Heater Hose replacement advice...

[gmw9666]

Was out yesterday for a fathers day hoon and the white wedge is running like a dream, really impressed with the turn of speed......also hoping to have all the little jobs completed by the fest (fingers crossed lol)

anyhow......a fresh job appears to have added itself to my to do list

The heater hose as it passes through the bulk head into the engine bay has a very small leak, looking closely its like a little nick in the hose. From the pic you can see the split / damp area.

So a few questions, Fortunately is has a connector so that will be easy to undo but my questions are: -

- what is the other end connected too?......the heater matrix?
- what is the best type of hose to use for this?
- will I need to drain "all" the coolant or just a bit?

[mrzigazaga]

Hi mate...The other end will be connected to the matrix...You would be better off blanking off the in and out hoses..Silicone water hoses are fine..Just always fit the clip as close to the edge of the hose as possible and never clamp silicone too tight..Its more of a tweaker..If you have to remove the hose from the matrix then anticipate water loss...Not much but enough to soak carpet...Looks like you will need the upside down clothes on for this job..Or a tiny friend...

[bradderztvr]

As Zig says, no need to drain system, just expect a bit of spillage, put a washing up bowl in the footwell.
I had a similar leak where it was perished near the matrix, and got wet feet driving home. The hose I used was Quinton Hazell HP478 15.8mm. Think I got a length from Howlfords or similar carpart stockist. I recall it being a bit tight under the dash fitting the hose to matrix, expect grazed knuckles and some swearing.

[jmorgan]

I did the heater hose on mine and I could pull off the old stuff with the clip up tight. The pipe was that old it was slacker than slack thing.

Replaced with nice blue stuff. I was concerned about the pipe kinking so bought the stuff with a steel wire spiral in it.

Edit. Different run to a 350 as well I believe.

Edited by jmorgan on Monday 22 June 19:31

[gmw9666]

Cheers chaps, part ordered so will report back once done

[KKson]

jmorgan said:

I did the heater hose on mine and I could pull off the old stuff with the clip up tight. The pipe was that old it was slacker than slack thing.

Replaced with nice blue stuff. I was concerned about the pipe kinking so bought the stuff with a steel wire spiral in it.

Edit. Different run to a 350 as well I believe.

Edited by jmorgan on Monday 22 June 19:31

That's the same location for the heater hose as mine, just by the pedal box. It's a 350i but with a later dash fitted.

[jmorgan]

KKson said:

That's the same location for the heater hose as mine, just by the pedal box. It's a 350i but with a later dash fitted.

Ah. memory said it went the other side of the car but then my memory is not what it used to, er, what is that word...... be! thats it. Not what it used to be.

[gmw9666]

Quite a simple job in the end. Took about 20 mins all up. Caught a little bit of coolant onc undone, about a pint max

Attached new hose, refilled and burped the system

Job done. One thing I did notice was how perished the old hose was. I could literally tear the hose in two with my hands!!!

[jmorgan]

gmw9666 said:

Job done. One thing I did notice was how perished the old hose was. I could literally tear the hose in two with my hands!!!

Mine were also in a state behind the dash. I think it is one of the hidden things we should be more aware of. Felt a bit sticky as well around the the heater pipe. Thing it had been weeping away.