How to Change the Heater Hose in the Back of an Engine
- 1). Park the car in a level location with enough room to work around the front of the engine. Shift the car into park and shut off the engine.
- 2). Pop the latch on the hood and prop it open. Wait for the engine to cool for at least an hour. Remove the radiator cap by twisting it counterclockwise. With some caps, you will have to push down, as you turn, to remove the cap.
- 3). Find the drain cock on the underside of the radiator. This is the small, either plastic or brass, plug sticking out of the radiator. Slide a drain pan underneath it. Use a pair of pliers to twist the drain plug counterclockwise. Allow the radiator fluid inside to drain into the pan. Replace the plug.
- 4). Locate the heater hose in the back of the engine that you want to change. Remove the hose clamps by unscrewing them. Use a utility knife to cut the hose away from the nipple on the engine and the nipple leading into the passenger compartment. Dispose of the old hose.
- 5). Cut away any bits of hose remaining that are connected to the nipples with the knife. Spread gasket sealant onto the nipples for the engine and the passenger compartment. Attach one clamp loosely to each end of the hose. Slide one end of the hose onto the engine block then tighten the hose to keep it in place. Slide the other end of the hose onto the nipple in the passenger compartment. Tighten both hose clamps.
- 6). Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of radiator fluid and distilled water. Start the engine. Turn on the heater. Allow the engine to run for about 15 minutes. Top off the fluid inside the radiator with distilled water. Replace the radiator cap.
Source...