I changed the radiator and now after driving the car, the hose swells up 3x it's size. Both upper and lower hoses are hot, but bottom one is cooler. Maybe air in the system, even tough i let the car run wit no rad cap for 5 minutes.. Some say thermostat or just need a new hose. Will like to hear some oppinions..

It's a 95 Civic with stock ls motor.

 

I just changed my rad, had no problem, BUT my friend said I should get it flushed as well.

I'm guessing that just like putting a thinner oil in the engine, replacing old coolant with new might break off any particles within the loop, which would cause a difference in pressure somewhere along the line as the particles clot up in small spots. My guess is those particles are in the top of your radiator, causing a back pressure that is expanding the hose.

Could be wrong though, just keep in mind that regardless if it already hasn't been done, you need to flush the coolant loop.

If you do take it in to get flushed be sure to tell the mechanic your situation, or, if you are lucky enough to have access to the equipment, the first thing I'd do is take the radiator out and run a line in the reverse flow direction, and watch for particles. Also check the hose. If both are clean it's possible that the buildup could be elsewhere.

It could just be the hose and that would be easy as draining the radiator and taking the hose off and inspecting it. But such a radical change indicates (to me at least) back pressure.

Again, just a guess.

 

change your thermostat and the swollen hose

 

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