How to Look for Wear or Leaks on Hoses and Clamps in a Plymouth Neon
- 1). Find the upper and lower radiator hoses, which go from the radiator to the engine, and from the radiator to your exhaust manifold. The coolant hose runs from your radiator to your intake manifold. The heater hoses run from the radiator to the back of the engine block, as do the hoses attached to the intake manifold.
- 2). Inspect each hose for cracks, frisions or tiny tears. Locating any of these means that hose needs to be replaced immediately. Wipe away grease before checking your hoses and clamps so you can better see the parts.
- 3). Run your hands down the hoses to make sure they feel firm, not soft or pliable. If the hoses are soft to the touch, replace them to prevent failure.
- 4). Squeeze each hose at both ends and pay attention to how it feels. If you can feel ridges when you pinch the ends of the hose, that's an indication the hose is failing from the inside and needs to be replaced.
- 5). Check the ends of each hose to ensure it's fully connected and not slowly slipping free.
- 6). Use a screwdriver to snug up the clamps at the end of each hose. Depending upon the year of your Plymouth Neon, you'll need a Phillips or flathead screwdriver to accomplish this. Make sure the clamp is snug but not too tight. If you tighten the clamps too much, you can create a tear or rip in the surface of the hose.
- 7). Start the car and move it to a location that's dry and clean. Let the Plymouth Neon run for about 5 minutes, then inspect the surface below. If you see liquid, you have a leak.
- 8). Check the hoses and clamps again, if necessary, to see if you can determine where the leak is coming from. Use your hands to run down the hose to feel for the source of moisture and make adjustments as needed.
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