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Mitsubishi Delica L300 factory workshop and repair manual download

Quick overview
- The cooling system keeps the Delica L300’s engine at a safe temperature by circulating coolant (antifreeze + water) through the engine, radiator and heater core. A “coolant hose” is any flexible rubber/plastic hose that carries that coolant between components. Replacing a coolant hose is a common, straightforward repair a beginner mechanic can do with basic tools and care.

Key components (detailed)
- Radiator: heat exchanger at the front. Hot coolant flows in, air cools it, coolant flows back to engine. Has an inlet (upper) and outlet (lower).
- Radiator cap / pressure cap: seals system and sets max pressure (usually ~1.1–1.3 bar). Raises boiling point of coolant. Has a spring valve and overflow path to the expansion tank.
- Expansion / overflow tank (reservoir): stores excess coolant when hot and draws it back in when cold. Has a level mark.
- Water pump: driven by belt; impeller forces coolant through the system. Think of it as the system’s heart.
- Thermostat: temperature-activated valve (wax element) that blocks flow to the radiator when cold and opens when the engine reaches operating temp. Controls how fast coolant is sent to the radiator.
- Heater core: small radiator inside the cabin. Hot coolant flows through it to produce cabin heat.
- Upper & lower radiator hoses: big hoses that connect engine (thermostat housing) to radiator (upper usually outlet from engine to radiator; lower returns cooled coolant).
- Bypass hose(s): small internal passage hoses that let a small flow circulate when thermostat is closed to prevent hot spots.
- Heater hoses: smaller hoses between engine and heater core/heater control valve.
- Hose nipples/fittings: metal or plastic spigots on components where hoses attach.
- Hose clamps: worm-gear (screw) clamps, spring clamps or crimp clamps (Oetiker). They seal hose to fitting.
- Temperature sensor / switch: measures coolant temp for gauges/ECU and controls fan.
- Fan & shroud: electric or mechanical fan pulls air through radiator when needed.
- Head gasket (not a hose but relevant): seals combustion and coolant passages in the head/block. If overheated, can fail.

Analogy: The cooling system is like your body’s circulatory system — the water pump is the heart, coolant is the blood, radiator is the lungs (dumping heat), hoses are the arteries/veins, thermostat is a thermostat valve that decides when to send blood to the lungs.

Why this repair is needed (theory)
- Hoses are rubber/EPDM and get heat, oil contamination, coolant chemicals and aging. Over time they harden, swell, crack, collapse or separate at clamps. A leaking or burst hose causes coolant loss -> reduced coolant flow or low coolant level -> engine overheating. Overheating can warp the head, blow head gasket, or seize the engine. Replacing hoses before failure prevents sudden breakdowns and expensive engine damage.

How the system works (flow)
1. Cold engine: thermostat closed. Water pump circulates coolant through the engine block and bypass passages so the engine warms quickly.
2. As coolant warms, the thermostat opens at its rated temp (usually ~80–90°C). This allows coolant to flow to the radiator.
3. Pump pushes hot coolant to the radiator upper hose; radiator cools the fluid as air flows across fins; cooled coolant returns to engine via lower hose.
4. Excess pressure/volume goes to expansion tank through radiator cap; coolant returns when system cools.
5. Electric fan or belt fan runs when needed to maintain airflow at low speeds.
6. Heater core taps off coolant so you get cabin heat; heater control valve or blend door controls cabin heating.

What can go wrong (signs and failure modes)
- Soft, spongy hose: rubber has degraded; can blow out under pressure.
- Hard, cracked, brittle hose: external cracks can leak; internal collapse can restrict flow.
- Swelling or blisters: chemical damage or heat; weakening of hose wall.
- Hose separation at clamps: clamp failure or loose clamp; hose slips off fitting -> big leak.
- Pinched or kinked replacement hose: restricts flow -> overheating.
- Corroded or damaged hose nipple: poor seal; most common on plastic fittings.
- Wrong clamp type or overtightening: cuts into hose or deforms fitting.
- Airlock: not bled properly -> overheating, heater not working.
- Failure to replace nearby parts: old thermostat or pump left in poor condition will cause repeat problems.
- Coolant contamination: rust, sludge, or oil indicates deeper issues (bad head gasket or engine oil in coolant).

Tools & materials you’ll need
- New replacement hose(s) correct for Delica L300 (OEM or high-quality aftermarket).
- New clamps (worm-gear or OEM spring/clamp type) — replace, don’t reuse old ones.
- Coolant (correct type per manufacturer) and distilled water for mixing (typically 50/50 unless spec says otherwise).
- Drain pan for old coolant (toxic; collect and dispose).
- Screwdrivers or 6–8 mm socket for worm clamps; pliers for spring clamps; hose removal tool or flat bar.
- Rags, gloves, safety glasses.
- Funnel, hand pump or vacuum fill tool (optional but makes bleeding easier).
- Torque wrench not usually needed for clamps; basic socket set for hoses and any components removed.
- Optional: new thermostat, water pump if they’re old or you want to be thorough.

Step-by-step: replace a coolant hose (typical, beginner-friendly)
Safety first
- Work on cold engine. Hot coolant can scald for life. If engine was hot, allow to cool completely (several hours).
- Wear gloves and eye protection. Dispose coolant safely (poisonous to pets).
- Park on level ground and set parking brake.

1) Locate the hose
- Identify which hose you’re replacing (upper radiator hose connects thermostat housing to radiator neck on top; lower hose is at bottom of radiator; heater hoses to firewall).
- Trace hose routing to ensure you put new one exactly the same way (mark with tape).

2) Drain coolant enough to lower level below the hose end
- Place drain pan under radiator petcock/drain bolt. Open petcock/unscrew to drain; you don’t need to fully drain if just replacing upper hose (just lower level enough). If replacing lower hose, you’ll need a significant drain.
- Alternatively, loosen lower hose at the block and catch coolant.

3) Loosen and remove clamps
- Loosen worm-gear clamps with screwdriver/socket or compress spring clamps with pliers.
- Don’t cut off old clamps unless you’re replacing them. If stuck, cut the clamp off with snips.
- Pry the hose off the fitting with a twisting motion; use a hose removal tool or carefully use a flat screwdriver between hose and fitting — be gentle to avoid damaging fitting.

4) Remove old hose
- If stuck, cut the hose lengthwise and peel off the fitting. Clean any residual rubber from the fitting with a wire brush or rag.
- Inspect the fitting nipple for corrosion, cracks, or damage — especially on plastic radiators or thermostat housings; replace component if nipple damaged.

5) Prepare new hose
- Compare new hose to old one for length, bends and diameter. Transfer any brackets or clips from old hose to new.
- Slide new clamp(s) onto the hose before fitting. Position clamps so they sit on the hose barb (not on the hose bead) and are accessible.

6) Fit new hose and secure clamps
- Push hose fully onto the fitting until it seats on the hose bead. Make sure routing is correct and the hose is not twisted or kinked.
- Position clamp about 5–10 mm behind the hose bead and tighten snugly. For worm clamps: tighten until the hose compresses and doesn’t rotate on the fitting; don’t overtighten — you can cut into the hose. For spring clamps: ensure even compression and that clamp ears are fully engaged.

7) Refill coolant
- Close drain petcock. Use funnel to refill radiator/expansion tank with correct coolant mix. If you have a fill port on expansion tank, use that.
- If you drained a lot, fill both radiator and expansion tank to correct levels.

8) Bleed air from the system
- Common bleed routine:
- Leave radiator cap off (or open bleeder screw if the engine has one).
- Start engine and run at idle with heater on high and fan set to hot to allow coolant circulation through heater core. Watch coolant level; top up as air bleeds out.
- Squeeze upper radiator hose periodically (wear gloves) to help release trapped air pockets.
- When thermostat opens you’ll see the coolant level drop then stabilize; add coolant as needed.
- Once stable and no bubbles, reinstall and tighten cap. Let engine reach operating temp and watch for leaks and stable temp gauge.
- If you have a vacuum fill tool, it removes air better and is faster.

9) Test drive and re-check
- With the vehicle cooled, recheck coolant level in expansion tank after a short drive and again after the next cold start. Inspect for leaks and clamp tightness.

Special tips for Delica L300
- Many Delicas have plastic thermostat housings and plastic radiator tanks — be gentle when removing hoses and clamps.
- If any plastic fitting looks cracked or brittle, replace the fitting or entire part; a new hose on a cracked nipple will soon leak.
- If the hoses are very old or the cooling system hasn’t been serviced, consider replacing both upper and lower radiator hoses and clamps at once. While you’re in there, check the water pump, thermostat, and fans.

Common pitfalls and troubleshooting
- Hose rattles or touches hot/rotating parts: re-route or add a clip/support.
- Persistent overheating after hose replacement: check for airlock, thermostat stuck closed, failed water pump, blocked radiator, or collapsed hose. Also check coolant mixture and coolant level.
- Leaks at clamp: clamp position wrong or clamp too loose; if fitting is damaged, clamp won’t stop leak.
- Heater not producing heat: air trapped in heater core; bleed the system with heater on.
- Reused old clamps: cheap and may fail — always replace clamps if old and corroded.

When to replace more than just a hose
- If hoses are degraded, the thermostat, water pump and radiator cap may also be old and worth replacing to avoid repeat service. If cooling system contamination (sludge, oil) is present, that indicates deeper issues (head gasket, internal leak) and requires diagnosis.

Safety and environmental notes
- Antifreeze is toxic to people and animals. Collect used coolant in a labeled container and dispose it at a recycling center or auto shop.
- Never open radiator cap on a hot engine — risk of scalding.
- Clean spills immediately; coolant is slippery and sweet-smelling, so tragic for pets.

Bottom line
- Hoses are cheap, quick to replace, and a first-line preventive maintenance item. Understand the cooling system like a circulatory system: keep the “blood” (coolant) moving, sealed and at the right pressure/temperature. Replace failed hoses promptly; when in doubt, swap clamps and hoses together, bleed thoroughly, and inspect fittings for damage so the repair lasts.
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