How can I tell if my heater hoses are cracked?
One of the first visible symptoms of an issue with the heater hoses is visibly dry, or cracked hoses. As the vehicle approaches high mileage the coolant hoses will eventually begin to wear, dry, and may eventually crack. Hoses that are visibly cracked will be structurally weakened and may be more prone to coolant leaks.
What to do when heater hose connector breaks?
Using a small reciprocating saw or hacksaw blade, cut the top and bottom of the connector just until you hit pipe. You can split it with a flat blade screwdriver if it doesn’t come apart easily. When one connector breaks, the other is usually not far behind.
How do you disconnect a GMC heater hose?
If this happens on the side of the road, the “get you home” fix is cutting the other heater hose and making a loop at the water pump. The disconnect tool works by releasing the spring fingers on the inside of the connector. The small plastic tool folds around the backside of the tube, and is slid into the connector until the fingers are released.
What are symptoms of bad or failing heater hoses?
Coolant leaks. One of the first symptoms of a an issue with the vehicle’s heater hoses is coolant leaks. The heater hoses are designed to be resistant to coolant and heat, however over time they can eventually wear out. Old hoses can break down, weaken, and eventually rupture and leak.
What happens when a heater hose connector fails?
If a heater hose connector fails, you may notice coolant leaks under the vehicle. You may also see coolant drips or spray from your heater hoses when the vehicle is running. This can drain the coolant from your system causing overheating and damage. If you need a heater hose connector, check out O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Where can I get plastic heater hose connectors?
The plastic heater hose connectors are available from your local NAPA Auto Parts Store, or in an emergency you can temporarily use a basic worm-type hose clamp on the hose over the remaining copper tubing of the heater core. But the real trick is getting the connector off the pipe. A disconnect tool is available and usually does the trick quickly.
What kind of connector do I need for my heater?
Many vehicles are equipped with metal or plastic heater hose quick connectors. These connect your heater hose to your heater core or water pump. A vehicle may have several of these connectors, and each may be built or angled differently. A heater hose connector can fail due to age or heat.
Where do I find the heater hose quick connector?
When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Many vehicles are equipped with metal or plastic heater hose quick connectors. These connect your heater hose to your heater core or water pump.