VE leaking top hose on radiator

[Fu Manchu]

I had the clamp replaced on the top radiator hose by Holden. That was a while ago. I don't often pop the bonnet on this and have found some oily yet coolant smelling substance on the bottom of the engine bay under the top hose. Sometimes after driving and I've parking in the garage I can smell that distinctive smell. There is dry pink crusty discharge around the hose and under it.

I have checked the radiator fluid and its bone dry. The temp gauge is still happy so there would be enough in there for a bit.
What is the coolant type I should use to fill it?
Also what can I do to stop this top hose from leaking? Two new clamps have failed to fix.

(the clamps are the factory spring clamps, not the worm drive type of old)

[gossie]

For a start you should pop the bonnet and do a fluid check............all fluids that is..............on a weekly basis. How long can it take..........do I need to say? Might even stop you "cooking" your engine.

Re-clamp it properly with some proper screw up SS clamps will cure it. Perhaps even change the hoses at the same time. They don't last forever.

[TinSnips]

For coolant, just buy genuine - makes things easy. Alternatively, I believe nulon red is comparable, mixed 1:1

[RiCeY]

If its not too low just top up with water.

As said try fitting a worm drive hose clamp if it still leakes replace the hose.

[VESSVUTEWA]

I did a Tarmac event where i was running pretty hard and blew the top radiator hose clean off dumped all the coolant. The engine will go into a limp(emergency) mode and it will still keep some coolant in the engine so it wont blow it up.

I put the hose back on and the orignal holden hose clip topped up with water and finished the event.

Since then i have replace the coolant with Holden coolant and added Water Wetter which seems to work really well. I have also replaced the clamp with a worm drive hose clamp.

Have completed several events since this including Barbagello race track and no problems since.

So i recommend you replace the clamp replace the coolant with original and add some Water Wetter ($30)

[scott w]

when i did the cam install i found the genuine coolant was no dearer than nulon or tectaloy , as mentioned replace the clamp and if its still leaks the hose as well

[Fu Manchu]

Yeah but checking fluids on a pretty new car each week is a bit much?
If it was a 1978 Datsun then yeah. Each trip even with one of those.

I'll have a browse every few months, give things a wipe etc.
This has me stuffed though. I figure the spring clamps are used so in the event of a pressure build up the give point is the hose to radiator rather than the radiator itself.

I'll have a look at flushing and bleeding of these set ups. I'd imagine its as much or more than a pain like most previous models?
I've got a good set up for that. ie. Large fluid reservoir that fits into the top and run car for a few thermo openings and let the air bubble out.

I have found the coolant cap on the engine tighter than a bank manager when its their round. Still haven't got it open. its not too important yet but it will be when I need to do the repair.

Yeah I topped the fluid up. Yes I know the fluid just goes in the coolant reservoir. Used some Nulon Red Long Life 50/50 with de mineralised water. That'll be fine for a while yet. It's not coming out at a massive rate but enough to require a repair.
Could also be the little hose that goes to the coolant overflow. Its got a few marks where its rubbed so might be that. No harm in doing both hoses.

Cheers folks

[Fu Manchu]

Oh the clamp is pretty new. Its already been replaced.

[RiCeY]

The give point is the cap, its fitted with a valve to release pressure.

Fill at the cap when cold to ensure the system is full, not the tank.

Get some multi grips and get the cap off, its probably cactus and needs replacing. They actually fall apart...

[gossie]

Part of the reason the cap won't come off is because it's not been taken off often or even now and then. If you don't service things and keep an eye on things it all becomes harder and harder and more and more expensive. So simple to do easy tasks to save lots of the hard earned.

[Fu Manchu]

The give point is the cap, its fitted with a valve to release pressure.

Fill at the cap when cold to ensure the system is full, not the tank.

Get some multi grips and get the cap off, its probably cactus and needs replacing. They actually fall apart...

Will try that. Of course its one thing to say to your self, "I know I'll use this..hmmm *looks round* ...massive hammer, that'll loosen it" Its nice to know that from time to time things get a bit stuck every now and again and that someone has already had experience and will know what will be the right tool for the job or what the trick is.
I'll also plan that I may need a trip down to Holden for a new cap

I'm no clown when it comes to servicing and caring for my cars. I have years of experience pulling cars apart and putting them back together. (In fact I once stripped a Honda and when I put it back together it was a BMW) When it comes to a model I'm not so familiar with yet, there's no harm in throwing out the questions to pick up on a few tips.
No such thing as a silly question, just silly answers.
Cheers ladies