Upper rad hose ?

[scotts72heavyhalf]

I just noticed when I was washing my engine compartment off that my upper radiator hose was flat, no cooling problems, tank full, overflow full, when I took the cap off the hose retook its previous form, a bit flatter. I noticed that alot of our trucks had a solid almost pipe in place of a hose, can I find one of thodse or does anyone have a suggestion for a solution?

Thanks

[Longhorn Man]

the pipe is supposed to be on 4X4 trucks, the 2 wheel drives never had them *as original*.
This really isn't an issue. once you fire it up and it builds pressure, it'll inflate. If it bugs you, then I guess a new hose would be the answer.

[scotts72heavyhalf]

Well there you have it, doesent bug me with the hood closed, I`ll just keep it that way.

Thanks

[1tigers]

you can put a wire coil inside to keep it round.

[Green Machine]

Your radiator cap is not working right or is not vented. There should be a little round valve in the center of the cap that will let air back into the system when it cools down, preventing the vacumn that sucks the hose shut.

[68gmsee]

I wouldn't just forget about it, though... If it flattens out too much, it may be time to replace it. There's a lot of pressure in a hot radiator for a weak hose and could leave you stranded.

I've never noticed it on either of my trucks but I have replaced the hoses a couple of time since I had them.

[scotts72heavyhalf]

I`ll change out the cap and hose tomorrow, I was just kidding about not lifting the hood.

Thanks all, great info

[Longhorn Man]

if it has the original style cap, it'll let pressure out, but not back in.
The spring is a band aid fix. It is intended for the lower hose where it is under a partial vacume condition when ever the engine is running.
I've seen this before, and it bothered me on one of my trucks, but being lazy and cheap, i let it go for about 3 years with no issues. I was advised that it was normal back in the day.