Pssshhhhhhh!

I started smelling coolant when I arrived at IHOP. Temp guage was fine though. On the way home, as soon as I pulled off the freeway, the needled began to shoot up. Pulled it over immediately and steam was coming from the hood.

I let it sit for two hours. Topped of the radiator and drove home with no problems.

It appears the heater core hose has a leak at the connection to the rear engine block. I hope it isn't the rear outlet itself that's leaking at the block. The heater hose is discolored a grayish white at the connection so I suspect it's just the hose.

Anyone ever replace this hose on a 1.8l? I suspect I need to remove the coilpack for better access and then it will be the fun process of cutting away the old hose and replace it. I'll likely replace the other heater core hose that connects to the hard pipe below the header while I'm at it. The All other hoses got replaced 22k miles ago when I did the timing belt/waterpump.

BTW, My CAS is not leaking. I think the hose just got old after 140k miles.

Any advice of experience would be appreciated.

I replaced the hoses on a 1.6, found it easier to get to the back of the engine by removing the coil pack.

YMMV

As for removing the coil pack... AutoZone sells these nifty little wrenches, but are out of 'em here... I'm wanting one BADLY as it makes short work of that crazy lower bolt...

http://www.autozone.com/images/produ...r79-604002.jpg

It's a flex head racheting wrench... Also great for CAS work too. The down side, it's $19.95 per wrench in singles... But you only need one for the CAS and the Coil Pack. :D

RJ

Had that problem climbing Mt. Rainier in WA. I had to cut a little of it off at the summit & put it back on to make it home, so it can be done with removal of the pack. I have one in my glovebox if you need it quick(?). Let me know William, I'm in Lewisville.

Thanks Jeff and Raymond.

I picked up the hose today at Town North with my Track Dog discount. :cool:

Actually decided to replace both hoses coming from the heater core. My schedule looks like it won't be done till Wednesday afternoon. Got school tomorrow. Good thing I have a MSV.