2003 T&C Questions

[Robbdoe1]

I have just repaired the dreaded rear heater lines on my wifes T&C and have a few questions regarding some things I noticed.

1- I used 5/8 ID heater hoses and kept them as far from the exhaust pipe as possible. Do I need to worry about the pipe heat if the pipe is not touching the hoses?

2- Has anyone used any heat shield material to cover the hoses? If so what type and wher did you buy it?

3- After the repair I ran the van up to temp and turned on the front and rear heat and had no leaks on the hoses and the heat worked fine. I drove it to work last night and the temp stayed just below the half way mark the whole time. When I got to work I noticed a dripping coming from the area of the repair. The water dripping was cold. I had the AC on and I think it is condensate. It appears to be coming from the passenger side firewall half way down. It is a small tube that sticks out about an inch. Is this the condensate drain?

4- Is the heat and AC connected in any way, or is it just a coincidence that I am noticing the dripping water?

Sorry for so many questions on my first post. Thans in advance for any help you can provide.

Robb

[Cntrysthbst]

1. I would worry depending on how close they are being you used regular hose. Have heard people doing this and it working but no replies back after time.

2. Advanced, AutoZone sells it in the exhaust/muffler section, I would definately use it if I switched to rubber. Will help prevent the break down of the hose, like the elements, road junk flying up, and heat from exhaust.

3. Yes, drips water all over, I extended the tube below the subframe on ours cause it rusts out several things in that area, like the subframe bushings, etc. Just so you know there is a recall on that hose sticking out, if its not point down, like a curve to it, then call a dealer and check about recall. Its free for them to fix it. They will be able to tell you if youd had it done or not. They got one for water dripping on top of radio too.

4. Heat and AC are two different things, just routed to the same areas to provide hot and cold. I extended, added small hose, to keeping dripping off.

Never to many questions to ask here. Hope this helps somewhat.

[RahX]

The defrost will run the A/C which will cause water to drip.

[Cntrysthbst]

just rereading and sure with defrost on it will drip, pretty much any selection with the ac on will cause dripping. Maybe run it with the ac off for awhile and check those hoses you put on.

[Robbdoe1]

Thanks for the responses. I have determined the drip is from the AC and will reroute the hose as mentioned. I have rechecked the heater hose I installed and did notice a few drips when the weather dropped down. I retightened the hose clamps and will continue to check it. This has happened 2 times so far. I'm thinking of just getting the correct parts from the dealer and doing the install myself. I did a VIN check on the Chrysler web site and it showed no recalls. I will check with the dealer.
Robb