Underhood hose check and replacement

(every 6000 miles or 6 months)

General

Caution: Replacement of air conditioning hoses must be left to a dealer service depart­ment or air conditioning shop that has the equipment to depressurize the system safely and recover the refrigerant. Never remove air conditioning components or hoses until the system has been depressurized.

1. High temperatures in the engine compartment can cause the deterioration of the rubber and plastic hoses used for engine, accessory and emission systems opera­tion. Periodic inspection should be made for cracks, loose clamps, material harden­ing and leaks.

2. Some, but not all, hoses are secured to their fittings with clamps. Where clamps are used, check to be sure they haven’t lost their tension, allowing the hose to leak. If damps aren’t used, make sure the hose has not expanded and/or hardened where it slips over the fitting, allowing it to leak.

Vacuum hoses

3. It’s quite common for vacuum hoses, especially those in the emissions system, to be color-coded or identified by colored stripes molded into them. Various systems require hoses with different wall thickness, collapse resistance and temperature resistance. When replacing hoses, be sure the new ones are made of the same material.

4. Often the only effective way to check a hose is to remove it completely from the vehicle. If more than one hose is removed, label the hoses and fittings to ensure correct installation.

5. When checking vacuum hoses, include any plastic T-fittings in the check. Inspect the fittings for cracks and the hose where it fits over the fitting for distortion, which could cause leakage.

6. A small piece of vacuum hose (1/4-inch inside diameter) can be used as a stethoscope to detect vacuum leaks. Hold one end of the hose to your ear and probe around vacuum hoses and fittings, listening for the hissing sound characteristic of a vacuum leak. Warn­ ing: When probing with the vacuum hose stethoscope, be very careful not to come into contact with moving engine components such as the drivebelt, cooling fan, etc.

Fuel hose

Warning: There are certain precautions that must be taken when inspecting or servic­ing fuel system components. Work in a well-ventilated area and do not allow open flames (cigarettes, appliances, etc.) or bare light bulbs near the work area. Mop up any spills immediately and do not store fuel soaked rags where they could ignite. The fuel system is under high pressure, so if any fuel lines are to be disconnected, the pressure in the sys­tem must be relieved first (see Fuel and exhaust systems – gasoline engines Fuel and exhaust systems – diesel engine for more information).

7. Check all rubber fuel lines for deterioration and chafing. Check especially for cracks in areas where the hose bends and just before fittings, such as where a hose attaches to the fuel filter.

8. High quality fuel line, made specifically for high-pressure fuel injection systems, must be used for fuel line replacement. Never, under any circumstances, use un-reinforced vacuum line, clear plastic tubing or water hose for fuel lines.

9. Spring-type clamps are commonly used on fuel lines. These clamps often lose their tension over a period of time, and can be sprung during removal. Replace all spring-type clamps with screw clamps whenever a hose is replaced.

Metal lines

10. Sections of metal line are routed along the frame, between the fuel tank and the engine. Check carefully to be sure the line has not been bent or crimped and that cracks have not started in the line.

11. If a section of metal fuel line must be replaced, only seamless steel tubing should be used, since copper and aluminum tubing don’t have the strength necessary to with­stand normal engine vibration.

12. Check the metal brake lines where they enter the master cylinder and brake propor­tioning unit for cracks in the lines or loose fit­tings. Any sign of brake fluid leakage calls for an immediate and thorough inspection of the brake system.