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View Full Version : heater hose bypass loop...


WILMASBOYL78
05-29-2024, 09:02 PM
As our other thread mentioned the 70 L78 TH400 car has a leaky heater core. Since this car is not a cold weather driver, we decided to just install a 'bypass loop' for now, and deal with the repair another day.

What do you guys suggest for a good part to source. The heater hoses are originals...with the tower clamps.

thanks, wilma

Too Many Projects
05-30-2024, 01:11 AM
In situations like this, I remove the hoses and nipples and install plugs in the engine. IMHO, a "loop" looks out of place, whereas no hoses isn't as noticeable and those old hoses aren't going to like being bent in a 180. Then there is the fact that one is 3/4 and the other 5/8. The 5/8 probably isn't going to stretch over the 3/4 nipple without cracking and the 3/4 will leak when you attempt to clamp it down on the 5/8 nipple.

X66 714
05-30-2024, 01:47 AM
You could take the heater hoses off at the firewall, put a couple of corks or rubber plugs in the nipples of the heater core & put the hoses back on until you can get it fixed. It does work.....Joe

big gear head
05-30-2024, 11:57 AM
I removed the heater hoses from my Camaro many years ago. You can get rubber caps that are made to go over the heater core tubes. I used plugs in the water pump and intake.

danachevroletfor1967
05-30-2024, 02:49 PM
When I wanted to bypass the heater core in my 1978 Z28 the shop working on it installed a piece that had the correct diameter nipples, where you just attached the hoses to it, tightened, and it worked fine for many years. No leaks.

WILMASBOYL78
06-01-2024, 06:45 PM
Ordered one of these yesterday...

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/dorman-oe-solutions/dorman-oe-solutions-26-degree-heater-core-bypass/doe0/626001

will gently blow out the core and plug the ends.

Don't need no heater for a summer hotrod :cool2:

danachevroletfor1967
06-04-2024, 05:02 PM
Yeah, that looks exactly like what I was referring to having been used in my car.