Top Hose Replacement

[wyefish]

I was driving back from Cardiff in the Bongo last week when the low coolant alarm did it's job! I stopped and investigated. It was a split hose. The top hose directly under the driver's seat. I called the RAC and they made a temporary repair which got me home. I've ordered and received a replacement hose but I'm not sure of the exact procedure to replace it and bleed the system adequately. I'm told that it's not necessary to drain and replace all the coolant as it's only the top hose that's gone. As I've just had the coolant changed and other hoses replaced recently, it seems a shame to go through it all again!

But if that's what it takes???

Grateful for any opinions from wiser heads than mine.

[rita]

Just replace the faulty hose top up with appropriate coolant and bleed.

[Bob]

No need to drain all the coolant, but it MUST be bled.

[wyefish]

thanks for that, guys. I was hoping that was the case. I'll get on with that tomorrow.

[Simon Jones]

Did the RAC man top up with coolant or just water? If the latter, then your mixture will be diluted so the freezing point & anti-corrosion properties may be affected. Realistically, you are going to loose some coolant when you drain so will need to top up with neat anti-freeze anyway, so why not buy 5 litres rather than 1 litre & change the lot. It shouldn't cost more than about £20 & you'll still have to bleed it which ever option you decide.