I'm fed up with my leaking HCV and am, finally, about to eliminate it by running the heater hoses straight to the core. But I can't seem to find the correct hoses, especially the 11/16-one. Could someone point me in the right direction?

Also, is the shutoff valve in the core the same on 97+ as on earlier models (read somewhere about plastic vs. metal)? Mostly worried about the heat with the AC on.

 

12/16" or 3/4" hose is available at virtually any auto parts store and replaces the factory 11/16" hose perfectly. The small hose is 5/8". '97 up XJs do not have a heater control valve.....the factory eliminated it.

 

Took me awhile (too long) to realize that 12/16 is the same as 3/4...
Eurotrash, yes sir.

 

I would do just like you said. Remove the HCV. It's not needed. Like djb383 said. 3/4 and 5/8 hose all you need.