Warning - Heater hose quick-connect fitting

[jdmccright]

I originally posted to an older thread because I wanted to know how to remove the heater hose from the quick connect fitting screwed into the water pump. This because that fitting had sprung a leak on me the other day. Apparently it had been replaced by the previous owner (monkey wrench teeth marks were quite visible). Turns out the whole fitting was made of zinc and being screwed into the cast iron water pump made for a nice big galvanic couple. I got barely a turn on the wrench when the threads crumbled from galvanic corrosion, dropping pieces down into the pump body. Had to remove and flush the pump of debris. Replaced it with a new fitting that I made sure was galvanized steel (ol' magnet test). Also replaced the heater core since I wasn't getting any heat output...could hear junk rattling in it but want to cut it open to see what's inside. I still think there are more pieces in the engine passage partially blocking it...any ideas on how to flush that crap out???

Let this be a warning to all...test that fitting to be sure it is made of steel and not a cheap cast-zinc aftermarket part. If it isn't, replace it immediately!

[Jeremy-WI]

The OEM ones were junk too

[dave727]

Go to Home depot and get a brass nipple 1/2 in pipe thread to screw into the water pump or intake manifold and 5/8 nipple on the other end for the hose to slide over. Dave

[duh1]

thanks dave, excellent solution, especially since they want over 14 bucks for a replacement fitting thats junk anyway. i wish this question was posted last week, i would have saved a buck or 2, and fixed a junk part, oh well i'll file this for next time, thanks

[bracketshark]

I see no problem replaceing the OEM fitting, other than the original fittings have a smaller water passage (orfice). I think moving too much water throught the heater core back to the radiator might not allow the engine to reach operating temp at all on a cold day, or may take to long to get there on others since the coolant will be moving through the block faster. The originals last for years and Dorman makes a fitting out of steel, I think , they should last even longer. I know they are a PITA to remove but I'd stay OEM. Just my worth though.

[jdmccright]

The Dorman piece is a galvanized steel part, so it should last a while. There is quite a restriction in the fitting as noted...maybe to keep particles out of the heater core, I dunno. But I think the simple solution would be to find a hose nipple and replace the metal heater core hoses with regular heater hose. I'd suggest a stainless steel one to cure it altogether, but that usually means ordering a special part (McMaster-Carr is a great place to find this stuff). The Dorman'll do for now.