For some reason, I noticed my upper radiator hose was mushy, not tight/hard when I got home this evening. I have noticed in the past that it is quite tight after driving. It was changed back about a month ago. This is the first time I noticed this symptom. Can anyone tell me if this is normal? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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D Smith
ALABAMA
1970 Chevelle 350

A fully warmed up engine should have pressure in the cooling system that would make the hose firm. Maybe you have a thermostat that is letting the temperature go too low or you have a cap that is not holding pressure.

I vote with JW on this. I'm guilty as anyone of overlooking the cap.

typically the thermostat CYCLES open and closed...if you observe the hose when the thermo happens to be closed it will not appear to be under pressure..
further if you race the engine with the thermo closed you may notice the upper hose collapsing somewhat from the pump suction via the lower hose thru the rad to the upper hose

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Rich
Cocoa Beach, Fla
Team Chevelle #380
46 but feeling like 20 when i'm in my 70 SS 454
wa3men@aol.com
www.chevelles.com/showroom/70_SS_454.jpg (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/70_SS_454.jpg)

Either way, I'd check or replace the cap. It's cheap enough. The thermostat doesn't isolate the block from the radiator, it just obstructs flow when closed. The path from the block cooling jackets, through the water pump, and into the radiator through the lower hose is still unobstructed and if the system builds any pressure, it will still build up in the radiator and would be felt at the top hose. Pressure expands equally in all directions. Since liquid is incompressable, there will be pressure. Actually, this may be more of non problem and I wouldn't be too concerned, as long as the car's not running too hot or too cold