I removed my upper radiator hose and now need help putting on the new one - correctly - and testing it before starting my engine. Radiator fluid also ran all over, so I need to know if/what to hose down to avoid further problems.

Backstory: This week when my car was serviced (diagnostics + new battery) they recommended a new upper radiator hose "soon", which I planned to do this week. Car was running ok, until last night on my 4-mile drive home, when the car started smelling "metallic", had reduced power and was near-clanking when I pulled in. Checked under the hood: no smoking or leaking, just the smell of hot metal. Fluids all clean and full, full tank of gas. This morning no leaks. No smells. Have not started the car; afraid of doing harm. Was I grasping at straws by concluding the smell+sound was due to an old hose?

So what I need most is guidance to be sure I properly restore the new hose -AND- based on the symptoms described, if it's advisable to start/drive my car once I reconnect the hose.

Many thanks. ~A