Coolant Hose Identification (88)
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
Coolant Hose Identification (88)
Seems I've got a hole in one of my coolant hoses, right along the clamp. I don't have quite enough slack to cut it off at the hole and reclamp it, so I was hoping someone could identify the name of the hose so I can start looking for a replacement.
The hose in question has what looks like a T-connector and runs through a hole in the AC compressor mount. The mount itself hides the T-connector unless you're really looking for it. Anyone that's ever replaced a water pump or similar on a C4 (or at least an '88) will probably know which one I'm talking about.
Since this will definitely not be a standard hose, I've been looking through the forums and places like RockAuto for an OEM replacement. Unfortunately, it seems there are never any pictures for a positive identification.
Any ideas?
The hose in question has what looks like a T-connector and runs through a hole in the AC compressor mount. The mount itself hides the T-connector unless you're really looking for it. Anyone that's ever replaced a water pump or similar on a C4 (or at least an '88) will probably know which one I'm talking about.
Since this will definitely not be a standard hose, I've been looking through the forums and places like RockAuto for an OEM replacement. Unfortunately, it seems there are never any pictures for a positive identification.
Any ideas?
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
The right side of that picture from the T over looks about right in terms of length, but the left side is much longer. Upon closer inspection, there is a second T-split. One side goes to the heater core, and the other side goes to a metal tube which connects next to the intake side of the EGR tube.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 18
From: Lawrenceville Georgia
I just went thru this on my 89 while changing head gaskets. To my knowledge there are no OEM type heater hoses with the "molded" tee. I looked for weeks with no luck.
So, here is my way of doing it. I used all NAPA hoses and tee fittings.
With approx 4 ft of 3/4 hose you will make your own. Also you will need a tee with 3/4 ends. I wanted a tee with 3/4 x 3/4 x 5/8. But, it seems no one makes these. The heater core is 3/4, the engine connection is 3/4, but the lower tee is actually 5/8. This lower connection goes to the metal pipe section that goes to the oil cooler mounted above oil filter. Using a short section of 5/8 hose for this tee connection will work. It just takes a little effort to get the 5/8 hose onto the 3/4 tee.
The trick here is to get the tee aligned properly with the lower metal tube. That way this connection is straight with no kinks. The rest is just measure and cut the hose for the heater core and thru the AC comp brace.
The rear tee is the same procedure, just get a 3/4 x 3/4 x 5/16. I'm not real sure of that 5/16, but you can measure that to be sure.
Now would be a good time to replace those oil cooler hoses too. These too are no longer made, but I have some part numbers from NAPA hoses that I trimmed to fit, almost just like original.
Joel
So, here is my way of doing it. I used all NAPA hoses and tee fittings.
With approx 4 ft of 3/4 hose you will make your own. Also you will need a tee with 3/4 ends. I wanted a tee with 3/4 x 3/4 x 5/8. But, it seems no one makes these. The heater core is 3/4, the engine connection is 3/4, but the lower tee is actually 5/8. This lower connection goes to the metal pipe section that goes to the oil cooler mounted above oil filter. Using a short section of 5/8 hose for this tee connection will work. It just takes a little effort to get the 5/8 hose onto the 3/4 tee.
The trick here is to get the tee aligned properly with the lower metal tube. That way this connection is straight with no kinks. The rest is just measure and cut the hose for the heater core and thru the AC comp brace.
The rear tee is the same procedure, just get a 3/4 x 3/4 x 5/16. I'm not real sure of that 5/16, but you can measure that to be sure.
Now would be a good time to replace those oil cooler hoses too. These too are no longer made, but I have some part numbers from NAPA hoses that I trimmed to fit, almost just like original.
Joel
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
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heater line was in two parts either side of T
Later hoses ('90 shown) had a molded T on a single hose
Last edited by vetteoz; Oct 22, 2010 at 12:05 AM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
I'll start looking through the catalogs to see if I can find a replacement. If not, I'll try to build one.
Thanks for the responses, everyone.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
Looks like Corvette America has it, and they call it "Heater Hose. Outlet - W/Engine Oil Cooler" - part number 39508. I didn't know it went to the oil cooler, so I guess the leads in this thread were very helpful. And it's a steal at only 150 bucks.
Last edited by Tourney3p0; Oct 22, 2010 at 01:38 AM. Reason: Added part number.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 361
Likes: 6
I also have an '88. Take a good look again where the small metal tube goes. If it connects to the back of the manifold that is the "Coolant Air Bleed Pipe". It took me forever to find out what the metal pipe was for and finally did while flipping through the FSM. The Camaro guys don't have that pipe and block off the inlet at the intake manifold.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
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From: Australia
