How Long Does It Take to Replace a Radiator Hose? Part of the reason why it’s not super expensive to replace radiator hoses is because it doesn’t take very long at all to replace one. In fact, you can usually have radiator hoses replaced in about 15 minutes or so as long as you take your car to a reputable mechanic.

There are two hoses that connect to the radiator. The upper hose attaches from the top of the radiator to the top of the engine. The lower hose attaches to the bottom of the radiator to the water pump of the engine.

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Radiator Hose

1. Leaking coolant. If you notice green fluid beneath your vehicle, chances are your vehicle is leaking coolant.
2. Engine overheating.
3. Low coolant.
4. Collapsed radiator hose.
5. Radiator hose is broken.

When a radiator hose begins to leak, it should be replaced. However, the leak or crack can be temporarily repaired until you have the opportunity to replace the hose.

Some customers have found it helpful to first prep a fabric surface with Flex Seal aerosol, let it dry, and then apply Flex Tape. Q: Can I use it on my radiator hose? A: No. We do not recommend using Flex Tape on radiator hoses.

Four Signs You have a Bad or Failing Radiator

1. Your vehicle is overheating. If your vehicle constantly overheats, especially under normal driving conditions, this is one of the most common signs that your radiator is bad or failing.
2. Your vehicle is leaking coolant.
3. Sludge build up in your radiator.
4. Low coolant levels.

There are at least 4 main hoses in a typical automotive cooling system. The thermostat housing is where the upper radiator hose leads from. The lower radiator hose is attached to the bottom of the radiator.

The engine is also designed to run at a certain temp, usually around 180-195 and anything cooler could actually hurt the engine by creating hotspots in the cyclinders. As for radiator hoses, the top hose is genally hotter and breaks the most.