hoses circulates coolant from the radiator to the hottest part of the engine, then returns the overheated fluids to the radiator to release the heat and repeat the cycle. The radiator contained upper and lower hoses, which are the widest hoses used in the system.
In this reading, we’ll explore what a radiator hose is, its functions, diagram, types, how it works, and its signs of failure.
Let’s get started!
What Is a Radiator Hose?
A radiator hose, also known as a coolant hose, is typically a rubber component that is designed to convey the flow of coolant from one spot to another to ensure proper circulation of coolant around the engine. Modern automobile cooling systems contain many hoses with various purposes; while they look complex, their working is ideal.
The basic automobile cooling system hoses are the upper and lower radiator hoses. These hoses look the same, but they cannot be interchanged because they are designed for different purposes, as already mentioned. Other functional hoses include the overflow tank hose, heater core hose, and thermostat hose. These hoses are fitly tight with fittings to other parts of the engine.
Functions of Radiator Hose
Radiator hoses play a crucial role in the vehicle’s cooling system. Here are their primary functions:
The main job of a hose is to keep the coolant in the engine at the right temperature.
Its design can withstand the engine’s vibration.
Coolant flows around the radiator and back into the engine via the hose.
The pressure cap bled off hot coolant to the overflow tank. This prevents the cooling system from being damaged or leaking.
Radiator hoses come in various types, each designed for specific functions and locations within the cooling system. Here are the main types:
Lower Hose
The lower hose is one of the large hoses that cannot absorb intense heat from the coolant. It’s located at the bottom of the radiator and connected to the engine water pump housing. Through the hose, cold coolant is transferred into the engine, as the water pump also plays a role.
Upper Hose
These types of hose are the other large hose located at the top side of the radiator. They are designed to absorb intense heat from the coolant since only hot coolant is allowed to pass through them. This is why the upper and lower hoses cannot be interchanged.
As coolant absorbs the heat produced during the combustion process, it passes through the upper hose back to the radiator, so cooling can occur. The upper hose is known as the heater hose.
Bypass Hose
The thermostat ensures that the coolant reaches a specific temperature before entering the radiator. If the temperature has not yet reached, a bypass hose allows the coolant to return to the engine.
The thermostat remains locked, blocking the coolant if the temperature is not yet obtained to open the valve. So, the coolant bypasses the radiator as it follows the hose.
Overflow Hose
The overflow hose types connect the radiator pressure cap and the overflow tank. As pressure happens to the hot coolant in the radiator and its expansion, the pressure cap opens, and the hot coolant is bled off. The coolant follows through the overflow hose to the tank. This hose is also a heater hose.
In a car cooling system, radiator hoses work by carrying the coolant between the engine and the radiator. This is achieved with the help of the inlet and outlet hose. There is a water pump mounted on the engine that pulls coolant from the radiator through the inlet hose.
The coolant, which then flows through the engine and absorbs heat, will then pass through the outlet hose into the radiator. The radiator will dissipate the heat from the coolant and then the process will occur again.
Additionally, Radiator hoses are important because they help keep the coolant flowing between the radiator and the engine. Because the hoses are subjected to extreme conditions of the engine, they are built to withstand high temperature, high pressure, constant vibration (with the help of clamps and connectors), and harsh chemicals.
Symptoms Of Bad Radiator Hose
If a radiator hose is failing, it can lead to overheating and other engine problems. Here are some common symptoms of a bad radiator hose:
Leaking Coolant
If you have a leaking hose, you will see coolant beneath your vehicle. This fluid has a sweet smell. Leaking coolant can also be from the radiator itself, which is why a professional mechanic should diagnose the problem. If the hose is diagnosed as a problem, consider a replacement.
Engine Overheating
If coolant circulation is obstructed, the engine will overheat. As soon as you notice any overheating symptoms, then your cooling system is faulty. In this situation, the hose may not be the issue, but it is one of the most common causes of overheating. You should quickly reach out to your mechanic to fix the issue, as this issue can cause a complete breakdown of the engine.
Low Coolant
The warning light turns on if this issue occurs as you keep topping up the radiator with coolant. There is a leak in the hose that is pouring away the coolant. The leak will be obvious as drops when the vehicle is parked. Risking the drive of such a vehicle can damage its components before reaching the destination, as the engine can stall or overheat.
Damaged Radiator Hose
A damaged radiator hose is soft and has become weak. You’ll notice this if you touch the hose. A problem with the complete cooling system will cause the hose to collapse. A general inspection or maintenance should be carried out if you notice this issue. A damaged hose won’t be able to flow coolant properly, which may result in overheating and engine damage.
Broken Radiator Hose
A broken radiator hose is a sensitive problem that must be carefully examined. It combines checking for leaks, swellings, collapses, cracks, holes, or soft portions in the hose. A professional should consider doing this or a DIYer who can take his time doing such. Consider changing the hose if confirmed with any of the listed issues.
