Upper Radiator Hose

[fiasco]

I think I've figured out where all the smoke is coming from. (that sounds a bit ominous, doesn't it?)

The hose clamp on the engine end of the upper radiator hose appears to have torn a couple of small holes in the hose. When the pressure gets up, especially if I wind it up a bit, like on the highway, or when driving up a hill toward Mt Baldy, I think coolant drips, leaks or shoots out of these little holes. Once it is out, it has to go somewhere, and it looks like its favorite spot to travel to is the exhaust pipe down at the bottom of the engine bay. The result? Lots of stinky smoke coming from under the car. Freaks people out .

So here's my question: do I need a purpose-built hose ($14 from IAP), or can I just buy a short length of generic hose of the correct diameter and strap it on?

Thanks,
-- se

[mdrburchette]

If you can find the correct diameter and bends in one, go for it, but it's easier to get the one you need from one of our vendors.

[baltobernie]

"Universal" accordian-style hoses are generally frowned upon by mechanics, because they place a lot of stress upon the end fittings. My Spider has two very sharp, minimum-radius 90° bends right at the point of entries; this would be the worst case to use a universal hose. If your layout has long, gentle bends, you might be able to get away with them. You sure there's nothing else you need to buy from the catalog?

[So Cal Mark]

I have the correct hoses in stock

[fiasco]

Thanks Bernie.

Mark - I may just come out your way tomorrow afternoon and get the hose - that way I can take a look at those hard tops as well.

I'll need the hose regardless (since the one I have leaks), but after looking under the car again today, I'm thinking now that the leak that's causing the smoke is probably oil and not coolant. I took some pics, and I'll post another thread when I get home tonight and can upload the photos.

-- se

[TulsaSpider]

Steve,
You might as well change all the hoses and thermostat now while you have the system drained, summer will be here before you know it!

[manoa matt]

Coolant should be replaced every 2 years, and ALL coolant and heater hoses should be replaced EVERY 4 years REGARDLESS of external condition or feel. Or in the case of a new car owner with hoses of unknown age. They degrade from the inside out. Don't forget the automatic water choke hoses. A complete set of spider coolant hoses is pretty cheap, good insurance and piece of mind.

[baltobernie]

I'm thinking now that the leak that's causing the smoke is probably oil and not coolant.

Coolant leaks smell different than any petroleum-based odor. The aroma is unmistakable.

As an aside, one of the first automotive things my dad taught me was "smell identification". Nowadays, with disc brakes, sealed cooling systems, and the relentless march of automotive technology, that folklore has all but disappeared.

But dads, still teach your kids how to whistle without using fingers! Its a skill they'll always appreciate

[pope]

Oil leaks have a smoky flavor with a little sulfer taste. Coolant has a sweet taste.

[fiasco]

I can identify the oil vs. coolant smell pretty well - and as a bonus, I can identify the smell of burning breaks too (yearly trips to the high Sierras driving a 15 passenger van).

I do know for sure that I have a coolant leak on top, and that is the most obvious smell most of the time. It has become more clear that I also have more oil leaking than I had previously thought, and that's what I now think is getting onto the exhaust pipe and creating all the smoke.

And I found a really easy way to teach my kids how to whistle without using their fingers . . . I bought them a whistle!

-- se

[mbouse]

Oil leaks have a smoky flavor with a little sulfer taste. Coolant has a sweet taste.

so, if it tastes like chicken.... it prolly isn't coolant, 'eh?

[manoa matt]

Ever smelled Shell Rotella T ? It smells pretty good, sweet too.