How to replace Heater Hose(s)? Need step-by-step guidance

[Sailingsenses]

Hi all,

The shop wants to charge me an arm and a leg to replace both heater hoses. They are quoting at least an hour because they look hard to reach.

They completed a coolant pressure test and the leak showed itself in a couple of spots. That said, the leak may not actually originate at the hoses; he showed me coolant dripping from a connection point that looks like an elbow or connector. They said that since the car is so old, it would be worth my while to replace both hoses and whatever that connector/junction is called.

I would like to look at a step-by-step guide plus the related part numbers. From there, I want to figure out if I can attempt this job on my own.

Can someone post a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this? I am having a hard time with the parts diagram, too, in which case, I'd like to know what I'll need to buy (i.e. all pertinent part nos.). I see there may be one or two hose connectors or junctions for each hose, along with clamps. My fear is that the clamps will snap/break, so those may be a good idea to have on-hand.

Please keep in-mind that I have no experience draining coolant or a way to lift the car (if that is needed). I find the draining coolant part rather intimidating, and the hard-to-reach aspect is not exactly encouraging. Is this worth doing on my own, then? What do you think?

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Thank you,
N

 

[jonathan62019]

What are they going to charge you? Just curious

 

[Sailingsenses]

Minimum of $150, plus 30.00 for each hose, which is high for these parts. Additionally, coolant drain and refill will be needed (cost?). I don't know about the clamps and the connections needed (cost?).

 

[MrGiggles]

I've never had a spring clamp break. They put up a fight though, I used to hate them. Use a vice grips or a small pair of straight-jaw channel locks.

Mazda uses a pair of plastic quick connects that snap onto the heater core. If those are leaking, I believe they are dealer only, and you'll probably need a special tool to get them off.

The hoses look to be Gates #19208 and #19207.

Honestly, I would hire it out. None of the connections are easy to get at, and they will be stuck pretty hard. They are on the firewall below the intake. Have them replace the thermostat while the coolant is drained.

 

[Sailingsenses]

Thank you, Mr. G. They are telling me that it's actually four hoses? Yikes. I worry that the core is (also) bad, but I don't know why I'm inclined to believe that.

Originally, all I was after was the origin of coolant smell, and bam, it's more complicated than I thought. I just don't want them in there doing hoses and such, and then find out my core is also bad. That's another ball of wax, and quite difficult to get to. I sure wish I could tackle this solo! Should I suspect the core? I am not getting coolant in the cabin, that I know of.

Thanks,
n

 

[MrGiggles]

Thank you, Mr. G. They are telling me that it's actually four hoses? Yikes. I worry that the core is (also) bad, but I don't know why I'm inclined to believe that.

Originally, all I was after was the origin of coolant smell, and bam, it's more complicated than I thought. I just don't want them in there doing hoses and such, and then find out my core is also bad. That's another ball of wax, and quite difficult to get to. I sure wish I could tackle this solo! Should I suspect the core? I am not getting coolant in the cabin, that I know of.

Thanks,
n

There are only two heater hoses, but there are a couple other hoses in that area that run to the throttle body and cylinder head.

If the heater core was leaking, the windshield will usually fog with antifreeze slime, and coolant will run out of the A/C drain.

 

[jonathan62019]

call a shade tree mechanic off of craigslist and have him check it out. i have found them to be more honest then the ones in the real shops.

 

[Sailingsenses]

Thanks so much! I'm relieved Re: the core.

Also, thanks for the suggestion to hire out and work with a shade tree mechanic.

n

 

[jonathan62019]

Lol what?

 

[Leniivazquez]

Inner and outer ??

Pls help i took off a heater hose but i don't know which one it is ,
Is it the inner or outer?
Its the first one to the left by the firewall

I've never had a spring clamp break. They put up a fight though, I used to hate them. Use a vice grips or a small pair of straight-jaw channel locks.

Mazda uses a pair of plastic quick connects that snap onto the heater core. If those are leaking, I believe they are dealer only, and you'll probably need a special tool to get them off.

The hoses look to be Gates #19208 and #19207.

Honestly, I would hire it out. None of the connections are easy to get at, and they will be stuck pretty hard. They are on the firewall below the intake. Have them replace the thermostat while the coolant is drained.