Hoses and Clamps Inspection
The proper operation of the cooling system depends on the hoses and clamps being
in good condition. Yet, these items are often taken for granted and overlooked. When
these oversights occur, roadside emergencies will follow which will lead to low customer
satisfaction. These problems can be avoided by proper physical and visual inspection
of hoses and clamps.
Hoses should not only be checked by means of a thorough visual inspection, but
also by squeezing each hose along its entire length. Look for these problems:
- Sponginess: If the hose collapses too easily as you feel along its length, it
indicates deterioration and that means the hose should be replaced.
- Bulging or swelling: If you see this on the hose, it means there has been weakening
under pressure, and replacement is again indicated.
- Brittleness: If as you feel and wiggle the hose it has a feeling of brittleness,
an immediate replacement is required.
- Cracking at the point of attachment: If seen during your visual inspection,
immediate replacement is needed.
- Broken clamps:
If seen, replace the clamp. Inspect the hose while it is off, and replace if any of
the problems listed are apparent in the hose itself.
- Screw the clamps as shown in illustration: (1) 12 o'clock position,
(2) 3 o'clock position, (3) 6 o'clock position, (4) 9 o'clock
position