Checking the condition of the hoses and identifying sources of leaks (Skoda Felicia)

1. Jack up the front of the car and place it on supports. Inspect the mating surfaces of the power unit from the outside, paying attention to traces of oil and coolant leaks. Particular attention should be paid to the joints of the gasket surfaces of the camshaft cover, cylinder head, oil filter and oil pan. There is no reason to worry about the presence of light leaks, the appearance of which over time is quite natural. Only traces of really serious leaks should be alarming, if they are detected, it is necessary to replace the corresponding gasket/seal (see below in the relevant Chapter).

2. At the same time, check the condition and reliability of fastening on their fittings of all hoses and metal tubes related to the operation of the engine. Check the reliability of fastening the lines with cable bandages, clamps and intermediate clamps. To avoid chafing of the lines, replace broken clamps with new ones.

3. Carefully inspect the radiator hoses and the interior heating system hoses along their entire length. If cracks, swelling or signs of aging of the material are detected, replace the defective hose.

Note: Cracks are easier to detect by bending the hose. Carefully check the condition of the hose clamps on the connecting pipes of the cooling system components. Do not forget that hoses often fray and wear out precisely at the places where the clamps are installed. It is best to replace failed spring-type clamps with screw or worm-type ones.

4. Carefully inspect all components of the cooling system for signs of leaks (hoses, mating surfaces, etc.).

Note: Remember that coolant leaks usually appear as a white or reddish powdery deposit. If necessary, replace the defective component or damaged gasket (see Chapter Cooling and heating systems).

5. Raise the car above the ground and check the condition of the fuel filler neck. The area where the neck meets the tank body is especially critical. Look for cracks, punctures, signs of rubber aging and other defects. Sometimes leaks begin to develop as a result of loosening of the fastening clamps.

6. Carefully inspect all rubber and metal fuel lines connecting the gas tank to the engine. Look for dents, flattening, twisting, and other similar defects. Make sure that the ventilation hoses and tubes are not twisted around the filler neck of the tank. Make the necessary corrections, replace defective lines. Do not forget to check the condition of the brake and fuel lines running under the bottom of the car.

7. In the engine compartment, check the reliability of the union connections of the fuel, vacuum and brake lines. Assess the condition of all hoses.

8. Don't forget to check the condition of the power steering (PAS) lines.

9. Finally, lower the vehicle to the ground.