Good morning. Anyone had any problems with upper radiator hose being damaged by the upper idler pulley on front of the engine? I've had this truck since new with no problems. As soon as I started towing a heavy trailer that pulley, previously with adequate clearance, gouged the hose. Dealer says they never heard of this, but seems apparent to me that the engine is torquing in the mounts under heavy load and taking out the hose. Fixes anyone?? Thanks - Mike

 

I had that issue a long time ago. I just put a metal band around the hose. Not too tight so theres room when the hose pressurizes. Dealer wouldn't know, they don't investigate why anything happens.

 

Thanks for the hint. I'd thought of that but didn't know if it was a good solution. Did you build the metal band or did you find something you could use? Spoke to the service writer again today about the hose issue when retrieving the truck after an unrelated repair, and he once again said that nobody there had ever heard of the pulley vs hose issue. Had the technician check all motor mounts and found all to be secure.

 

I had some 30ga sheet metal, cut a strip about 4" wide, formed it around the hose and nylon zip tied it in place. Just tight enough so the hose can expand and the wrap stays in place. It's been there for about 4 yrs now. It was a real high tech operation. I bet I get honorable mention in the Chrysler hall of fame for this one.

 

Seems like a nice, simple fix. I'd be worried about the expected life of the serpentine belt and pulley, due to added friction on the outside of the belt. I would put a load on the driveline, have the hood open, and observe the range of engine block movement when under power. Shouldn't torque over much if the motor mounts, trans mount, rubber blocks and bolts are in working condition.

 

I checked for all the items you metioned. The only thing my detective mind could come up with, is somebody or me for that matter, might have leaned on the hose while under the hood while it was running. With the metal band on it I'll know when I screw up next time.

 

Poifect! Thanks again.

 

Funny that you mentioned this as I just went through the exact same thing about 2 months ago. What happened with mine was the fact that it was the original hose and it softened up over the years and expanded. Once the "softened" hose swelled, it allowed it to come into contact with the pulley which then then sliced it open. Compared the new hose to the old one and it was a substantial difference in O.D.

I also added a hose clamp to help prevent the new hose from doing what the old one had done.

 

Thanks everybody for your comments. What a great resource! Anyway, the expanding hose theory is probably pretty valid. I'd thought of that but didn't think it could happen, but the truck is ten years old, so seems to make sense. Mike