Radiator hoses are usually labeled “upper radiator hose” or “lower radiator hose” and their location may vary depending on the specific make and model of the vehicle. “Which radiator hoses is the inlet?” Distinguishing between radiator hoses and determining which one is used as the inlet is critical to proper coolant flow.
How Radiator Hoses Work:
The upper hose typically connects the top of the radiator to the engine, while the lower hose connects the bottom of the radiator to the engine. The radiator inlet hose is the hose that carries coolant from an external source to the engine.
Upper Radiator Hose (Inlet Hose): The upper radiator hose connects to the top of the radiator and leads to the thermostat housing or water pump. Coolant flows from the radiator to the engine through the upper radiator hose. This hose delivers hot coolant from the engine to the radiator for cooling.
Lower Radiator Hose (Exit Hose): The lower radiator hose connects to the bottom of the radiator and leads to the water pump and sometimes to the engine’s coolant passages. Coolant is cooled by the radiator and returned to the engine through the lower radiator hose. This hose brings cooled coolant back to the engine to absorb heat and continue the cooling cycle.
Identify inlet radiator hoses:
Make sure the engine is cool before attempting to identify the inlet radiator hose to prevent the risk of scalding.
a) Radiator Location: the upper radiator hose is usually located at the top of the radiator and the lower radiator hose is usually located at the bottom of the radiator.
b) Observe hose connections: Check the radiator hoses that connect to the radiator. Hoses entering the radiator from an external source (such as the radiator cap or coolant reservoir) are likely to be inlet radiator hoses.
c) Trace the hose path: Follow the path of the hose connected to an external source and observe where it connects to the engine. This connection point indicates the inlet radiator hose.
Conclusion:
Knowing which radiator hoses are the inlet is critical to maintaining an efficient cooling system. Intake radiator hoses play a critical role in facilitating the flow of coolant to the engine from an external source, ensuring proper cooling and engine temperature regulation.