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My car had a recon two years ago and has travelled 40,000 km's since.

My question is: Would you expect the top hose of the cooling system to

1. have been replaced at re-con and
2. have lasted longer - it burst over the weekend & spilled about six cups of coolant.

Helen

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 19 September 2008

I would have expected the cooling system to be thoroughly checked at the time the engine was reconditioned.

One of the most crucial parts of a cooling system is the radiator which is normally sent for cleaning and checking.

The water pump and thermostat are another couple of key components which are non negotiable if the engine is being reconditioned and are often replaced automatically.

Hoses are checked carefully and normally replaced as required. One of the issues here is where does the repairer stop. If every hose in the cooling system was replaced then the cost of the job would greatly increase.

Any leaks in a cooling system can ruin an engine repair however so most repairers work on the side of caution and recommend replacement if in doubt.

What would disappoint me the most is having the hose burst if you have continued to have the car regularly serviced after the engine was reconditioned.

A heater hose eaking or bursting is understandable because they are often difficult to inspect, but the top hose is easily checked at servicing time.

The other important point to remember about cooling systems is this; when a hose is replaced, you immediately place pressure on the next weakest hose or pipe in the entire system.

Make sure you tell the repairer you want a good check of all the visible hoses and a pressure test placed on the cooling system to ensure another hose will not let go in the near future.