Pontiac Repair: 98 trans sport Montana upper radiator hose, intake manifold gasket, upper radiator hose

Question
The upper radiator hose collapses stopping coolant flow which causes the engine to over heat. My mechanic replaced the water pump and t-stat thinking this was the problem. It worked fine for a day then started it again today. I checked the coolant level and added about a quart. What could cause the rad hose to collapse like that.

Answer
Hi Ray:

well My guess is the engine is burning coolant or it's leaking onto the ground. The radiator cap is probably bad as well and a vacuum is building in the cooling system causing the hose to collapse. The cap has a 2 way valve in it if the pressure is to high it blows the pressure into the surge tank and the engine cools off the vacuum in the cooling system from the fluid contracting the cap should allow the coolant back in from the surge tank. If it's low on coolant and you don't see it leaking on the gound it's going into the engine. either a lower intake manifold gasket is bad or even worse a head gasket that is leaking. Good luck :)