pooched upper radiator hose

[dirtyfingernails]

After an extended drive, I notice that my upper radiator hose is a little pooched (expanded beyond its normal diameter (by about 1/2 inch). The gauge reads around 165 (never higher than that. Oil looks fine. Just seems like a lot of pressure in the system. New radiator, new hoses. Is this normal?

 

[jwaller]

could it be a weak hose? if the inner liner of the hose breaks and the pressure makes it to the outer jacket this can happen.

 

[williamh]

just like on your regular car/truck, hoses need to be replace , belts etc ... you should also check/replace the radiator cap after you replace ALL of the hoses ..... 1 bad ... all going bad .

my 2c.

will

 

[Blood_of_Tyrants]

Weak hose. Replace at your convenience as it probably isn't going to blow tomorrow, but you can never tell. Also your truck isn't running hot enough to get best efficiency. Install a higher temp thermostat or block part of the radiator with some cardboard.

 

[cranetruck]

If the radiator hoses feel mushy, replace them.

The thermostat probably never opens in your case, it's designed to begin to open at 180°F.
You will feel warmth from the radiator because there is always contact with the engine, lower portion is open (blue rectangle in image) , there is just no circulation except for convection (hot water will rise) until the T-stat begins to open.
I use a radiator cover at all times, Summer and Winter, the only occasions that needed more air flow was when hauling heavy loads in the mountains.

If you have a hot water personnel heater, make sure its circulation is shut off or you'll loose heat there.

As far as the pressure in the system, the radiator cap should be rated at 7 psi.

 

[dirtyfingernails]

Should I put a lower temp thermostat in? If so, anyone have a part number? The temp, even here in Florida at 95 degree ambient temperature never got above 165. I have a new radiator in it and the hose in question is "new" from Memphis. I'm worried that the engine rad fluid NEVER circulates through the radiator. The top of the radiator gets pretty hot. Perhaps the gauge is off also.

 

[cranetruck]

Should I put a lower temp thermostat in? If so, anyone have a part number? The temp, even here in Florida at 95 degree ambient temperature never got above 165. I have a new radiator in it and the hose in question is "new" from Memphis. I'm worried that the engine rad fluid NEVER circulates through the radiator. The top of the radiator gets pretty hot. Perhaps the gauge is off also.

165 to 180 is normal for the multifuel engine. IMHO, there is nothing wrong with your cooling system, just put a piece of plywood in front of the radiator to up the temp a little.
Like I tried to explain above, the radiator will get warm as shown.