How to Replace a Heater Hose on a 1978 Camaro
- 1). Raise the hood and place the catch pan on the ground below the heater inlet on the passenger side of the fire wall. Loosen the hose clamp on the heater hose where it connects to the heater using the socket set.
- 2). Slide the hose clamp back along the hose and then pull the hose free by hand. Do your best to aim the open hose end down towards the catch pan to avoid pouring coolant all over the engine or ground. If the hose doesn't easily pull free from the heater nipple, stick the tip of the mechanic's pick under the lip of the hose and run it around the nipple, between the nipple and hose, to break the grip the hose has on the nipple. You can purchase a set of mechanic's picks from most tool retailers.
- 3). Loosen the hose clamp on the other end of the heater hose and pull the hose off that end by hand. If that end gives you trouble, use the pick to free the hose just as you did on the heater nipple.
- 4). Place two new hose clamps on the new heater hose. Slide one end of the hose over the heater nipple and then slide the hose clamp into position and tighten it down with the socket set. Tighten the clamp until the rubber on the hose just begins to squeeze up through the slots in the clamp's band. Do not over tighten the clamp.
- 5). Slide the other end of the hose onto the coupler and move the hose clamp into position. Tighten down the hose clamp just as you did on the heater end.
- 6). Replace any coolant you lost when you removed the hose by pouring a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water into the radiator. Chances are, it won't be more than a quart, but it's best to have extra antifreeze and water on hand just in case.
- 7). Start the Camaro and inspect the hose for leaks at either end before driving.
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