Car Repair: 6 Tips for Changing a Heater Hose

Part of the cooling system on automobiles includes to hose that run from the water pump or engine block to the heater core. The heater core is located inside the cabin of the car just inside the firewall. Inlet and outlet ports extend through the firewall from the heater core. The heater hose attach to these ports to provide hot coolant to the heater core to warm the interior of the car..

Changing a heater hose is not unusually difficult.

Most heater hoses clamp to a port at each end of the hose. Locate the hose that you plan to change and track it to each end. Before disconnecting the house, lay the replacement hose along side it and make sure it is the right length and diameter.

Many times heater hose is sold by length and not by specific hoses manufactured for a specific make and model of car.

This means that the new hose was cut from a roll at the auto parts store based on guidelines from a parts manual. the process can leave plenty of margin for error. It is actually best if you can remove the old hose and take it with you when you purchase its replacement.

Remove the clamps from each end of the old hose.

Pull it loose from the ports where it is attached. In some cases, the old hose may have been installed with a layer of sealer to bond it to the ports to prevent leaks. If so, you may need to use a sharp knife and split the end of the hose so it can be peeled off of the connector.

You may discover that the end of the hose at the firewall has been attached with a factory connector that cannot be unclamped.

If this connector exceeds your skill level, you can cut off the hose back about 3 or 4 inches from the connector. Insert a plastic or metal coupling into the hose. this can be clamped into place on the old and new hose to make a water tight connection.

Clean the ports by wiping them with a paper towel or cloth before attaching the new heater hose.

Slide a clamp onto one end of the new hose. Push the end of the hose onto the port. If it is difficult to slide, you can use a little soapy water as a lubricant to help the process. When it is full in place, push the clamp into position and tighten it to secure the hose in to the port. Repeat the process for the other end of the hose.

Start the car

Turn the heater on high and squeeze the hose a few times to help bleed the air from it. Let the car warm up and check for leaks at both ends of the hose. Make sure the heater is blowing out warm air. If not, try to bleed the air from the hose and system again. Turn the car off. When it cools, remove the radiator cap and refill the coolant. The car should now be ready to drive..