How to Connect a Hose Repair Kit
Automobile heater hoses connect the interior heater core with the engine's cooling system. One hose supplies warm coolant to the heater core and the other hose returns the coolant from the core back to the engine. When a rupture occurs in either hose, coolant leaks out and if enough is lost, the engine will overheat. Heater hoses can be repaired with a hose repair kit and the do-it-yourself car owner can perform the necessary repairs in 20 minutes with a kit and a few tools.
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Instructions
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1
Open the hood of the car and allow the engine to cool until it is safe to examine the heater hoses.
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2
Check the full length of the heater hose for the ruptured area. Some residual coolant leakage may be present to help indicate the location.
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3
Cut the leaking area out of the hose on either side nearest the rupture using a knife. Keep the cut lengths of hose up to prevent siphoning from occurring causing the loss of additional coolant.
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4
Apply a small amount of leaked coolant from the heater hose to the outer surface of the hose repair kit coupling.
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5
Position the clamps supplied in the hose repair kit onto each end of the hose to be repaired.
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6
Insert each of the repair kit coupler ends into each of the cut hose ends. Make certain that the repair kit coupler is fully seated into each end of the hose according to the repair kit manufacturer's specifications.
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Slide the clamps into place over each end of the hose repair coupling.
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Tighten each clamp using the appropriate tip screwdriver.
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Add coolant as required according to manufacturer recommendations.
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Start the engine and set interior climate controls to "heat." This allows engine coolant to flow through the heater hoses.
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Perform a leak check by observing the repair kit coupling connections as the engine runs.
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Tips & Warnings
Hose repair kits are available to fit various size hoses. If the hose size is not already known, take the section of hose removed to the local hardware or auto parts store for comparison.
Never cut into a heater hose when the engine is hot.
