My 88 Mitsu 2.6 mighty max has been running a bit warm lately, so I wanted to go through the cooling system and give everything a checkup. Radiator is pretty dirty, so I pulled it and will get it cleaned out tomorrow. Since I have it apart....can anyone confirm or deny, is there supposed to be a spring in the lower radiator hose?

Also I have one more annoyance, I have no good means to tighten the alternator belt. Granted, there is a 'bracket' on top of the alternator, one end bolts to the A/C compressor bracket and the other end has a hole with a 90 degree bend, this is the end on the drivers side. It sure looks like it should have an adjuster bolt present, but right now all I have is a regular bolt going through the bracket and into the alterntor. Car was given to me this way, the problem is I have to pry on the alternator to try and get the alt/water pump belt tight, which I don't like doing. Anyone have a picture of this part of the engine with the adjuster for the belt visible? I'll probably have to get this stuff from the stealer...if I have a pic it may make things go a little easier.

Thanks,

Chris

Yes, the lower hose should have an internal coil to keep it from collapsing.

And yes, there is an adjuster bolt. Below is a blow-up of the area: