Damn-it! Coolant pipe split

[mb450]

Was driving back up the M5 yesterday, temp sat just above 70 degrees and I was nice and toasty with the top down and heaters on full when I noticed the engine temp start to climb, it shot from 70 to 80 fortunately I was pulling off to gordano services for some fuel any way. By the time I got into the service station the term had reached 95, the heater stayed warm which I think is some consolation that there was at least some coolant flowing through the system by the time I stopped.

I switched off but left the ignition on to keep the fans running, got out and disappeared into massive cloud of steam - obviously not wanting to get scalded I waited for the steam to clear a bit before I popped the bonnet. I could see the problem the bottom radiator hose must have developed a small hole then split about 1cm.

I lost a significant amount of water (about half by my reckoning) - and obviously ended up being lifted home - I've been down and checked this morning the other pipes all seem fine and I've cut the split from the pipe so at least I could fill the system with water and make sure everything ran and there aren't any other leaks/temp problems.

Can someone point me in the direction of a new lower hose. My usual local source can't help for a week but I want to get back out there!


Finally - thank you to the mystery clio driver who offered help yesterday at Gordano - there was no way I was going anywhere under my own power (steam) but thanks again