1992 4.0L Heater core hose tee

[IceBergeRanger12]

Hello,

Was gonna drive the Ranger to work today and all the sudden I walk out after warming it up and it's gushing coolant out. Pop the hood and see that the plastic Tee that on one of the lines to the heater core self destructed itself, guessing to age.

My question is what is the point of this plastic Tee? Not sure it's original or added by the previous owner or two. It doesnt seem to do anything except make a leak point. Should I replace with a like item or is a full length hose fine?

Thanks for any help.
- Erik

 

[dvdswan]

It sort of looks like it was a add-in for coolant flushing by the PO.

 

[RonD]

Yes, +1 ^^^^

That was added to the hose by previous owner
Nice to have when refilling cooling system, but not required

You can just use a metal coupler to replace it, I think they are 5/8" ID hoses

 

[IceBergeRanger12]

That makes some sense based on what I've read about trying to get air out of the coolant system. Thanks for the info chaps!

 

[DILLARD000]

If you replace, stainless version preferred for that 5/8"Barb~MaleHoseThread~5/8"Barb Tee.
I take the opportunity to replace any plastic coolant part with a metal part.

 

[RonD]

Don't forget to reverse the hoses at the firewall to reverse flow thru heater core, need to do that every 2 years or so

 

[IceBergeRanger12]

Don't forget to reverse the hoses at the firewall to reverse flow thru heater core, need to do that every 2 years or so

Never thought about that. I'll do that. Thanks.

 

[svtcards]

Don't forget to reverse the hoses at the firewall to reverse flow thru heater core, need to do that every 2 years or so

Really?

 

[RonD]

Yup, can extend the life of any heater core

Over the years larger debris goes into the heater core and can clog a passage, or two, or ......, reversing the flow can push stuff back out the way it came in, free to do and "back flushing" while you drive is easier, lol

Usually you do it when or just before you replace coolant, every 2 years

The anti-corrosive in coolant works by continually coating metal surfaces as it circulates, a blockage prevents the circulation in that area and corrosion starts, which creates even more blockage and over time it can eat through the metal and you have a leak

Swap the hoses, can't hurt, lol