Radiator Hose problems of the 1996 Chevrolet Corsica

One problem related to radiator hose has been reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Corsica. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Radiator Hose problem

Failure Date: 07/01/1998

The coolant (glycol+water) started spraying from a hole in the rubber hose (~1/4" dia) which returns the coolant to the top of the coolant tank. The glycol then partly dissolved the outside of the hose. I had been smelling glycol for many months. Then a low coolant light came up. I had the hose replaced at a mobil service station 2 times, third time at a firestone station. Again, yesterday I found almost all the coolant gone, and hose damaged again. I replenished the coolant, and will take the car to the dealer soon. I think that I know the cause: defective hood and hose location: the space is too tight. Some metal part of the hood compresses the hose, and the hot glycol softens the hose. Then a hole developes. It presents 3 hazards: 1) a fire/explosion can occur because fine spray of glycol can burn. Also, the leaking glycol has saturated the insulation under the hood, and can burn, 2) exposure to car occupants of a carcinogen, glycol, 3) the engine can get too hot, and can be damaged. I do not know the exact solution, but think that the hose/trunk space has to be adjusted, and a more compatible hose material has to be used.




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