The 'E' Type Forum

Just done my usual daily checks of fluids and noticed that the top radiator hose has collapsed, the picture does not show the problem too well but it is now nearly flat. I have had no over heating issues and the system is full of coolant.

Has anyone come across this before, or is it just a failure of the hose?

Thanks
Simon

Fit the correct caps in the right places and there will be no vacuum on cooling. Bazillions of posts on S2 cooling system.

Thanks for the reply, to my knowledge the caps are correct, but I am going to change them when I replace the top hose and will be checking over the cooling system, but it's all relatively new with a new rad 4 months ago.

Simon...plain cap on rad 7lb on header..is that what you have

The header tank cap has to be the type with a return valve (rare to see one without) and the overflow vent/tube must be unblocked. With those details correct, you would no more get a vacuum on cooling than you would in a cold kettle.

Does the hose spring back to normal when the expansion/header tank cap is removed?

Been away most of the week so have not had a chance to check, but will be checking everything this weekend and will report back.
Thanks
Simon

Checked everything, have 7lb cap and plain cap, the hose has not sprung back so will be replacing. The only thing I have found is the overflow pipe from the expansion tank is crimped and as result would be severely restricting the flow, I will be replacing this and the caps. Also the expansion tank coolant level was near the top, normally its 2/3 thirds down. I will replace the parts, test and report back.

Not sprung back after a nice hot run and then left to cool down normally or just not sprung back? Before you go replacing everything, it would be good to use the car now that the crimped expansion tank hose has been corrected and see if levels and top hose return to normal.
By all means then replace the parts but it would be good to know first that the crimped hose was the cause of the problem.

John, apologies for not replying sooner but have been away on holiday. The top hose has not sprung back after cooling down so I am replacing. I am replacing the hose and testing next week and will report back
Thanks

Final got round to replacing the top hose and overflow pipe and all now appears OK. As can be seen from the photos the overflow pipe was badly crimped and the top hose deformed. Thanks for all the help.

Thank you for posting the outcome and validating it for future readers.