Cooling hose suddenly coming loose

[AdrianC]

Yesterday, we'd just had a big long twisty climb up some mountains, and pulled into the frontage of a big church with a fantastic view. As I got out, I head a "drip-sizzle-drip-sizzle" from the back end. Uh-oh. A quick look showed that the hose from 'stat housing to big metal pipe (late WBX) was peeing water out, straight onto the hot exhaust.

Oh. Well, could have been worse timing - good view, just about lunchtime, and the sun shining. Even better, a full bottle of red coolant in the van.

Once it'd cooled down a bit, off with the hose, and it didn't show any problems. Back on, with a tiny smear of goop around the joint and two jubilee clips, and it _seems_ (famous last words) tight again.

Any thoughts as to why it should suddenly do this?

Hose, metal pipe and jubilee clips were all new last year.

[Oldiebut goodie]

You most probably just tightened up the clip with a screwdriver rather than a socket.

[AdrianC]

You most probably just tightened up the clip with a screwdriver rather than a socket.

There was a good clear imprint of the clip in the hose, and it's not been an issue in 30k km since it was fitted, so I'm not convinced it was an assembly issue.

[jamesc76]

an ovetightend jubilee clip can come loose!

[Ian Hulley]

If you put a smear of Blue Hylomar round the inside of the hose and gently tightened the jubilee clip it shouldn't leak again. That's one of the places where the standard VW tw@t clips are ok because you can get at them and they don't over-tighten onto the plastic thermostat housing outlet.

Ian

[ghost123uk]

Does your top up tank (behind the flap) seem to keep the right amount of coolant in it ? (there is a good reason for asking)

[AdrianC]

Does your top up tank (behind the flap) seem to keep the right amount of coolant in it ? (there is a good reason for asking)

No, it's been constantly requiring a top-up - BUT... I know that there's a slight drip from one of the joints at the front, where the main long pipe goes onto the rad hose.

And, yes, I can see exactly where you're going with this. Please don't. We're not talking that much of a top-up. Maybe a tankful every month.

[ghost123uk]

No, it's OK, I was just wondering if your blue "Dalek" cap was working correctly, i.e. blowing off pressure when it should (into the top up tank). If it's not (and it is not uncommon for them to fail) then excess pressure could build up and blow a pipe off (had it happen to us a few years ago)

[sarran1955]

Hello,

Just keep pouring it in

And enjoy the sunshine

Luv from your friendly service station

Cordialement,

[kevtherev]

I use VW clips they don't undo or never get done up too tight.



or proper hose clips.

[ghost123uk]

or proper hose clips.

How do you get those off ? (special tool I guess)

[kevtherev]

hacksaw

tinsnips

[AdrianC]

Hello,

Just keep pouring it in

You've got bigger problems if you run out of coolant, 'tis true...