Radiator Hoses Collapsed

[kelley5795]

I got a 1998 Toyota Camry 4cyl and after the engine cools down both hoses are Collapsed and after i pop off the rad cap the hoses uncollape . What could make this happen
1# I have no over heating what so ever

[chronoti]

do you top up the fluid?

also older hoses are prone to have that issue

[kelley5795]

Yes I topped off coolent with red Toyota coolant and ran the engine for 40 mins to let any air out

[Mister_Perkins]

if the hoses are very soft to the touch, they are junk. replace them.

If they are kind of firm, this is normal.

really soft = bad
kinda firm = good

kinda like boobies

[kelley5795]

Well when the engine is running and is at temp the hoses are firm but when the engine is off they turn soft or do you mean the hose it self, they do look old I have had the car over a year and have put over 100.000 miles since I got the car so ull replace them anyway but should I also replace the rad cap?

[fenixus]

I would replace the rad cap for starters with new OEM one.

it sounds like there is vacuum buildup when engine cools down and system is unable to suck the fluid from return tank (reason why hoses collapse when cooling down).

[Disturbed Edge]

The reason they are feeling firm at running temp is because the system has built pressure and the coolant is flowing through. Like others posted, squishy soft hoses are a no go.

Usually the caps hold up for a long time. If the seal looks worn or deteriated, replace. These are cheap anyway. Also look into a lever vent cap. They vent off the pressure making it safer to open the cap.

[kelley5795]

Okay well what are 4 steps I could take to fix this please

[Mister_Perkins]

1.) drive to your parts store.
2.) Find a friendly attendant
3.) Tell them you need a Radiator Cap, and an upper and lower radiator hose, and some premixed Anti-freeze for a 1998 toyota camry with a 2.2L 4 Cylinder motor.
4.) Purchase the parts, and drive home. Install when convenient

[kelley5795]

Well I only buy my parts from Toyota so ill drive to a friendly Toyota and get my parts and install them when best on Monday lol

[ajkalian]

Originally Posted by Mister_Perkins

if the hoses are very soft to the touch, they are junk. replace them.

If they are kind of firm, this is normal.

really soft = bad
kinda firm = good

kinda like boobies

Hmmm, sounds like a pretty good pick up line to me.

"Pardon me young lady, my hose has collapsed and I'm told it should be as firm as boobies".

Since you seem to be sporting a very nice pair, perhaps you could come over to my car, and let me compare them to my hose.

.

[Mister_Perkins]

Holy crap i seriously just laughed my butt off. Hahahha great stuff!!!!!

This thread just turned into Awesomeness

[Stillrunning]

Originally Posted by fenixus

it sounds like there is vacuum buildup when engine cools down and system is unable to suck the fluid from return tank (reason why hoses collapse when cooling down).

I think fenixius hit the nail on the head. Check the overflow tank and tube for blockage. Hoses are not designed to hold their shape on vacuum although they could also need replacing due to age.

[dave1811]

Both my 99's do that, one more than the other. I put brand new Toyota hoses on thinking that was the issue. Will buy a new radiator cap from Toyota to see if that fixes the problems. Both have new WP/timing belt jobs in the past year and a half or so and my higher mileage one had the old radiator leak at the top. Replaced that one with a Spectrum. No overheating issues, just some type of vacumn problem when they cool down. Would this cause any damage or should I just not sweat it?

Dave