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Hey everyone - 97 EX. My lower radiator hose keeps leaking where is meets the radiator after the car sits for a while (i.e. a day or two). I have replaced the radiator AND hoses TWICE trying to fix this issue. Even tried installing two screw-type clamps side-by-side at the bottom...tightening both when the car is warm and cold (to the point I break them from tightening too much). The hose is in fine shape (no pinholes), and I know for a fact it's coming from the bottom of the hose (at the radiator) vs other spots like the drain plug or other hose connections.

It's a very small leak...a drip here and there...so it's more of a nuisance than a problem. But I'm hoping someone can help me here. It's the only leak this car has and it's driving me insane.

 
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John,
Could the aftermarket hose be the problem? Maybe it's just a hair too big and it fold on itself as it tightens? I'm just brainstorming here, but the next hose i get would be from Honda

 
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The reason why it leaks when its cold is because everything is contracted. Are you sure it cant be leaking from somewhere else and running to the lower hose? Also don't tighten the clamp too tight because that also can be the problem.

 
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Good suggestion about the hose. I've gone through two hoses already, so perhaps I should try a 3rd but from HONDA this time. Civic - just curious - how would tightening them too much cause a leak?

 
Rep Power: 234

The hose kinda folds (or pinches) and creates a small gap.

Check for exhaust gas in the coolant just to be safe. Also check again to see if it isn't running from somewhere else, just to be sure. It doesn't hurt to have someone else look too as a fresh pair of eyes may see something yours don't.

 
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Trying a different brand of hose couldn't hurt.

Also with the screw-type clamps, get them firm but don't let it start squeezing and cutting through the rubber. Stop as soon as the rubber begins to bulge through the slots. It sounds like you already broke through on a few, you might be cracking the rest for a tiny leak. Those hoses are pretty grippy and the worm-screws on the hose clamps can apply more force than you think. I have seen a lot of old Hondas with just those scissor-type hose clamps where you just squeeze them to get them on and off - those things apply a relatively weak force.

 
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I've seen alot of those clamps fail also. The problem is after they've been squeezed and released a bunch of times they start to weaken.