Fixing a broken heater hose connector is not as tricky as some people think. Yet, it takes a careful and detailed auto owner to do a neat job in repairing or replacing the connector. A DIYer heater hose repair is possible without causing any damage to the threads on the engine block.
If you’re reading this article, I am confident you’ll learn a lot about the heater hose connector. I feel safe you’ll learn how to fix the heater hose when it breaks off. There’s more to look forward to.
What is a Heater Hose Connector?
A heater hose, otherwise called a connector hose heater control valve or heater hose quick connector (HHQC), is a rubber valve or hose. It helps transport hot coolant to the heater core from the car engine. The heater core is located close to the blower engine inside your vehicle. The connector hose heater valve links up with the water pump to provide warmth, allowing hot air to blow through the vents.
How to fix Heater Hose Connector
Supplies needed:
- Safety gear (gloves and goggles)
- Padded pliers (you can use a monkey wrench instead)
- Hacksaw
- Long hollow pipe
- Lubricant (WD-40)
- Easy-out tool
- Flathead screwdriver
- Soft cleaning clothes or shop rags
Broken Heater Hose Connector: Few Quick Steps
There are two scenarios, depending on the extent of the damage to the heater hose quick connector. The first scenario supposes that the HHQC is only broken at the nipple. The second scenario is if the damage occurs deep down the threads. In either case, you’ll need to inspect if the component is broken in the tip or up to the threads on the engine block.
The following steps will suffice. Skip steps 1-3 if you’re faced with the second scenario.
Step 1: Remove the heater hose connector
Get your tools ready to remove the broken HHC.
Step 2: Spray the threaded areas
Apply the oil or lubricant and spray all the threaded parts of the connector up to the engine block side. I’ll recommend using highly synthetic oil because it’s highly penetrating and leaves no residue. The spray should penetrate and unstick the HHQC even if more than the nipple is broken.
Step 3: Twist the HHQC
The next step after spraying is to try to see if a pair of padded pliers, a monkey wrench or vice grips can remove the HHQC. In the absence of these tools, you can use a piece of an old t-shirt, a shop cloth, or a rag. Even a folded towel will do a good job. This second set of tools won’t exert an excessive force that could break the HHCQ. You can use the wrench or plier to completely twist the HHQC and remove it. Don’t forget the principle of ‘the right tightens while the left loosens.’
Step 4: Fit a hollow pipe on the plier
If step 4 doesn’t end well with the combo of plier/wrench and a shop cloth, then you should consider fixing a hollow pipe on the wrench or plier. I mean if you failed to twist the HHQC without breaking it, try the hollow pipe technique. It should work. However, if it doesn’t, then it’s time to outsource the entire project to a professional.
Step 5: Try an Easy-out tool
If at the end, the HHQC damages and breaks into pieces, retry spraying the penetrating lubricant on the internal threaded areas. This should help break the cap a little deeper. Make sure you space out your spraying oil. Try using the Easy-out tool to take out the remaining HHQC pieces from the area. Avoid causing damage to the threads.
Step 6: Cut 5-6inch of slivers and notches
If step 5 fails or you don’t have an Easy-out tool, a hacksaw will air saw will work wonders. The saw will help you cut the HHQC metal 5 to 6 inches deep. This way, you can remove the HHQC without damaging the threads.
Step 7: use a pry bar to pry
Now that the HHQC is removed, it’s time to start prying. A small pry bar or flathead screwdriver with a large tip should work to pry. A cat’s claw will also work. Start by putting any of these tools into one of the grooves. Pull the tool at different angles until you’re able to turn the HHQC and remove it
Step 8: Install a new HHQC
Once the broken HHQC has come free and the pieces of metal are out, it’s time to replace it with a new heater hose connector. Follow the position of the connector to install the new one.
FAQS
What Does the Heater Hose Connect to?
The heater hose is mounted to the heater core and water pump. The heater core can be found near the firewall on most modern vehicles. As hot coolant blows through the vents, a fan circulates air across the heater core. The core heats up the air and distributes it to the other parts of the vehicle’s cabin.
Should I Fix, Sell, or Take a Broken Heater hose Technician?
There are no hard and fast rules about it, but you’ve got to earn some technical know-how. Specifically, you need at least 6 months of professionally handling technical and mechanical auto DIY projects.
If you aren’t confident enough to apply the guide in this article, I’ll recommend you outsource the fix to a certified technician. Ask yourself if you can afford the tools needed to carry out the repair. Can you wait at most two days without driving your car? Don’t go repair a broken heater hose connector if your car has hit over 250,000 miles or it’s in poor condition.
Final Thoughts
As I wrap up, you should consider a professional if you aren’t sure of the DIY technique described here. The good thing is that you won’t have to break the bank to buy a heater hose connector. So, if you fail in your trial-and-error fix, $10-$30 won’t be too much to bear to buy another one. But be properly guided when using the technique above.
