Got the parts this afternoon thus I started the 1st part of this upcoming job by removing the 2 plastic connectors from a spare set of 05-10 GT S197 heater core side heater hoses I'd bought used off a low mileage part out on EBay some 5 yrs ago (as I said in prior post, being proactive instead of reactive........FYI, also have the entire setup in hand as well as a spare if the need came to replacing the whole thing..........so I was already prepared for this exact scenario...........recently discovered the metal version connectors which redirected my preplanned repair process........).
Removing the crimp clamps is fairly easy if you have a Dremel w\ a cutter wheel.........just slowly cut across the crimp clamp using 1 of the crimp risers (farthest away from the heater hose underneath.......) until you just start to see that you're starting to cut thru, then use a sharp chisel w\ hammer to finish the split & spread it open to release the tension & pull the connector out w\o damaging the hose underneath.
Then install the new metal connectors & use the clamp of your choice..............I choose to use properly sized 30 psi constant tension band spring clamps rated for radiator\heater service......like the OEM's use...........all accessible on Amazon.
Pictures provided below.................
Will be using the same removal\reinstall process at the 3\4" hot side crossover end once I remove the IM to get it out of the way.............the firewall end is easy..........simply just remove the old hoses & install the newly modified ones..........if the old hoses still check out to be good, will then pick up 3 more metal connectors & convert them for spares & build a new 3\4" crossover section to have on hand for a spare as well........so going forward it'll be very easy to R&R the crossover section w\ the IM still installed...........even though they'll most likely not be needed.
Then, if the parts aren't too brittle, will salvage the white latch clips from the old plastic connectors to have on hand for spares as well. Also have a new CHT sensor on hand to replace the old sensor as well while I have the IM off to finish this up (have noted when running several Forscan KOEO sensor self-checks that the 17 yr old original CHT sensor keeps setting off a low-current pending fault code thus had already picked up a new FoMoCo replacement CHT sensor for whenever I had to remove this IM again.........another 1 of those "while you're in there" things...........).
Now it's only a matter of when I decide to do this...........again to be proactive & resolve all this up front before it strands me or cause further unnecessary engine damage.
Yeah, you can use std bulk 3\4" ID heater hose for the hot side, std bulk 5\8" ID heater hose for the cold side if you desire to replace all of the hose sections........or, if your existing formed heater hose sections are still in good condition--still pliable & w\o any signs of cracking, IMHO, just replace the connectors & call it a day. IMHO, I wouldn't replace the metal sections unless they actually fail.........if this metal section ain't broke, don't fix it. I've yet to find a post showing the hoses\metal tubing sections actually failing.......only the plastic connectors.........mostly the 1 at the crossover but have seen videos of where 1 of the plastic heater core connectors failed during a dyno WOT pull.
Up to you as to which direction you decide to take.
Hope this helps.
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