Replacing heater hose, '97 GMC Sierra

[swartzdesk]

So I notice a major leak of coolant under the truck today ('97 GMC Sierra) and I was able to quickly spot the leak. The coolant was coming from this (pictured) connection of the heater hose.

 

 

The leak is right at the end of the hose where the metal connector is. I was able to stop the leak right away with some silicone rescue tape. Not a single drop after driving to the auto parts store and back. The new hose is due to arrive tomorrow, and I'm probably going to replace it on Wednesday. It seems pretty straightforward. But I wanted to ask those that have done this repair/replace before for any tips or things to watch out for -- lest I do something stupid and make a bigger problem. Also, feel free to call me out if I'm completely wrong about what's going on here. Thanks.

[2018GMC]

Welcome to a real PITA. It is not the hose that is the problem but the connector on the intake and the plastic clip that holds the hose in place.

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X24503681&_nkw=24503681&_sacat=0&_from=R40

 

I tried the POS replacement Dorman connector at Autozone \ Orelly and the plastic clip broke when putting the hose in. I recommend the AC Delco part 2450368

 

The PITA part is that the connector currently on your truck (if it is stock) is made out of a grey pot metal that will crumble when you try to remove it. This is a known problem and auto part stores make a special tool to remove all of the $hitty pot metal when it breaks off in your intake. Anyway mine broke off. Purchased this tool. Hammered it into the broken threads, With a few curse words and a breaker bar, out came the broken connector. Used a shop vac to suck out a few broken metal fragments, installed new part. Good - to - go

http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-62200-Heater-Coupler-Remover/dp/B0002SRCME/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I just did this repair this past winter. Still running heater hose from 1997 lol. Replaced $hitty pot metal connector with AC Delco Steel connector and plastic clip. Been driving it daily for months with no problems.