Sanity Check - Upper or Lower?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 14
From: South Florida
Sanity Check - Upper or Lower?
So I found the pesky coolant leak - it appears that the heater hose that connects to the side of the water pump, rather than the other one that connects to the top of the motor, has a slight pinhole leak.
Here is the question. Assuming the hose that connects to the side of the water pump is the issue when I go to the parts store what am I asking for exactly? Lower heater hose or what?
Also, how involved is it to replace this hose. It seems disconnecting it from the water pump is easy - but then where it goes from there I don't know. Thoughts anyone?
Thanks!
Here is the question. Assuming the hose that connects to the side of the water pump is the issue when I go to the parts store what am I asking for exactly? Lower heater hose or what?
Also, how involved is it to replace this hose. It seems disconnecting it from the water pump is easy - but then where it goes from there I don't know. Thoughts anyone?
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
It goes to the heater core, I don't know if a parts store would have that in stock, provided you have another vehicle you may want to disconnect it from the pump crawl under the car and disconnect it from the heater core, if you don't have a good assembly manual to tell you were to look and you cant find it on your own maybe one of the other forum members can help. I changed my 30 yr old hoses a couple years ago and dont remember specifically where the heater core is but its around the passenger side towards the back of the front wheel if that makes any sense up in its own little area, your going to need a flash light or something to see it. good luck
-alex
-alex
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
It goes down on the passenger side to the valve controlled by the HVAC in the cabin. It is reachable from over the passenger fender but it's hard to get tools and light down there.
I would suggest, taking the hose out before going to the store. Take it with you, so they have a reference for length and size. They sell it by the foot, so it's pointless for you to have to guess at the length.
Also, by taking it out first, you'll be able to see if you need new hose clamps, always a good idea, and maybe a new valve if that one seems corroded.
Lots of fluid will come out when you disconnect it, so have pans ready under the car to catch the flow. You can drain it first using the drain plugs on either side of the block but that's your call.
I would suggest, taking the hose out before going to the store. Take it with you, so they have a reference for length and size. They sell it by the foot, so it's pointless for you to have to guess at the length.
Also, by taking it out first, you'll be able to see if you need new hose clamps, always a good idea, and maybe a new valve if that one seems corroded.
Lots of fluid will come out when you disconnect it, so have pans ready under the car to catch the flow. You can drain it first using the drain plugs on either side of the block but that's your call.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Be really careful removing them from the heater core. Good idea to slit the side of the hose at the nipple and carefully peel the hose off the nipple from the slit. The heater core is fragile and pulling on the hose can have really bad repercussions. Been there, done that, took 2 days to replace the heater core! I would rather remove and replace the motor, labor wise, than to replace the heater core.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 14
From: South Florida
Be really careful removing them from the heater core. Good idea to slit the side of the hose at the nipple and carefully peel the hose off the nipple from the slit. The heater core is fragile and pulling on the hose can have really bad repercussions. Been there, done that, took 2 days to replace the heater core! I would rather remove and replace the motor, labor wise, than to replace the heater core.
Thanks so much!! I would have never thought to slit the side of the old hose to get it off! 
One question, would it be easier of the car were up in the air and detach the hose from the bottom or can I get to it from the top without lifting it?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NC
Put it on jack stands. Work from under the car.
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From: Clearwater Florida
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Unless you have side mount headers, under the car will get you a good working angle of the heater core hoses.