How often do you replace radiator hoses?

[orezok]

My B7800 is 16 years old. Living in the desert with extreme temperatures, I think it might be time to replace the hoses. I am concerned that I might pop a hose and since I never check the temp gauge I might cook the engine. The hoses, five in total, only cost $35 so why not?

 

[RalphVa]

Eons ago when I was still stupid. Even the one on the 240D Benz that we had to remove to change coolant on was still good at 26 years age and over 215k miles.

Only ever had one rad hose on a 1965 Studebaker Lark blow out.

Ralph

 

[oosik]

I'm in a much more temperate situation than you, OREZOK. Also, I do nothing that would tend to elevate engine temps - at least, in the summer. I bought my previous tractor in 1982 - brand new. It was a Ford 1700. I traded it in on the Kubota - 28 years later. All of the engine coolant hoses were still in excellent shape.

I think you are going in the correct direction. If for no other reason than - peace of mind.

As an alternate - drain the coolant. Pull and carefully inspect the "easiest" hose and see what there is to see. Go from there..........

 

[orezok]

I think I am going to replace. No telling what triple digit temperatures and single digit humidity does to rubber.

 

[ctgoldwing]

I think I am going to replace. No telling what triple digit temperatures and single digit humidity does to rubber.

I the 'risk / reward' test that sounds like the right move!

 

[Mat4644]

If kept outside the sun will age the rubber. Pinch a give them a tug to evaluate elasticity and visual signs of deteriorating.

 

[ovrszd]

All or nothing.

 

[PILOON]

Reminds me of an early episode.
We bought a 13 year old absolutely pristine 'collectable' from an elderly relative that had but 20k miles or so.
Literally only driven on Sundays to visit a distant relative and stored every winter.
Still had dealer paper floor mats.
Had it on a lift and all the underside was still factory paint with absolutely no one spec of rust.

Well I had a local garage change all the hoses as they were really scary soft.

Well he did all but one!
First week out and that one hose burst and sprayed coolant everywhere.

 

[goeduck]

Eons ago when I was still stupid. Even the one on the 240D Benz that we had to remove to change coolant on was still good at 26 years age and over 215k miles.

I got my 83 240D Benz running again after sitting 10 years. Fuel filters and new diesel and it started right up :shocked: I changed the hoses around 2000 so maybe I am good to go for a while.

 

[dodge man]

When I was into classic cars I had a couple of older cars of which I put new hoses on one of them. That might be the only radiator hoses I have ever changed. If I had something older with a lot of hours, I would change them though.