Rover owners: Oh the shame. Had to call the AA out for the first time in fifty eight years.

Yes, and this is why. Fatigue fracture Radiator Top Hose. :~

Had that happen three times now in the past three years of ZT 1.8t ownership. Previously able to self sufficient sort it. Not this last time though and my first experience of using the AA was a pleasant one. Good service by the AA Guy who used to work for MG-Rover. Been with AA for eleven years since. We had a good interesting chat on the way home with my ZT on the Dolly.

They appear to let go along the Manufacturing Process Seams in their construction. One let go simply because the hose clip had been tightened more than necessary biting into the rubber in previous ownership. So it was a matter of time before that let go.

Here's two of the fractured worn out hoses :~

And two spare replacements I made up earlier ... today:~

I plan to keep one spare in each of the ZTs I use. That should help keep the well known Law of Zod at bay.

Have to keep in mind all these hoses are now at least twelve years old. Located directly above the very hot Turbocharger, in those years they are subjected to many thousands of Hot-Cold-Hot temperature cycles under high cooling system pressures. Sadly, nothing lasts forever.

On both occasions when that top hose let go, coolant was forced under pressure directly onto that very hot Turbocharger. Cue lots and lots of steam like an old Steam Locomotive in dire need of of its 500,000 mile overhaul...