E46 top radiator hose on 2001 6 cylinder engine 2.5 litre.

[Wills]

The top hose is hard and full when engine is hot.  In the morning when engine is cold, the hose is collapsed and feels empty of coolant.

What could be causing this?  Thanks, Bill

 

 

[Greydog]

Morning Bill

Welcome to the Forum

When was the coolant level checked? The fact that the hose is Collapsed when cold suggests to me that the system may need bleeding 

I take it the car doesn't overheat (temp gauge in the middle) has the Thermostat been serviced/changed?

Dave

[X5smw]

This sounds like there is air in the system as Greydog suggests.

bleeding the system is a straightforward job.

check the bleed screws are tight afterwards to stop leaks re occurring. 
 

[Wills]

Thanks Dave and Stu for your thoughts about my top hose.  I had already decided and agreed with you.  Took car to no1 garage: They thought cylinder head gasket as thought could smell petrol in the water.  No2 garage thought hose collapsing internally.  No3 garage said nonsense.  Anyway this am hose is normal shape; but feels empty.  Gave it a fast run and all is normal🙂