Thanks for everyone keeping this thread interesting!
We also have to look at the hoses.
Try to develop some routine inspection- there is nothing wrong with it.
If your friends laugh, let them laugh.
Every pilot inspects his plane for take off- I inspect Radar sets every morning before I activate them from standby to radiate. Failure can cost lives and health.
A hose is easy to replace, heads are costly...
Check them everytime you look into your engine bay!
How do they feel? Don't laugh- it is a real good indicator:
- to soft- not good
- hard and stiff- not good
Check them for being brittle and cracks while squeezing them
replace them as soon as possible if they get bulgy- failure is right to be expected!
I use Armor All with great sucess to keep them flexible.
Do youself a favour and change faulty hoses before you hit the road!
It is asking for trouble!
Do also check the underside of your hoses.
Keep them clean of mud! You want to see difficulties, won't you?
Do not experiment with hose bandages- replace the hoses in advance.
There is no need for Chrysler parts. Ask your hydraulic specialists- they do carry also coolant hoses for the fraction of the Chrysler costs.
One thing I really hate to see on engines coolant hoses are those worm gear clamps.
a)They cut into the rubber( the cheap factory clamps do that too !)
b) They are not able to hold clamping force safely!
Use t-clamps like this:
The reason is (again) simple:
- they do not loosen themselves
- they are easy to loosen with tools even in tight spaces
- they have a consistent pressure on the hose without weakening it
(did you ever get one of those snapping spring clamps to the tip of your fingernails?)
- they are cheaper than original from Chrysler
- stainless steel( but lube the threads with anti-seize to keep them in working condition!)
- do look good
I use them on the intercooler hoses too- no more oil leaks and drips in the driveway!
