91 Explorer Lower Radiator Hose Leaked for a few then stopped when car was warm

[Sniperdyer]

Today I turned on the car and noticed a few drops of coolant on floor. Checked the location and it’s coming from the opening of the lower hose that’s connected to the radiator. It wasn’t gushing out but looked just like if it was overfilled and the clamp was loose ,but it wasn’t ( it’s just the example I’m trying to give ) and after car was warm it stopped. The clamp is tight and there are no visible cracks, what could be the issue? The hose looks like it’s in good condition still. Neighbor mentioned maybe since it was too cold today the hose may have shrunk a bit overnight but this is the first time it’s happened where it had leaked at base for a few seconds then stops after car is warm.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Autozone has a tool loaning program. The easiest way to locate a leak is with a cooling system pressure tester. It applies pressure to the cooling system while the engine is off, and the coolant is cold. Leaks could be tricky since something higher up could drip onto a lower area which makes that area appear to be leaking.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Probably due for all of the hoses to be changed.

 

[BrooklynBay]

A lot of parts might be discontinued, special order or just hard to find. Check Autozone & Rock Auto.

 

[Sniperdyer]

Here’s picture. It’s definitely the hose. From the top of hood I can’t see anything leaking but from bottom it’s clear. Lower radiator Hose 21623

 

[DaSovietPotato]

How long has it been since you have done any work on the radiator?

 

[Sniperdyer]

How long has it been since you have done any work on the radiator?

Around four to five years ago. We did have our transmission rebuilt a few days ago and possibly they might off knocked the hose out of place?

 

[DaSovietPotato]

Is your transmission Standard or Automatic? If it is an automatic it is entirely possible that the hose could have been jostled when removing/reinstalling the transmission lines.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Can’t really put anything on a transmission replacement 4-5 years ago. The hose has aged out. Don’t try and just tighten it. The real fix is to replace the hose. May as well do all of them.

 

[DaSovietPotato]

After 5-6 years it would probably make sense to do a flush, thermostat, and hose replacement if is going to be regularly used anyway.

 

[Sniperdyer]

Can’t really put anything on a transmission replacement 4-5 years ago. The hose has aged out. Don’t try and just tighten it. The real fix is to replace the hose. May as well do all of them.

The transmission was replaced recently a few days ago. The radiator was four or five years ago

 

[ChildIdenticant]

The transmission was replaced recently a few days ago. The radiator was four or five years ago

new issue after work recently done? jostling. Likely deposits & rust on the inside of that hose. 4-5 years isn't neccessarily time to replace without knowing mileage (really running time but eh). But if the issue is deposits, just tightening isn't the long term reliable solution, and there is always the risk of overtightening/cracking the radiator. since it's at the bottom draining either way is required for truly reliable fix. And then there is the burping to make sure your heater works. And you might learn that you have to replace your corroded pump because while an issue wasn't obvious, you took the hose off and it only still miraculously works from wishes and dreams.
If doing a hose set replacement, do a thorough check that for anything else that needs addressing.
This may be a lot of money all at once especially after a trans rebuild (whose reliability hasn't likely yet been proven). or you tighten the clamp a bit more and that's fixed.

Based on the info you have given, as it is a tiny leak, consider not doing anything until it is determined that the trans work was otherwise done properly.

welcome to explorer forum,

 

[Sniperdyer]

I’m going to try and replace the lower hose myself as it seems very easy to reach. Now I need to drain the radiator but don’t want to use the drain plug of the radiator to drain it, afraid that this might open up a new problem with it like it won’t screw back or snaps breaking while opening it. I’ve seen video of people just removing hose,drilling small hole in damaged hose and letting it drain out then removing hose. What do you guys recommend?

 

[DaSovietPotato]

I would just recommend opening the drain plug since it can be reached from the top. If you decide to puncture the hose however it would be wise to use a leather punch.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did they rebuild your old transmission or did they install an already rebuilt transmission? When I needed a transmission a couple of years ago, nobody had them in stock, and the local junkyards didn't even have used ones in stock. Did they do a good job?

 

[Sniperdyer]

Did they rebuild your old transmission or did they install an already rebuilt transmission? When I needed a transmission a couple of years ago, nobody had them in stock, and the local junkyards didn't even have used ones in stock. Did they do a good job?

So far so good, I’ve only done 50 miles on it so far. It was rebuilt.

 

[Sniperdyer]

I’m going to be going to auto zone to get the hoses. Would you guys happen to know what size hose clamps I would need

 

[BrooklynBay]

Autozone has clamps as well as hoses.

 

[Sniperdyer]

I wanted to have an idea in case I get a worker that isn’t to sure in size

 

[Turdle]

Imo you should use the factory style spring clamps. Plastic radiator necks don't really play well with the screw strap type, it's easy to overtightened and crack the neck again.
Use the new hose and a guide for new clamps.