Radiator hose replacement

During a Flush and Fill, where you cut into a heater hose, you can determine the amount of "rot" or inside failure of the hoses. You'll need to measure the heater hoses...after removing the air filter box, and of it has Corbin Clamps (squeeze clamps), you'll need Corbin hose clamp pliers to slide them back off the hoses. Usually they say to re-use the Corbin Clamps, but after a time, they become weak or even cut through the hoses they're attached to, so I would recommend getting new clamps as well. FYI, if you're draining your cooling system completely to do this, leave the radiator cap on when you open the petcock or radiator drain ****, for this will first empty out your coolant recovery bottle first instead of you having to unbolt it and manually pour everything out of it. After the jug is drained, THEN, open your radiator cap to drain the rest of the system. In re-filling your cooling system use 50 % anti-freeze and 50% distilled water. Distilled water has no minerals in it which is responsible for the corrosion in the radiator, the heater core and the inside of the hoses, I get my distilled water from my home's dehumidifier, or you can get some from the grocery store.

"00 Buck"

if they get soft and gummy or bulge out then replace them

Now would be a good idea.They are about 13 years old.Thats enough.Make sure you buy good quality hoses.(Gates,Goodyear,NAPA )And 2 gallons of Prestone anti freeze.Then make sure all the air is out of the cooling system before you drive the van.

Hi:
A visual inspection of your hoses, as well as getting your hands on them when the engine is cold and not running will tell you something about their health...If they look cracked, or are really soft, or the ends are curling out badly by the clamps, then they are due to be changed, If you are planning on having a cooling system flush and fill soon, The peace of mind of new hoses can be had for probably 30 bucks or so..Don't forget the heater hoses, or any other small cooling lines too.

THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED EVERY 60,000 MILES, THE FACTORY REALLY IS VAGUE ABOUT THIS, BUT THE HOSE MAKERS RECOMMENED THE 60,000 MILE CHANGE, IT IS 30,000 FOR SEVERE CLIMATES LIKE THE DESERT SOUTHWEST.

depends on mileage, i change mine everytime i flush my radiator. but as a general and conservative answer i would say 50-70,000 miles. physically inspecting them can also be a better guide on when to change them instead of relying on milage alone.