Thread: What's the go with the L322 Radiator Hoses?

The hoses are obviously supposed to be replaces as a complete item – business model.

Assuming the V8 is the same as the TD6 - all of the clip on fittings I’ve had apart (like the other end of the bottom hose where it connects to the thermostat) have an O ring in there. If you’re lucky you may find sizes on FullFat but IMO, you would be better taking it apart and taking it to the shop. Another thing to consider is how old is the hose? If it was me I would be shopping for replacement hoses on a 12 year old car as a preventative exercise.

Hi Harlie,

Ordered a new hose from the USA about an hour ago.
As you say, clip on fittings with permanent clams to hold the hose to the plastic.
The leak is from between the coupling or plastic fitting and the Aluminium spigot at the bottom of the radiator.
I figured there had to be an O ring seal in there somewhere or some other form of sealing ring.
I'll drain the system tomorrow, hopefully into a bucket and take the hose right off for a good look as I probably have an O Ring in my collection from when we had a Garage/ service centre. Fingers crossed.
I read on one of the UK sites that all accumulated muck and debris tends to collect at that particular point and I am sure that this vehicle has never seen a proper service in it's life.
Thanks heaps for the info, it has me now headed in the right direction.

Best wishes,
Shirley.

You should be able to find an off the shelf o ring to get you out of trouble but as mentioned, new hoses are the go. The o ring sits in a recess in the hose end - they come out quite easily with a seal pick or small screw driver. Be careful not to damage the seat where it site or you may create a new leak - the V8's run quite a high pressure in their coolant system.

To remove the hose, just pull the steel clip off, then the hose will wiggle off. They can be quite tight on the o rings, so it might take a bit of persuading. To reinstall, fit the clip back to the hose end and slide it on until you here it clip into position. A smear of rubber grease on the o ring will aid installation.

Hi bacicat,

Great info, and it all helps especially since the last vehicle was a P38.
These things are a whole new world. I spent about 10 minutes looking for the throttle cable when I first bought it before I figured it had an electronic one..
Beautiful to drive but it's a planet that I have never ventured upon and most stuff is written in German.
Once I get this bit sorted, I have to try to work out why the FM radio doesn't work and that is getting into scary stuff.

Many thanks,
Shirley.

Yes, they are a quantum leap from most other vehicles, but sooo worth it.

They are actually easier to work on than most think, you just need to adjust your thinking on how things should be done sometimes.

Struth, you have that problem too??

A big THANK YOU to both guys for the help in understanding what to do and remedy the problem of coolant leakage.
FULL MARKS fellas, Job done, new "O" rings greased (Rubber Grease) and fitted, the hose is in good shape with no sign of distortion and perishing and no more leaks at full temperature and pressure.
New spare hoses are on their way for a full replacement job later in the year.

Bestest wishes and heaps of thanks,
Shirley..
PS: Not too much blood loss from the sharp plastic bits.