Glisella
Full Access Member
Glad that this worked out okay in the end!
This incident is a perfect example of how dire things can get when any portion of the plastic connector fails. If it was something that would show symptoms before failure, it wouldn't be that big of a deal. The problem is that it can let go completely without any prior symptoms.
Some argue that all you need to do is plan to replace them every x number of years, treating them as a preventative maintenance item. While I'm sure that would help, sometimes the connector lets go way ahead of 'schedule.' Sucks to have to endure that excitement on the side of the road.
I was more pissed I had to pay for $40 of antifreeze than having to take the ~30 minutes to clamp on a new hose that cost about $10. I just changed my thermostat a couple months back..all that good fluid gone to waste!