1996 U270 Coolant Hose Replacement Parts & Procedures w/ Questions

August 02, 2013, 09:10:46 pm

I have a coolant hose leaking on the passenger side of the engine, just forward of the engine guard. It consists of a 3" hose that does a 90 degree bend and is then reduced to a 2 1/2" hose. Upon questioning the Foretravel parts department regarding a part number, it becomes immediately apparent that it is not a standard part. The part is a Freightliner part as an "S" pattern hose that I will have to cut apart to make my connection. See Pictures

In order to replace this hose, it will have to come off and when it does, I have NO idea how much coolant will erupt from the opening and pour out into whatever containers I can provide.
1. Has anyone done this project before and if so, can you tell me what to expect as far as total outflow before it stops dripping?

I am not totally sure that the hose is the problem yet due to the leaking coming from the LARGE end which is very close to the metal tank that connects to the hose. I am paranoid that it might be eroded metal causing the leak. If it is, I hope I can repair it with JB WELD. Also, if it has been leaking for a while possibly the coolant might have caused a river under the rubber hose and provided a way for it to leak. Don't know yet.

I am currently able, to JUST get a 5 gallon bucket in place under the hose (1/4 to spare) to drain the coolant.
I have the 8 aluminum riser tubes installed in the front and rear frames so the vehicle is as high as I can safely get it.
I have a cheapie pump that you can drive with a battery drill motor to pump liquids and should have it standing by to pump coolant from the drain pail to the storage pails.
Anyway, I could use info anyone might have who has done this procedure to avoid big problems. I am considering replacing all of the rubber coolant fittings I can find while doing this operation. I doubt that I know where all of them are located.
Comments?
Suggestions?

Regards,

Re: 1996 U270 Coolant Hose Replacement Parts & Procedures w/ Questions

Reply #1 – August 02, 2013, 10:12:06 pm

Jon, We find large low Rubbermaid type containers are great at catching fluids under engine area. Much better than pails. A couple of them may do the trick for you. You could get extra ones and return the unused containers.

Re: 1996 U270 Coolant Hose Replacement Parts & Procedures w/ Questions

Reply #2 – August 03, 2013, 05:27:08 pm

I get 3 five gallon clean buckets with lids and drain my entire radiator from the petcock. Then I pour the 3 buckets back in. If you need to repair the tank, I would recommend Marine Tex. I've plugged a zillion holes with that stuff, including a battery.

Re: 1996 U270 Coolant Hose Replacement Parts & Procedures w/ Questions

Reply #3 – August 04, 2013, 12:11:06 am

You should get around 15-17 gallons of coolant

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