Pinhole in radiator hose

[Buckeye Bleau]

I pulled the wheels and some body panels just to clean and check wiring and such.

I found a pinhole leak on a vertical radiator hose just left of the radiator on me 2013 RTL. I almost missed it because t now I am wondering about options.

I am not sure I want to attend on the task of changing it out myself, anyone done this before?

is there a way to repair it or do I just do it right and get the hose replaced?

Thanks in advance,

Joe

 

[Chupaca]

Let's see....

The best and recommended would be replace it. There are repairs but usually for getting you to where you can get a new one. Changing it is not that hard but the clamps may be a hassle unless you go worm drive. Your choice the new repairs are pretty good....:dontknow:

 

[Bob Denman]

Do it right... replace it! :thumbup:
If you don't feel comfortable with the process (and I wouldn't!): have your dealer do it!

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

RE-PLACEMENT HOSE

Luckily I haven't had any leaks :yes:.... but I have given the possibility some thought. I know they make small size " rippled easily bendable stainless steel " radiator hose for cars. But I don't know what size our hoses are ( ID ). The added advantage would be these hoses would give additional cooling to the system. Don't confuse these with the " Braided type " which are just rubber with a cover ........ If any one knows the hose size I'll get more info...... IMHO, Mike :thumbup: .............PS, the five OEM hoses start @ $ 13.00 & go to $ 22.00, so SS may not be worth it.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

RADIATOR HOSE

OK I went searching and found this at SummitRacing.com #SUM-390012 , they have many lengths and colors with ID's @ 1.25 - 1.50 & 1 5/8ths. They are very flexible and can be bent into a tight radius........ so who knows the ID of the OEM hoses ?????? ..... Mike :thumbup:

 

[cptjam]

Oem

Order a new one, and buy worm clamps. The factory one time clamps are great, , but take a special tool to install. Drain coolant, cut old clamps, remove hose. Now for the secret: lanolin! Goop has it, many hand cleaners do. Lube the rubber hose on the inside with lanolin. Slips right on! Attach clamps, add coolant. If you need help, call. Number below. Joe

 

[Bob Denman]

Order a new one, and buy worm clamps. The factory one time clamps are great, , but take a special tool to install. Drain coolant, cut old clamps, remove hose. Now for the secret: lanolin! Goop has it, many hand cleaners do. Lube the rubber hose on the inside with lanolin. Slips right on! Attach clamps, add coolant. If you need help, call. Number below. Joe

:agree: Oetiker clamps do a fantastic job; but they're not the easiest to work with... nojoke

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

+1 for OEM

If you want to do it yourself, an OEM hose will be preformed and the correct length. Depending on which hose it is, it will only cost between 15 and 25 bucks.

By the way, there's a newer dealer in the Canton area just in case you weren't aware. Closer to you than Johnny K's. I'm sure they could handle a radiator hose if you'd rather have them do it. They had a couple of good mentions on here.

http://www.parkcycle.com/

PS- And we're certain that it's a leak through the wall of the hose, and not running down the hose from a leaky clamp from above?

 

[Buckeye Bleau]

RT shop manuals?

Based on the suggestions, I guess that I will try this.
if I am going to do more of this, maybe I should buy shop manuals.

anyone know of a good Spyder RT shop manual source?

 

[Bob Denman]

Get your manual from off of EBay...
They're very reasonably priced, and (in my opinion), everyone should have one!
The best of luck to you! :thumbup: