How effective are lower radiator hose heaters?

Lower hose heater works as long as the hose their installed in has atleast near 45 degree slant TO the engine. If you put it in a part that leans to the radiator, all heat will go in the radiator. Do NOT make a hole in the thermostat, all that does is bleed heat from the engine to the radiator.

Should lower radiator hose be cooler than upper?

The lower radiator hose should always be cooler than than the upper hose. The upper hose transports hot coolant from the engine to pass through the radiator, while the lower hose transported the cooled coolant from the radiator into the engine.

What does the lower radiator hose do?

The lower radiator hose connects the bottom of the radiator to the water pump, which pumps the coolant throughout the system.

Do I need a spring in my lower radiator hose?

We’re going to get arguments on this one, especially from hose manufacturers, but all molded lower radiator hoses should have an anti-collapse spring. The hose collapses causing coolant starvation and overheating on the open road at high rpm. You get back in to town and temperatures return to normal.

How does a hose heater work?

Once the heated engine coolant reaches the heater core, it travels through small tubes inside the heater core. Then, the heater fan blows on the tubes, sending warm air through the heating vents and into your vehicle.

Should radiator hoses be soft or hard?

A radiator hose in good condition should feel firm, but not hard. A radiator hose in poor condition feels very hard, spongy, or soft. You may find a single soft spot as opposed to the entire hose being soft. A soft hose or a hose with a soft spot should be replaced.

Should both radiator hoses be warm?

If it’s been neglected, all bets are off. Cabin heat comes from hot coolant, so drive long enough to warm up the engine. The coolant temperature should hit at least 160°, preferably 180° to 220°. If coolant temperature is acceptable, feel both heater hoses, which should be hot.

How do I know if my coolant is circulating?

Also, touch the lower radiator hose, after the engine has reached operating temperature. If the lower hose is hot to the touch, coolant is circulating. If the lower hose is not hot, it’s possible the radiator is restricted.

Should both radiator hoses be hot?

Why do lower radiator hoses have springs in them?

The purpose of the hose spring was to prevent collapse during the vacuum portion of the fill cycle. It is possible for the lower hose to collapse slightly due to the water pump drawing water out of the lower hose faster than the gravity-fed water from the radiator replaces it.

What does a collapsed radiator hose look like?

What is a “Collapsed” Radiator Hose? A collapsed radiator hose looks like a long skinny flat tire. Very noticeable. One or both hoses may go flat if the cooling system experiences a localized or complete vacuum (negative pressure) condition.

Can you use heater hose for coolant?

The heater hoses are designed to be resistant to coolant and heat, however over time they can eventually wear out. Old hoses can break down, weaken, and eventually rupture and leak. A leaking heater hose will not only produce a coolant leak that may leave puddles of coolant under the vehicle.

How does the lower Rad hose heater work?

In every case I’ve seen the lower rad hose connects to the suction side of the water pump along with the heater return lines, which provides a thermosyphon path for the warmed coolant. The lower rad hose heaters in both my vehicles work just fine, even at 30 below. Whatever it is, what questions was it supposed to answer? Click to expand… Sorry.

Why is my lower radiator hose not running?

If your car is overheating and at the same time won’t heat the lower coolant hose – You most likely have a problem with your thermostat, which needs to get replaced. The thermostat should be closed when the engine is cold and not running.

Why is there an anti collapse spring in the lower radiator hose?

The truth is, you must have an anti-collapse spring in the lower radiator hose if you have an older vehicle with a conventional cooling system. Because the lower radiator hose channels coolant to the water pump and engine, it is susceptible to negative pressure and collapse at high rpm. The anti-collapse spring prevents that from happening.

Can a lower Rad heater be installed on a Tstat?

Probably means that a lower hose heater won’t work. You might be able to install a smaller heater-hose heater on the heater return that goes to the tstat housing… It was recommended to install the lower rad hose heater in my 1HD-T.