I have an '88. I don't know if my question applies to other years..... I'd like to replace the heater core hose that tees into the rear passenger side coolant tube. Seems easy enough, but this hose isn't just a short hose with hose clamps on each end. The connection at the coolant pipe is a hose clamp. At the other end of this short hose it's a compression fitting like you'd see on high pressure hoses; such as AC lines or power steering hoses. What's the best way to replace this hose?

I'm guessing you just cut the compression fitting off and slip a hose over the hard pipe and use hose clamp(s). Is this what others have done? Thanks.

------------------
Stanton
'88 Formula, red on gray

quote Originally posted by oneinch: I have an '88. I don't know if my question applies to other years..... I'd like to replace the heater core hose that tees into the rear passenger side coolant tube. Seems easy enough, but this hose isn't just a short hose with hose clamps on each end. The connection at the coolant pipe is a hose clamp. At the other end of this short hose it's a compression fitting like you'd see on high pressure hoses; such as AC lines or power steering hoses. What's the best way to replace this hose? I'm guessing you just cut the compression fitting off and slip a hose over the hard pipe and use hose clamp(s). Is this what others have done? Thanks.

Hi. I did this on the transmission lines to the cooler on a BMW I once owned (I'll never own another one!!!) and just to make sure, I put two hose clamps on each end. I cut the crimped pieces off completely to expose the steel pipe portion, put the hose on the fitting with two clamps and it worked fine. I have never been a fan of crimped hoses. They are fine until the rubber gets hard and then they leak like a sieve or the rubber blows off the end.

You've pretty much confirmed what I thought needs to be done. At the moment I don't know if the nipple off the coolant pipe is the same diameter as the heater core hard line. It probably is. I hope it is. Good advice to use a double clamp in place of the crimped fitting.

------------------
Stanton
'88 Formula, red on gray

Yes, that is the way to replace the line.

The exposed pipe, after removal of the crimp is the same diameter as the nipple on the under car cooling tube.

BTW, that is the heater core return line you are replacing.....

What size is that heater hose?

quote Originally posted by enicho1: What size is that heater hose?

You're a year and about 4 months too late. 😉

quote Originally posted by enicho1: What size is that heater hose?

I've done this fix. I think it's 3/4". If not, it's 5/8". I would keep a few lengths of both on hand.