Radiator hose suddenly popped off at the manifold

1998 JAGUAR XJ8
124,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SHEILADSCHULTZ
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  • 1 POST
Was on a short errand to the post office, less then ten miles of driving with an outside ambient temperature no more than seventy degrees. I came to a red light when suddenly my low coolant light comes on and a large amount of steam is coming from the engine compartment. I pulled right into a parking lot stop the engine, look under the hood and notice the radiator hose (which otherwise is in perfect condition) has come away at the manifold. My question is, what causes this to happen and are there any problems I need be aware of that can proceed this sort of incident?

Thank you in advance,
Sheila
Nov 30, 2017 at 6:19 PM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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That is one of the problems with modern hoses, they look perfect right up until they fail. I would suggest replacing all of the hoses and then pressure testing the system to be sure that the rapid loss of coolant did not cause other problems.
Nov 30, 2017 at 6:42 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Honestly, if you have not been having any engine problems, chances are it was not tight enough. It could have worked its way loose. The cooling system builds around 15psi of pressure before the radiator cap will release. So, with that said, you could test the cap and system or try replacing the radiator cap and refilling the system. Make sure the hose clamp on the hose is both clean and dry and then properly tighten it. Also, keep an eye on the temperature gauge to make sure the vehicle is not running hot, which can cause increased pressure.

Here are directions to help test the system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test
Nov 30, 2017 at 6:47 PM
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