Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'97 GMC Suburban, Quick Connect Coolant Leak
Q:
The
heater hose quick disconnect on my '97 Chevy Suburban with a 5.7L is leaking.
I've got the replacement part, but getting the old one out is proving
to be a HUGE pain in the butt. Is there an easy way to get the old one
off?
A:
Those
quick connect fittings were a great idea. The only problem is that with
age they're a bad idea. Cooling system corrosion just eats them and when
you get ready to replace them they'll snap off, leaving the hardest part
of the job broken off in the intake manifold or water pump. There is an
aftermarket tool that works pretty slick at extracting the broken part
about 50% of the time. The other 50% is just time working at getting what
the tool wouldn't remove. Also be aware that there are 2 different part
numbers. One quick connect looks like it is made of powder metal and the
other of steel. I prefer the steel quick connect when I replace them.
Note! Flush the cooling system. Acidic coolant is the main cause for failure
of these connectors.
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