My Xantia is still on its original radiator hoses.
Worked hard in hot weather it gets hot and bothered more than it used to do.
Would it pay off to replace the hoses before they blow on the road and have it flushed out thoroughly. Or am I worrying too much?
Many thanks
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Tony Bee,
Perhaps your radiator and engine cooling gallery is becoming silted up.
number_cruncher
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I suggest you consider the cost of a complete new set of hoses before you take such drastic action (I've just paid £31.30 for just one hose for my Peugeot 309).
Having the cooling system flushed is sensible maintenance after a high mileage.
Ian
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Going back to the 60s radiator hose replacement was almost part of the normal service routine. In fact replacing the top hose to the radiator was reccomended every two years.
They must use a different material now even though they still look the same, but they just don't seem to wear out any more.
My wifes car is 12 years old and the hoses still seem like new.
Have others found this also ?.
Probably have one go now after saying all that.
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I had a Xantia for 9 years - never changed a hose. Unfortunately had to change the (original) battery a month before I sold it!
I would suggest, though, that you flush the system out and refill with some good anti freeze. I refilled mine with Bluecol every 2 years.
This will also guard against leaks developing in the heater matrix. I never had any bother with this either, but I have heard of owners who have and you have to remove the dash to get at it!
Don't flush too vigorously - sticking the hose in the top of the radiator should do fine.
When re-filling, make a temporary 'extension header tank' to the rad ( a plastic bottle tightly fitted with overflow pipe blocked off would do.) Fill it up and let the engine run until the fan cuts in. Keep coolant in the tank all the time and close the bleed screws as soon as bubble- free coolant comes through. (Haynes explains all this well)
Graeme
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