Hey guys, I am in the process of removing my heater core. The 2 lines that run from the water pump to the heater core, can I just get some hose or cut the hose I have now and route them back on each other at the water pump?


Also, is it mandatory to drain the coolant and radiator before you remove this?

Sorry for the noobie questions.

Thanks

 

+1 I would also like to know.

 

Yes, you can simply loop the lines together at the water pump. You should drain the radiator. Even after that, you'll still lose a good bit of coolant when you disconnect the heater hoses.

 

You can get a molded hose like this : Gates hose P/N 42570187 There's also one for an Astro van, I searched for the GM part number w/no luck, might be the same as the gates.

 

Nevermind.

 

You can get some by-pass plugs that just slips over the nipples on the water pump.Tighten down with hose clamps. Looks very clean and professional. Any auto parts store has them. I think one is a 3/4" and one is a 5/8".

 

I have read that looping the hose is better for overall coolant flow in the motor.

 

I didn't know about that. Sounds right, I'll do some research, got me thinking now.

 

Do not buy the plugs. We went through two sets of plugs in a year. They both cracked and leaked water. just loop a hose.
Alan

 

I went to the local zone yesterday, and asked them for a 180* 5/8 heater hose, and they had like 3 different kinds. The hose was about 10 bucks, but it worked great.

 

10 bucks, damn. Napa will cut you a foot of hose for .60

 

Yea but its a tight as bend man, i think if you used regular 5/8 hose that **** would kink. Im about 100% sure that **** wouldnt work or I would have done it man. I didnt enjoy spending the money, but it was nessesary.