Blown Upper Radiator Hose

[OUChuck]

Hi I am new to the forums so hello all Here is the skinny on the vehicle: 2000 durango 5.9L V-8 Magnum with 102,621 miles. My wife was driving the vehicle Sat 6/28/09 and said out of the blue the check gauges light came on and the temp guage was just before the red 260 mark. She turned onto our street, and the temp guage settle back to normal range, and the check guage light went off. I was out of town and would not be back until today so I suggested for her to keep her driving to a mininum until I could get back and look at it today 6/30/09. Well that went over like a lead balloon because she called me yesterday to let me know that she had been out (not min driving) and when she pulled into a fast food resturant near the house she heard a small pop then a louder pop under the hood with lots of steam, and water coming out. She got it shut off, let it cool down, then made it back to the house about 2 blocks away. We have had the vehicle since 2001, w 12K miles. The only work it has had up till now was the heater core had to be replaced at 75K. Everything else has been routine maint. When I looked at it today the upper rad hose had been blown in half where it meets at the cap radiator side. This was probably the 2 pops she heard. Well originally I was thinking thermostat. Now there maybe 1 or several things so I figure I will start with the upper hose and thermostat. also thinking possible water pump. Has anyone had similar problems that could point me into a direction that might save time and coin. thanks for the help

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[IndyDurango]

The low fluid that caused the first warning could have been a leak at the stat, etc.
Fluid, stat and gasket = $35 (self repair)

The failed upper hose is common. You can't expect it to last more than about 3-4 years.
Upper hose = $50 (self repair)

Since she drove it (sounds like a lot) after is was well hot and fracked up... chances are good you are looking at a screwed water pump, cracked heads, even a busted block. You know that she drove it with no upper hose for at least 2 blocks at a minimum. If I were buying your D and knowing that... I wouldn't buy it. The risks for all kinds of failures now is immense. Who knows what future failures lurk now. Wasn't a very good idea on her part to drive it after she knew there were problems and she was told not to.
Heads replaced = $2000 (dealer repair)
Water pump = $800 (dealer repair)
Block (new engine) = $3500 (aftermarket repair)

Ouch.

IndyDurango

[OUChuck]

Yep, thanks for the info. Whats done is done now to see how much damage is done.

[hydrashocker]

First repair the hose and relace the T-stat. Check it berfor install.

Second, do a compression test if you are having problems.

Third, she was 2 blocks and she coulda walk home? Might have saved a motor.

Regardless, you'll be lucky if you didn't blow a head gasket or worse.