prix57

I have a 1997 Firebird Formula Firehawk LT1 M6 and found a coolant leak in my heater hose assembly. There is a crack in it and it's spraying coolant down towards the passenger side. I went ahead and picked up an OEM replacement heater hose assembly GM# 10261147.

I was wondering if anyone here has a write up or tutorial on replacing this heater hose assembly?

It's pretty tight and was hoping the find the best way to get it done.

I tried searching but did not find anything. Looked in the Haynes manual as well and nothing.

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Thanks!

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

I just used regular heater hose. I did it to create more room back by the heater box . I routed it over top of it.

prix57

I already got the OEM assembly so just looking to see what is the best way to get it replaced.

If anyone here has replaced it with the same OEM assembly I would appreciate any info.

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

It's pretty straightforward.

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

There are two connections at the heater end of the assembly, and two at the engine/radiator end. Simply disconnect all four connections and replace with the new assembly...

prix57

I will probably have to remove the ram air intake assembly to get to the connections.

Should I be covering the optispark with a plastic bag or anything to prevent it from getting wet?

Anything else I should remove to make accessing the connections easier?

Thanks.

leadfoot4

iTrader: (1)

You're going to be draining the radiator, prior to removing the heater hoses, therefore there won't be any large amounts of coolant splashing around, and any residual coolant shouldn't be anywhere near the Opti.

Camaro_freak

iTrader: (1)

I had the same problem last week but decided to just replace the leaking part of the hose (the restrictor at the water pump). I bought just the restrictor and short elbow hose that connects it to the water pump and spliced it into the remainder of the heater hose. Less than $20 and about 15 minutes to repair.

prix57

Where did you just the individual parts from?

I tried looking for them but they were discontinued. I already have the while assembly so I will just replace it all. Hoping to get it done this weekend.

Camaro_freak

iTrader: (1)

Here's a diagram from shbox's site.

shbox.com/1/heater_hoses.jpg

shbox

I'd replace the whole thing. All the hoses have the same age. If one goes, the rest can't be far behind.

prix57

Yeah makes sense.
Going to try replacing the assembly later on today.
Watched video online where it seemed to be pretty straightforward until i realized it was on a F body with the 3.8L V6, you have alot more space in the engine bay.
With the 5.7L LT1 it is extremely tight, it will be a mission getting this pipe assembly in and out.

moehorsepower

iTrader: (3)

I cut the old one to get it out and I snaked the new one in, the only difference in the path was that the hose now went on top instead under power steering hoses, I also removed the alternator for ease.

prix57

Is there any trick to disconnect the hoses connected to heater core? Got the clamps off but the hose is stuck on there good. Tried making an incision on the hose end but its hard to reach.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

I take channel locks or large pliers, grab onto the part of the hose which is on the fitting and gently rock them back and forth until loose. I feel dirty after typing that.

prix57

I finally got the hoses on the heater core end off. Had to make incisions and use long reach long nose pliers.

To get the old assembly off I had to cut it in the middle where the metal hoses are, that was a mission.

Any tips on getting the new assembly in?

It's so tight in that engine bay, not sure which way to get it back on. With the metal parts in the assembly you don't get much flexibility...

prix57

Got the new assembly in finally, it was quite the ordeal. Refilled the rad etc and now all is well. No more leak and temp is back to normal.

ACE1252

I hear ya on the ordeal. I've got a new heater hose assembly waiting on mine right now. I'm trying to wait until next time I pull the engine to change them. I may actually put a new heater core in as well.....insurance against a future leak.

chet sethi

I'm in the middle of this project as well. What did you have to remove to get the new hose assembly in?

prix57

Hey sorry for the late reply.

I had to remove the air intake box and the alternator. I had to cut the old hose assembly in the middle where the steel pipes are to get it out.

Were you able to get this done?