Thread: Ruptured Radiator Hose

Originally Posted by Wildwest

Half an hour later, BANG! Water explodes everywhere.

That ain't good ...

Originally Posted by Wildwest

...... I'm sure the head gasket is alright.

We are hoping

Which engine ???? and was it the Geralton RAC tow car that got you home???

Originally Posted by Wildwest

Righto,
So I'm travelling down south from Geraldton in WA in my 2000 Land Rover Defender last night. It's literally 2-3 degrees outside, the engine starts to heat up so I pull over with the engine running and check the water - it's low so I fill her up and bleed the air. I'm surprised that it takes so much water considering that I had only just had it serviced (yes, I know I should check it before every trip). Leave it running for a while and then take off. Half an hour later, BANG! Water explodes everywhere. I pull over and notice the radiator hose (in between the bleeder and the radiator) has ruptured - big rupture as well - 3-4 inches. I consider taping the hose together for a temp fix but it's so hot that I would probably have to wait an hour before getting close. Besides which, I only have electrical tape.
So I'm no in the middle of nowhere, no phone reception (even with Telstra NextG) so I drive up the road a little (low revs - pretty slow) - keeping an eye on the temp gauge. It starts to come up just as I get into mobile reception range. I pull over and get towed back home.
I'm sending it off to the mechanics now - any ideas about what it could be? Is it a characteristic problem or one that was caused by me not checking my water?
I'm sure the head gasket is alright. A little bit of burnt oil smell, no smoke.
Any ideas?

When was the last time the hose was changed? Even with checking hoses, a problem can be missed. When hoses get old they can split and yes this is normal for an old hose. If the hose has recently been changed, Then it is probably a faulty hose or there is a much more serious problem. Too much pressure will always find the weakest point to escape. Hope your motor is all a ok and no further problems. Bob