Radiator Hose - Upper

Remove and replace the upper radiator hose connecting the engine thermostat housing to the radiator on a 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing originals is not possible) × 2 — Worm-gear style, appropriate diameter

Fluids

• Ethylene glycol 50/50 — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake
3. Place drain pan beneath the radiator and engine area to catch coolant spillage
4. Locate the upper radiator hose, which runs from the top of the radiator on the passenger side to the thermostat housing on the engine

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve cooling system pressure
   Slowly rotate the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first stop to release any residual pressure. Wait for any hissing to stop, then remove the cap completely. Set the cap aside in a clean location.
2. 2

   Position drain pan
   Position the drain pan beneath the upper radiator hose so it can catch coolant draining from both the radiator inlet neck and the thermostat housing connection as the hose is disconnected.
3. 3

   Loosen radiator-end hose clamp
   Locate the worm-gear hose clamp securing the upper radiator hose to the radiator inlet neck. Use a flat-blade screwdriver or hose clamp pliers to loosen the clamp screw, turning counterclockwise. Slide the clamp back along the hose at least 2 inches away from the radiator neck.
4. 4

   Disconnect hose from radiator
   Twist the upper radiator hose back and forth while pulling gently to break the seal between the hose and radiator inlet neck. Pull the hose straight off the radiator neck. Some coolant will drain from the hose; allow it to drain into the pan.
5. 5

   Loosen thermostat housing-end hose clamp
   Locate the worm-gear hose clamp securing the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing on the engine. Use a flat-blade screwdriver or hose clamp pliers to loosen the clamp screw, turning counterclockwise. Slide the clamp back along the hose at least 2 inches away from the thermostat housing.
6. 6

   Disconnect hose from thermostat housing
   Twist the upper radiator hose back and forth while pulling gently to break the seal between the hose and thermostat housing outlet. Pull the hose straight off the housing. Coolant will drain from both the hose and the engine; allow it to drain completely into the pan. Remove the old hose from the engine bay.
7. 7

   Inspect connection points
   Inspect the radiator inlet neck and thermostat housing outlet for cracks, corrosion, or damage. Clean both surfaces with a shop towel to remove old coolant residue and any debris. Ensure both surfaces are smooth and free of old hose material.
8. 8

   Install new hose clamps on new hose
   Slide two new worm-gear hose clamps onto the new upper radiator hose, positioning one clamp approximately 3 inches from each end. Ensure the clamp screws are accessible and facing outward for easy tightening after installation.
9. 9

   Connect new hose to thermostat housing
   Push the lower end of the new upper radiator hose firmly onto the thermostat housing outlet until the hose is fully seated against the housing shoulder. The hose should slide on approximately 1.5-2 inches. Twist the hose slightly to ensure a proper seal.
10. 10

    Tighten thermostat housing clamp
    Slide the hose clamp forward so it is positioned over the thermostat housing outlet, approximately 0.5 inches from the end of the housing. Tighten the clamp screw snugly until the hose is secured against the housing without cutting into the hose material.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect new hose to radiator
    Push the upper end of the new upper radiator hose firmly onto the radiator inlet neck until the hose is fully seated against the neck shoulder. The hose should slide on approximately 1.5-2 inches. Twist the hose slightly to ensure a proper seal and verify the hose routing does not interfere with any engine components or belts.
12. 12

    Tighten radiator-end clamp
    Slide the hose clamp forward so it is positioned over the radiator inlet neck, approximately 0.5 inches from the end of the neck. Tighten the clamp screw snugly until the hose is secured against the radiator neck without cutting into the hose material.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Refill cooling system
    Pour fresh 50/50 ethylene glycol coolant into the radiator fill neck until the level reaches the bottom of the neck. Add coolant until the level reaches the bottom of the fill neck. Install the radiator cap and turn it clockwise until it locks into place.
14. 14

    Bleed air from cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to idle (set the heater control to maximum heat if the vehicle is so equipped). Monitor the temperature gauge and watch for the cooling fans to cycle on. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then shut off the engine and allow it to cool for 15 minutes.
15. 15

    Check coolant level and inspect for leaks
    Once the engine has cooled, carefully remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level. Add coolant if necessary to bring the level back to the bottom of the fill neck. Inspect both hose connections for any signs of coolant leakage. Reinstall the radiator cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Installation is complete when both hose clamps are torqued to specification and the cooling system is properly filled and bled
2. Dispose of old coolant according to local environmental regulations; never pour coolant down drains or onto the ground

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks are present at either hose connection
• Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature and verify the cooling fans cycle on properly
• After the first drive cycle, recheck coolant level when cold and top off if necessary
• Inspect hose clamps after 24 hours of operation to ensure they remain tight

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle