Hole in Lower Radiator hose 1994 crown victoria. How much to replace or can i do it myself??

Question

Small pinhole leak but need to replace.

Answer 1

Not bad at all, first drain the radiator, there should be what is called a petcock valve for that (looks like a wing nut) then loosen the clamps use a screwdriver to wedge the hose off.Put the clamps on the new hose then fit the hose to the inlets and tighten. Put in new coolant, start the car and let it warm up to insure that everything is tight and you are ready to go. Total cost around $20 time about an hour. Good Luck

Answer 2

Radiator hose's aren't that expensive. Around $20. You just need to be able to get the old hose off. Typically the easiest way is to simply cut it off since you're replacing it anyways.

Before cutting, verify that the hose that you purchased from the auto parts store is the same /similar shape as the original. You should not have any "kinks" in the new hose when installing it.

Also recommend getting new clamps and replace the standard spring on type clamps.

Typically it's a relatively easy job to perform, and you can do it yourself if you have a little mechanical inclined. You'll typically end up draining the radiator too, so you'll need to refill with appropriate quantity of coolant.

Here are instructions for an entire radiator replacement (which you don't need to follow), just follow the instructions for the radiator hose portion. Note the pictures on how they remove the original hose clamps.

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/17/2c/3d/0900823d80172c3d/repairInfoPages.htm

Answer 3

A radiator hose is pretty basic stuff to replace. If you are at all mechanically inclined and have basic tools. Look to see if you can easily access both ends of the hose. On some models the lower hose clamp is terrible to try to get off. Be sure you take your old hose in when you buy the new one to compare. Nothing more frustrating than getting back home to find you have the wrong one. Be sure to buy 2 new hose clamps as well. Most car manufacturers use those stupid clamps that take a special tool to remove. I cut em off with a pair of dikes (wire cutters) after I loosen off the bolt and bend the strap away enough to get a grip on it with the cutters. Replace them with the good screw on type clamps. Be sure to mix your coolant 50/50 with water to refill it. If in doubt, pay to have it done.