Replacing Engine Cooling Hoses

[Steve O]

I have decided to replace all the cooling hoses on my Westerbeke W50. I also have a water heater attached to the engine.

I am wondering if anyone has any hints on what problems to expect? I have heard that the system will need be 'burped' but other than stopping and starting the system without the 'radiator cap' on I have no idea.

[Charlie]

8" Radiator Hose Pick this is great tool for that and other projects with hoses. If you put the point under the hose so that the bar that is perpindicuilar to the point rests against the place where the hose is attached then push the handle of the tool the tool will pull the hose away from what it is fitted to.

[Steve O]

Thanks Charlie. I was wondering if I should use a screwdriver or cut them off. That looks more 'civilized'

[Stu Jackson]

Engine Overheating 101 - How to Burp Your Engine (Reply #6) Engine overheating problem (with Instructions "How To Burp!")

[John A]

I used vise-grips to loosen the hose before removal

[Snore]

Originally Posted by Charlie

8" Radiator Hose Pick this is great tool for that and other projects with hoses. If you put the point under the hose so that the bar that is perpindicuilar to the point rests against the place where the hose is attached then push the handle of the tool the tool will pull the hose away from what it is fitted to.

Call my EXTREMELY conservative but..... If you jam a pick between the hose and the metal fitting, you stress the fitting. IMHO, I would rather take a razor to the old hose and cut it off. Barbaric? Yes. Most likely to cause damage to one of my digits? Yes. Least likely to damage an a engine component? Yes. So my choice is to use a utility knife to cut the old hoses off.

Bill

[David M]

Old hoses can be used as emergency spares. Avoid destroying them in the process of removing them, unless it is so stubborn that taking a razor knife to it would make you feel better.

Don't go cheap on your new 100% stainless steel hose clamps. Double clamp them where you have the room. Don't even think about getting them at Home Depot...they are not 100% stainless.

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