Hey guys, I know this is a dumb question but I have tried to search and havent come up with any info on it. Is there any certain procedure to replacing radiator hoses? Its a 2000 Civic Ex if it matters. I know it should just be take the old ones off and put the new ones on and should only take 30 seconds but just wanted to make sure. I just dont want to burn the **** outa myself or screw up the radiator so any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

one thing i have always done is use a little coolant as lube to help slide the tubes on

 

STEP 1: drain radiator
STEP 2: replace upper and lower hose.
STEP 3: put coolant back in.
DONE!

Make sure u run your car while your filling up your radiator and let the engine warm up so the thermostat opens so you can get out all the air bubbles out!!!

 

Thanks alot for the help guys... anyone else? And is it completely necessary to drain the radiator?

 

no..its only to keep antrifreeze from going everywhere. but i would do it...just put a bucket under your hoses and pull them off. you may or may not be able to re-use the antifreeze.

 

just drain it, your pulling the hoses so thats gunna drain it...

You're pretty much asking if you should take off your shoes before you change your socks right there...

 

Haha, ok thanks guys. I guess I will drain it and replace em and fill it back up with new.

 

(STEP 1: drain radiator
STEP 2: replace upper and lower hose.
STEP 3: put coolant back in.
DONE! )

Check all your hoses &
Why not Add in a new thermostat

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by turbocivic1984 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Why not Add in a new thermostat </TD></TR></TABLE>

exactly what I was going to add.

I would change it now, too.

...kinda like changing oil and water pumps and timing belt when swapping an engine

 

How do I drain the radiator? Is there a cap at the bottom or do I just take the hoses off and let it drain that way?

What does the thermostat do exactly and why should I replace it?

Thanks.

 

theres like a plastic wing nut on the bottom of the radiator, very easily accessible from bottom of car. and do all this when the car is cool not hot. while you are at it, get some new radiator hose clamps. the oem clamps i found to be no good after its been removed

 

Thermostat is important, it lets coolant circulate to the radiator. They do go bad, so you'd rather want to replace it now instead of waiting for it to either get stuck open (so it cools below regular operation temperature) or have stuck shut (where you will overheat).