Coolant tank and a mystery tube

Tiny
ANJELH
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET TRACKER
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 112,000 MILES
After doing some research online and reviewing the repair manual for this car, my boyfriend determined that I need to replace the radiator cap and the coolant reservoir cap and hoses. There had been some issues with the coolant boiling in the reservoir. He disconnected the off the old reservoir cap/tubes, and I purchased new ones.
So, I have put in the new reservoir cap. One tube goes to the radiator, but is the other supposed to be left unattached to anything?

Also, I'm unsure if this is related, but there is a very thin tube that runs from the engine and splits in two directions. One is long and goes down somewhere I ant quite see, the other is short but I don't know where it goes. I have attached a picture of these tubes if that helps.

Thank you!
Friday, May 1st, 2015 AT 2:05 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
It seems like you're referring to the overflow or coolant reservoir tank. It's a part of the cooling system which catches any coolant that overflows from the radiator. The coolant reservoir typically has two hoses:

One hose connects the reservoir to the radiator cap/cooling system. This hose allows coolant to be fed into or out of the system. This tube should definitely be connected.

The second hose is typically an overflow tube that allows excess coolant to escape from the reservoir in case it gets too full. This hose usually runs down the side of the reservoir and does not need to be connected to anything on the other end. Its purpose is simply to direct overflow coolant away from important parts of the vehicle to prevent damage. This one might be left unattached at the end, typically running towards the bottom of the car.

Regarding the very thin tube, without a clear picture or more specific description, it's a bit difficult to diagnose exactly what its purpose is. However, in general, if it's a thin rubber hose that splits in two directions, it could be part of the vehicle's vacuum system. These hoses are used to create vacuum pressure for various systems in the vehicle, including the heating/air conditioning system, power steering, and more.

If these hoses are cracked, damaged, or disconnected, it could affect the performance of your vehicle. If you're unsure, it would be best to have a professional mechanic take a look at the hoses to ensure they're correctly connected and in good condition. Misconnected or damaged vacuum lines can cause a variety of engine problems and performance issues.
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 AT 7:07 AM
Tiny
ANJELH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I saw a lot of information suggesting it may be the head gasket, so that's going to be the next thing I check. The radiator cap seal *was* damaged when I took it off - the rubber ring had a big crack inside it. I want to take it to have it checked out, but I'm nervous to run it with the tube from the engine disconnected, I don't know what it's called and I can't seem to find any information online with the limited knowledge I have.

Attached is a picture of the tube I'm referring to. I had tried to include it with my question, but I guess it didn't upload from my phone.

Thank you!
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 AT 1:50 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
That is just a vacuum tube cant see what it controls but plug it so the car won't run to bad, it won't cause an overheat.
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Monday, May 4th, 2015 AT 7:51 AM

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