Removing Heater Hose on '96 Tahoe

[skeeterman]

I own a '96 Tahoe 4 door 2WD with the 5.7L V-8 with air. It doesn't have the rear A/C. I need to replace the heater hoses from the firewall inlet/outlet connectors back to the engine block. There is a connector that screws into the intake manifold, with some sort special pipe going into this connector. I understand there is a special tool that would allow me to remove this hose/pipe from this connector. Anyone know of such a tool, and what it is called, or other information on where I can buy one?

BTW. What size (dia.) would these hose be?

Thanks.

[taillight]

Heater hose release tool. Buy the replacement hose that will snap on.

[skeeterman]

Analyzing the situation on the heater hose replacement, I've come to the conclusion the Quick-Connect/Disconnect hose connector that threads into the intake manifold may become a problem of breaking off when trying to remove it from reading all the reports on here and elsewhere. From my online searching, I find the "Dorman Quick Connector", is a 5/8" tube to 1/2" thread. So, with that being noted, why can't I just replace this "infamous" trouble spot with a galvanized pipe with 1/2" threaded (hopefully with the same thread size) as the quick connector, and put on the 5/8" heater hose and double clamp the hose/pipe connection. I'm sure this would cure any future problems, and would work just as well as all heater hoses worked years past.

[taillight]

That would be the best fix.

[jdmccright]

I realize this is an old thread but I'll make the quick suggestion to use a stainless steel nipple versus a galvanized one. You could buy a 2" or 3" nipple, cut off one of the threaded ends and clamp the heater hose there.

Even better if you happen to have a pipe bender to lessen the bending on the hose as it goes from the water pump, behind the alternator, and back to the firewall. Not sure if you can get a small enough bend on that w/o cracking or buckling it. Just a thought...carry on.

[BajaScout]

Curious to know if anyone has replaced the quick disconnect fitting with a short piece of galvanized or stainless pipe? Any issues with the heater hose bending too much? Were the threads a match with the old fitting? Seems like a good solution to a perennial issue.