Efficient coolant flow with Acura Radiator Hose
To ensure smooth coolant flow between the engine and the radiator, a specially designed hose is needed. Acura radiator hoses were made to do just that. Radiator hoses come in three types: the common hose, the molded or shaped hose, and the accordion-type hose. Made of rubber and fabric, the common hose is usually straight-shaped, and thus could not take excessive bending. Molded or shaped hoses are the same as the common hose in terms of material. However, they are already designed with bends. The best type of hose is the accordion hoses, which absorbs vibration between the engine and the radiator, aside from adjusting well with bends.
Inspection of Acura radiator hoses should be done at least twice a year. Hose clamp connections should be checked to make sure that they are free from leaks. Recent research shows that hoses begin to break down from the inside out. This process, called electrochemical degradation (ECD), produces cracks in the wall of the hose tube. Coolant can then pass through these cracks and damages the hose reinforcement, leading to a pinhole leak or a burst hose.
Old Acura radiator hoses or loose clamps also cause coolant leak, resulting to overheating and extensive engine damage. Replacement is needed when a hose is worn out or leaking. Other signs that require replacement are cracks, brittleness, and mushiness of the hoses.
Ideally, an Acura radiator hose is replaced at least every four years, or more often as needed. Any hose connected to a part of the cooling system that is being replaced should also be changed as well. For example, it is best to replace both the radiator hoses when replacing a radiator. Doing such maintenance measures are just some of the keys to a top-form radiator hose and an efficient cooling system.
Written by Car Enthusiast on August 31st, 2007 with
no comments.
Read more articles on Automotive.
- [+] Digg: Feature this article
- [+] Del.icio.us: Bookmark this article
- [+] Furl: Bookmark this article