Installing the GRRRR8 Heater Hose Kit

[GeorgeInNePa]

Welcome to Junior's Chicken & Ribs and Speed Shop

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/downsized_0816081812.jpg

:p

Put the car on ramps and get a clean pan to drain the anti-freeze into. You'll need a #3 Phillips to get the plug out of the radiator. It's on the passenger side of the rad, under the car.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/0816081741a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/downsized_0816081741.jpg

You'll need pliers to take the clamps off. You'll want to remove the hoses at the engine first.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/downsized_0816081741b.jpg

I made a drip pan to funnel the antifreeze to the drain pan under the car. DexCool isn't cheap, but I am. ;) I used a foil pain, bent to fit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/downsized_0816081749.jpg

After you drain the hoses, then remove the clamps at the firewall and toss the "snake" away.

Then fit the hoses to the engine, route them under the wire-harness to the firewall. You'll need to trim them, GRRRR8 sends them long.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/downsized_0816081802a.jpg

Now start the car, fill the radiator (you did remember to put the plug back, right? ;) ) and pour the remaining coolant back into the overflow bottle. Put the heater on and let the car come up to temp. If the heater blows hot air and there is no puddle forming under the car, you did it right.


IF you funneled the coolant to the pan the right way, you'll have very little dirt in the drain pan.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/0816081808a.jpg

OR on the ground.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/downsized_0816081815.jpg

I figure I lost a pint to a pint and a half.

Now stand back and admire the clean look of the engine!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/downsized_0816081813.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/downsized_0816081813a.jpg




Any questions?

[GRRRR8]

Awesome pictorial. Go ahead and make a link to it in my section. No sense in me doing one!

[EcoBrick Bob]

So... when I get my hoses, I shouldn't just empty the anti-freeze into the drain that empties into the lake????

Here fishy, fishy....

RRM

Now if I was Charlie, I could probably change the hoses so quickly that I wouldn't even lose a quart of anti-freeze, without draining anything.....

However, It will probably take me all day.

[GRRRR8]

:puke::puke::puke::puke::puke::spank:

[GRRRR8]

So... when I get my hoses, I shouldn't just empty the anti-freeze into the drain that empties into the lake????

Here fishy, fishy....

RRM

Now if I was Charlie, I could probably change the hoses so quickly that I wouldn't even lose a quart of anti-freeze, without draining anything.....

However, It will probably take me all day.

Maybe 1 hour tops Unc.

[EcoBrick Bob]

Sorry Charlie,.... Beautiful day at the lake... Boat, Wine, & posts don't mix!

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m406/RobMoser/IMG_5143.jpg

Rob's G8 MOD!!!!! 8.2 w/roller cam & 850 Holley.:GMA:

Will it fit...Will it fit....

[GRRRR8]

I want to see the boat!

[EcoBrick Bob]

Boat - Ebbtide 22' Engine - mid 90's GM 502 crate motor that has had mods everytime we blew up something! Runs in the mid 70's on GPS.

http://www.agribusinesssupply.com/daffy/ebbtide.jpg

Beyond boat is our lake view.

Sorry for hyjacking thread......

RRM:okay:

[GRRRR8]

Very nice. Where is that pic taken?

[Chewy]

Ok I made this a sticky. Thanks for the write-up and pics.

[GeorgeInNePa]

:disgust::wtf:Hey! How come I don't have a blinky red title?

[EcoBrick Bob]

Charlie,

Boat Pix - Clear Lake, Iowa (facing S.E.)

Back on thread... Hose installation will be much less messy due to George's great pix. I likely would have just put a bucket under thermostat housing and collected as much of the spillage as possible.

RRM

[GeorgeInNePa]

I used a full size steam table pan (hotel pan), but any long foil pan will work. You just need to get it under the T-stat housing and over the A/C pulley for it to be effective.

[-Ray-]

Nice job George. Is that a stock balancer I see?

[wreckwriter]

George, how much coolant did you get out on the initial drain? And how much would you guess came out of the hoses? I.E. how big of a pan does one need to catch all of it?

[Chewy]

:disgust::wtf:Hey! How come I don't have a blinky red title?


Let me know what you want in a pm and I'll do it.

[GeorgeInNePa]

Nice job George. Is that a stock balancer I see?

No sir, look again.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/downsized_0816081749.jpg

It's shiny and two different diameters. ;)

[GeorgeInNePa]

George, how much coolant did you get out on the initial drain? And how much would you guess came out of the hoses? I.E. how big of a pan does one need to catch all of it?

The pan I used could hold all of the coolant plus more if it had to.

I'd say as long as you could fit 2 or so gallons, you'd be ok. Less than that came out.

[wreckwriter]

The pan I used could hold all of the coolant plus more if it had to.

I'd say as long as you could fit 2 or so gallons, you'd be ok. Less than that came out.

K, thanks George.

[EcoBrick Bob]

Mentioned this to Charlie...

I drained my engine for hose transplant at thermostat housing.... Used tupperware pitcher and it only took about 5 minutes and maybe 5 quarts of fluid drained! Oh... I thought I was SMART!!! Lost maybe a teaspoon of coolant!.... So... I decided to install the 160 deg. thermostat I had from (name you would know... deleted). Anyway....finished the job...started G8... and the temp started going upp...up.... downnnn.... down.... and all over the place. So I looked under the hood... and man... the thermostat... was LEAKING ALL OVER MY DRIVE!!!!!

Had to drain the @&$$%@* again with hot fluids.... Replaced the rubber gasket from the stock T on to the 160 T. . . . And... NO LEAKS!!!!! Lost about a quart of DEXI!

IF you are changing your thermostat for any reason.... CHECK THE THICKNESS OF THE RUBBER GASKET!!!!!!!

Otherwise... my drain method was the BOMB!

:poof:


Name withheld due to LIABILITY issues....

[GeorgeInNePa]

Tupperware pitcher under the T-stat housing? Ohhh, that's slick!

[GRRRR8]

:protest: What the hell is this kitchen items under the hood crap! LOL :wtf:

[wreckwriter]

Mentioned this to Charlie...

I drained my engine for hose transplant at thermostat housing.... Used tupperware pitcher and it only took about 5 minutes and maybe 5 quarts of fluid drained!

So you drained it by popping the hose off at the housing, right?

[GRRRR8]

He disconnected hose at thermostat.

[ULOSE]

:protest: What the hell is this kitchen items under the hood crap! LOL :wtf:

This from the Tidy Bowl Man ? :jerry:

[GRRRR8]

You are never gonna let me make it on my Home Depot air intake that worked better then everything made. :lalala:

[wreckwriter]

I did mine this morning. Found the pinch clamps rather difficult to deal with but overall a very straightforward install. Things look a lot cleaner now. Thanks Charlie for setting us up with these kits!

[GRRRR8]

You are very welcome Tom. The pinch clamp that is difficult is the one on the left at the waterpump.

[edmanet]

GRRRR8 heater hoses were installed today. THis look correct ??

[GRRRR8]

GRRRR8 heater hoses were installed today. THis look correct ??

The hoses at the heater core are crossed.

http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=326

[edmanet]

The hoses at the heater core are crossed.

http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=326


So the hose with the letters showing needs to go to the core tube on on the left. Damn....I paid a shop to do this.

[GeorgeInNePa]

Charlie, they are same as mine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/GeorgeInNePa/G8/downsized_0816081813.jpg

http://grrrr8.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=139&d=1222719819

[r33pwrd]

doesn anyone have a before and after picture of this mod...?? i have not spend much time under my hood and the car is at home :) and im thinking about ordering it..

[G8GT721]

http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/nn453/kroche721/DSC01313.jpg

see that black snake looking thing that normally sits on top of the fuel rail, and intake manifold

[r33pwrd]

cool thanks for the picture! Im kinda slow so pictures are always needed for me :)

[Executor999]

Okay so you use pliers to remove the clamps from the hoses. How do you re-tighten them? Same way?

[GRRRR8]

Okay so you use pliers to remove the clamps from the hoses. How do you re-tighten them? Same way?

Squeeze and hold, slide back then squeeze and hold and slide on.

[GeorgeInNePa]

Squeeze and hold, slide back then squeeze and hold and slide on.

Wait, let me get my wife to read that...

[Executor999]

LOL! Thanks Charlie. :)

[GRRRR8]

Wait, let me get my wife to read that...

Kind of knew that was coming. lol I think I am the most quoted person in the G8 community!

[Chewy]

OK here's a correct B4 pic.

I'll be doing this and the silicon radiator lines at the same time. I'll just use new Dexcool though. I like changing the coolant out after the initial 4-5 thousand miles anyway.

[GeorgeInNePa]

OK here's a correct B4 pic.

I'll be doing this and the silicon radiator lines at the same time. I'll just use new Dexcool though. I like changing the coolant out after the initial 4-5 thousand miles anyway.

Just something to keep in mind.

Dexcool is good for 100,000 miles. It is also not cheap.

[Executor999]

Is it okay to remove the intake cover before doing the heater hose relocation? I'm getting bored and might remove the intake cover today if it is safe. :)

[-Ray-]

I don't see why not. I took mine off before adding the GRRRR8 heater hose.

[GRRRR8]

Yes. There is no coolant in the intake. Hoses will start shipping on Monday.

[wreckwriter]

Yea, its safe. I did it. I used a tie-wrap to the brake lines to keep mine off the coils before I installed the upgraded hoses from Charlie.

[Executor999]

Thanks for the tips and the green light. I was concerned about the heater hose lying on the bare intake once I remove the cover and insulation, but it sounds like it's not a problem.

[GRRRR8]

You can remove the cover and let the heater hoses go right back to where they were from the factory or tie them off as Tom suggested. Either way you are good. I do know yours leave in the morning. :)

[Executor999]

That's GRRRR8 news too! I'll have the heater hose relocation done by the end of the week then! :)

[UGotSmkd]

I just noticed something. When I pull the engine cover off, there is no rail going across the intake (fuel rail I suppose). I saw in the pics, there was one. Any ideas? Sorry if I meandered off topic.

[GRRRR8]

I just noticed something. When I pull the engine cover off, there is no rail going across the intake (fuel rail I suppose). I saw in the pics, there was one. Any ideas? Sorry if I meandered off topic.

Take a pic or bring it by so I can see.

[UGotSmkd]

Take a pic or bring it by so I can see.

My fault. It's there:) I never really looked.

[Executor999]

I know there are electric pumps that allow you to change your oil topside, but is there a similar electric pump that allows you to remove coolant from the radiator without having to put the car on ramps and draining it from the bottom?

[Top Speed]

A siphon would work.

[Executor999]

Okay, so I found an $11 siphon pump that is designed for fluid transfer such as anti-freeze, but does anyone know the engine capacity for coolant? I need to know how many empty containers I need. The reason I have to do it this way is my garage is too narrow to use ramps and be safe about it, and my HOA won't allow me to do car work on the street. So it's either this way or let the dealership do it, and I don't trust them to cut the hoses to length or connect them at the firewall properly. :)
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=WMR-W1145&N=700+4294820671+115&autoview=sku

Thanks in advance.

[GRRRR8]

Someone hand a pitcher they set under the hoses and drained into that, but about 2 gallons should be plenty. You will still lose a little bit when you pull the hoses, but not much.

[sstruck383]

Looks a little more crowded to change plugs on that side in the pictures, how does it look in person?

[GRRRR8]

I put the headers on with them in place and considering the plugs are designed to be changed at 100k(I check them every 30k for customers) I think it is well worth it.

[sstruck383]

Yea...I don't wait till 100k with the extra spark advance from tuning, etc. I usually do it every 40-50k.

[Executor999]

I finally installed the heater hose relocation kit. Check it out!
http://www.danielhower.com/g8/g823.jpg
http://www.danielhower.com/g8/g824.jpg

[GRRRR8]

Very nice work Dan! I must say, you have come a long way since we 1st met.

[Executor999]

Thanks! That means a lot. :)

[Chewy]

Ok I finally got time and installed mine today as well as the silicon upper radiator hose from jeTTT. All went pretty smooth. I ended up adding 1.5 gallons of new coolant as well. I just bought the 50/50 dex-cool. Even moved my HSRK to the scoop.

Looks and works great!

Thanks Charlie!

[GRRRR8]

:woohoo: They were about to be collector items! lol

[Chewy]

I know right? lol

I was going to try to catch and reuse the coolant but for 12 bucks a gallon I said screw it! I caught it and will recycle it. I don't pollute...

That bottom rad hose... Yeah it's going to have to wait for sure. DAMN!

I do have to say that by adding the top silicon hose the radiator doesn't move as much with the Vararam. Stiffer hose! Sweet!

[GRRRR8]

I knew you liked stiffer hoses! :rofl:

[Chewy]

I totally knew SOMEONE was going to use that... Of course it was you... lol

[GRRRR8]

I have to make up for lost time! I have been busy. :)

[gtp40th]

OK.. here is a stupid one.. Whats the point of relocate the heater hose??
Thanks

[edmanet]

OK.. here is a stupid one.. Whats the point of relocate the heater hose??
Thanks

To make Charlie some more $$$$$$$

Let's see if I learned something. Its to move the heat from the hoses
away from the manifold so you can run cooler to make more power.

[GRRRR8]

The factory ones are ugly. To get them off the intake. To be able to use different engine covers.

[GeorgeInNePa]

To make Charlie some more $$$$$$$

Let's see if I learned something. Its to move the heat from the hoses
away from the manifold so you can run cooler to make more power.

That's why I bought them.

I don't care what something looks like, I'm a form follows function kind of guy.

If the factory hoses didn't lay on the intake and fuel rail, I'd still have those. Heat is the enemy.

You could zip tie the hoses away from the intake, but that is bending them against the factory molded bends and with my luck they'd be spewing Dexcool everywhere the first time I went on a road trip.

[McCall]

Got mine installed. Very straight forward except having to deal with those #$@$@ factory clamps.

Charlie, the only thing I would recommend is to add a slip of paper that states:

Front Hose - Passenger side
Rear Hose - Driver's side

I had to keep double checking/looking at the factory one while finalizing the install. Thanks!

Here's the final pic (including the bolt kit)

http://mccall.smugmug.com/photos/535077524_HZvcX-L.jpg

[GRRRR8]

I posted detailed pics when they 1st came out so you could clearly see how they went. I even tried other clamps too. They looked cheap and the ones at the firewall were a bitch to try and tighten.

[McCall]

I posted detailed pics when they 1st came out so you could clearly see how they went. I even tried other clamps too. They looked cheap and the ones at the firewall were a bitch to try and tighten.

Oh, I agree the factory clamps are best to re-use, they still suck to work with. :)

And, yes I used your pictures for reference but having something "right there" without having to have my laptop sitting next the car would have been helpful. No biggie. Thanks again!

[WhiteDeathLSX]

Heater Hose install is done. Easy install except for those evil factory clamps! Caused me to lose some knuckle skin.... However, the engine bay is looking much better now!

[VaderzV8]

hey guys does anyone know if these hoses will mess w/my rotofab engine covers?

[GRRRR8]

hey guys does anyone know if these hoses will mess w/my rotofab engine covers?

I leave them long so they can be custom fit to ANY engine cover/coil cover set up.

[DarkPhoenix]

Got mine installed. Very straight forward except having to deal with those #$@$@ factory clamps.

Charlie, the only thing I would recommend is to add a slip of paper that states:

Front Hose - Passenger side
Rear Hose - Driver's side

I had to keep double checking/looking at the factory one while finalizing the install. Thanks!

Here's the final pic (including the bolt kit)

http://mccall.smugmug.com/photos/535077524_HZvcX-L.jpg

Looks great!!!
Did you trim the hoses any? I am trying to figure out how long is the longest for when I install my holden fuel rail covers.

[JTRATX]

Now start the car, fill the radiator (you did remember to put the plug back, right? ;) ) and pour the remaining coolant back into the overflow bottle. Put the heater on and let the car come up to temp. If the heater blows hot air and there is no puddle forming under the car, you did it right.



To bleed the system, do you leave off the radiator cap to let the air bubbles escape like the old school way, or is there some bleed screw??

[GRRRR8]

To bleed the system, do you leave off the radiator cap to let the air bubbles escape like the old school way, or is there some bleed screw??

Fill the radiator until it will not take any more with the engine off, put the cap on. Start the engine and turn the heater on(THIS IS A MUST!!!), slowly remove cap and make sure it is still full, now check coolant tank and make sure it is full on the dipstick(not just touching the stick, but FULL ON THE STICK) get in car and hold rpms at 16-1800 until heat is hot, watch temp gauge while doing this, if it goes past 1/2 way, shut it off and let it cool, remove cap and add. These cars bleed pretty easy if the heater is on. Once you are done and the temp gauge and all is well, let it sit for a few hours and recheck level in radiator and coolant tank and you are good to go.

[MoonPie]

Installed today, had it on the to do list since 1839

[rez0nance]

Installed today, had it on the to do list since 1839

LOL I know the feeling... Those hoses have been sitting in my closet waiting for me to install them for months now. SO DAMN BUSY lately...

[popsicle]

I think the hardest part for me was trying to figure out how to turn on the heat.