What causes radiator hose swelling, which is a symptom of a serious malfunction in cars? Why does the radiator hose swell? What to do when the radiator hose swells? Here we will look for answers to questions like this.
After combustion occurs in the engine, the engine coolant reduces the temperature generated. The radiator works just like a pressure cooker. There is a constant pressure in it. However, there must be a level of this pressure. If the pressure increases, this first manifests itself as swelling in the hoses. Because the radiator hose is made of a rubber and flexible substance that we know, it is the first place to react.
How to Tell If the Radiator Hose Is Swollen?
I realize it’s actually a ridiculous question. Because you can understand very easily that the hose swells near the connection clamps on the side of the radiator. However, since some hoses are made of very hard material, there is no visible swelling. In this case, you need to press on it in your hand. If it is hard as a stone, it means that there is swelling in the proboscis. If we look at the symptoms of radiator hose swelling item by item;
- Swelling of the lower and upper hose from the clamp edges
- Constant radiator hose bursting of the car
- Water leakage from the edge of the clamp (although the clamp is tightly tied)
- Heating of the car
- Irregular operation of the engine
- Fluctance at idle
- Illumination of the engine malfunction light on the instrument panel
- Reasons such as There are many reasons why the radiator hose can swell. If we look at these reasons by explaining.
Why Does the Radiator Hose Swell?
If your vehicle has radiator hose swelling, let’s make a detailed examination by going from the cheapest to the most expensive. Let’s see for what reasons the radiator hose swells?
1- Failure of the Radiator Cover
New cars usually do not have a cover on the radiator. But if there is, this cover has a much more important task than covering the radiator. The water in the radiator has to stand in a pressurized way. Just like a pressure cooker, the boiling point of water under pressure increases by 10 degrees. But the pressure must remain constant between 0.8 or 0.9 bar. If the pressure rises above this value, the spring valve above the radiator cover opens and sends some water to the expansion vessel, known as a backup water tank, to reduce the pressure. Thus, the pressure is kept under constant control. If the radiator cover is defective, the upper or lower hose of the radiator may swell due to pressure.
2- Radiator Is Blocked
Car water radiator is made of copper or aluminum alloy. There are very narrow channels inside. Drivers use mains water, which we know especially in summer. However, in our country, the tap water is calcareous, which causes clogging of the radiator. Since water cannot be circulated in the radiator, it will cause pressure. This will ultimately cause the radiator hose to swell.
3- Fan Operator Failure
Just below the radiator is a part called the fan joint or fan sensor that engages the fan. Its task is to command the fan to work when the water temperature reaches a critical point in the radiator. However, if this joint fails, the car may either not turn on any fan at all or may turn on the fan too late. This will cause the heat to rise and naturally cause the tornado to swell.
4- Radiator Fan Failure or Insufficient Fan
A fan fan fan is used to remove the heat generated from your vehicle’s radiator. However, a non-original fan fan fan fan fan can cause heat. The hose will swell, especially when going uphill, as the insufficient fan will cause the motor to overheat.
5- Burning of the top cover gasket
It is one of the subjects that masters lie about the most. Because if the hose is hardened, according to a master, the exact gasket is burned. But if it really burned, it will cause the proboscis to swell for sure. This part, called the cylinder head gasket, prevents oil and water from mixing with each other in the engine. However, it will cause pressure inside the engine as it will cause leakage due to aging or heat. As a result, you will definitely see that the radiator hose is swollen.
6- Using Wrong Radiator Water (Antifreeze)
If an engine is over 10 years old, blue or green antifreeze should be used. If you use red antifreeze in an old car, it will block everywhere and cause the hose to swell.
7- Top Cover or Engine Block Crack
The camshaft and valves are located on the upper cover. There are small water channels inside the top cover and engine block. If it cracks, the high pressure inside the engine enters the cooling system from here and causes pressure. It will naturally cause the hose to swell.
8- Thermostat Failure
Between the radiator and the engine is a part called the thermostat, which serves to keep the temperature constant. Especially if it remains in the closed position, the engine temperature increases excessively. This causes pressure. First, the proboscis swells, then due to the heat can cause much more serious problems.
Source: Why Does the Radiator Hose Swell
