The engine coolant system is essential to keep your car running correctly and preserve the engine. On occasions, it may be necessary to repair a radiator hose by inserting an adapter or splice because you have a leak. You may also need to inject cleaning fluid into the cooling system while the engine is running using a cleaning kits, and this requires an adapter to be put in the middle of one of the hoses.
Checks on the engine cooling system
According to the car magazine Autocar, you should regularly check your car’s engine coolant levels to make sure that there is enough to maintain the correct engine running temperature.
To carry out repairs to the system, you will need a drain pan to catch the coolant that is drained out from the radiator. You also need a straight slot screwdriver or 5/16-inch nut driver to put the radiator hose clamps back on.
Finally, you will need a new adapter from silicone hose manufacturers such as https://www.goodflexrubber.com/pages/silicone-hose-manufacture.
Seven steps to fit a new hose adapter
You can fit a new hose adapter is seven easy steps:
Step 1: Position the drain pan and open the radiator drain to empty as much coolant as necessary. Please note that you will need to completely drain the radiator if you are replacing a lower hose.
Step 2: Loosen both clamps and slide them away from the adapter.
Step 3: Remove the damaged adapter by first breaking the seal with a screwdriver and then twisting it off.
Step 4: Insert a new adapter by twisting it into the two hose ends.
Step 5: The two hose clamps need to sit halfway along both sides of the adapter. You must then tighten them securely.
Step 6: Close the drain valve and re-fill with the coolant you collected in the pan or with new coolant if needed.
Step 7: Start the engine and check the radiator level. Add more coolant if needed. When you are happy with the levels, replace the cap and continue to run the engine for a quarter of an hour so that it warms up. Check for visible leaks around the repair site. Double check that the hose clamps are tight enough.
By following these simple steps, you will have a successful repair job.