CLK 320 radiator hose blow off

[alicampbell]

I have just bought a 2002 CLK 320 and I noticed a slight leak from the bottom radiator hose, after a day or so the warning message appeared 'coolant level low'. After inspection I saw that the large hose coming out from the bottom of the radiator was leaking slightly due to the fact that the clip that holds the hose in place was not seated well in the retaining grove and the hose was actually starting to come out of the flange on the bottom of the radiator manifold.
I pushed the hose in as far as it would go, which was not as far as I would expect, and adjusted the clip to what looked like the correct position. After a short test drive the coolant level warning came on again and when I checked the problem the hose had completely blown off and all the coolant had drained out. As luck would have it this happened outside a petrol station and I was able to push the hose back on and fill the coolant again. This time the hose seemed to locate much better in the flange and I replaced the clip which I must say still doesn't feel very secure. The clip only covers about 75% of the circumferance of the hose and locates in two very shallow goves in the plastic manifold, is this normal or is there something missing?
Since then I have done about 50 trouble free mile but I am not filled with confidence. Does anyone have any similar experience or advice on how to avoid this.
Many thanks...

 

[television]

Welcome to the forum, your hose clip,what type was it, the screw up jubilee type or spring clamp.

One problem when a hose has not been seated correctly is that it can deform the inner part of the hose, so that when you refit it comes lose again as the rubber gets back to normal. it is best to re tighten after a few miles

 

[alicampbell]

Pictures of the offending hose

Hi Television,

Thanks for the welcome. I would say it was the spring clip type, I will take a coupleof pics and post them. Any help gratefully received!

 

[Uncle Benz]

Sounds to me like you have the later type of push fit hoses retained by a wire clip. These are normally pretty reliable, but the rad may have been replaced because of a known fault, and the hose may have not been refitted properly. I would advise you to have the hose out again, and thoroughly inspect and clean both the metal hose end and the hole in the rad it pushes in to. The wire clip has a 'park' position for hose removal, and a fitted position for when the hose is fitted. To fit the hose, you should put the clip in the fitted position and push the hose in firmly until you feel both sides lock in. I use a little vaseline to lube up the end of the hose and its 'O' ring. Give it a bit of a tug to make sure its in there good.

Please forgive my American lilt. I am in Atlanta on vacation at the moment...