What is the Surge Tank Hose all about?

The cooling system is sealed when the radiator cap is tightened in place. Coolant expands when it is heated and contracts when it is cooled. When a closed system contains fluid that experiences expansion, the excess fluid needs to go somewhere. In a cooling system, the coolant is pushed into a reservoir known as a surge tank. The surge tank hose connects the tank to the radiator where the fluid comes from. When the engine is hot, the pressure builds in the radiator and some fluid pushes past the radiator cap seal to the overflow or surge tank hose. When the engine cools down, the fluid is drawn back into the system by vacuum that is created from its contraction. If the surge tank hose is cracked, broken or deteriorated, it should be replaced.

Keep in mind:

• If the surge tank hose is not attached, your engine could draw air in and overheat due to an airlock.
• The surge tank hose is rubber and will swell or deteriorate if exposed to oil.

How it's done:

• The coolant is drained
• The defective surge tank hose is removed
• The new surge tank hose is installed
• The coolant is filled and purged of air and checked for leaks
• The vehicle is started and checked for cooling system operation

Our recommendation:

The surge tank hose is rubber and may need to be changed due to cracking or deterioration. If your surge tank hose begins to leak coolant, have one of our expert mechanics replace the hose.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Surge Tank Hose?

• Hose is cracked and leaking.
• Surge tank hose is no longer connected to the surge tank.
• Engine overheats due to an airlock.
• Hose swollen due to oil contamination.

How important is this service?

The cooling system operates as a whole. If one part doesn’t function as it should, the whole system is compromised. A leaking surge tank hose can draw air into the engine, causing an overheating condition which is damaging to engine components. Have a leaking surge tank hose replaced as soon as it is noted.