Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Huge Coolant Leak

Ok guys, one night I was out with some friends last week and the Low Coolant light came on. No big deal, I checked it when I got home nad it was a hair below the minimum line. In fact, I had some time to do it today and I realized the coolant level has dropped to Almost empty . When this first happened, I made sure to listen for a hissing sound (blown hose). The Upper hose coming from the coolant tank is ruptured where it bends around the engine (Under plastic cover over front cylinder plugs) I'll check out advance auto parts, I take it the whole hose is one piece? Is it possible to properly secure the rupture in the hose so that I can drive it temporarily Untill i get the new hose? The hole is not big. Any info would be appreciated

Thanks
Bill

Pictures:





How the f did that happen? Looks as if someone had cut it

I've never touched that hose before!

Ok so far no responses from you guys, it takes time, but what do you think of this temporary fix? Believe me the fitment is SNUG, it was hard to fit the tubing inside.

Best I can do untill I can replace the hose

I have two guesses.

First is that the hose was rubbing up against the WP belt and it slowly ate away at the hose.

Otherwise, was there enough slack that it could hit the fans?

I'll be under my hood tonight and will take a look at other possible culprits.

I think its an A-1 fix! Good work. As long is it is snug and won't hit anything I think I would leave it, unless the tubing is very think and could restrict coolant flow.

I wouldn't say it's too thick either as it is easily maleable/bendable. My neighbor brought the tubing over and we bent it to the shape of the piece we cut out. Then simply cut it to size and essentially slip-fit it in a half inch each way in the rubber hose. Clamped it down and it's picture perfect for the time being. The leak has stopped

Could make this a How To, it may be handy?

Probably already is one

Thats a great fix that upper rad hose cost about $75 and its a total pain to change, if you do change it take the battery, and air intake pipe off, and the water pump belt cover. otherwise its impossible to push it on to the block and tighten a clap onto it

Good luck
J