Quick one for ya'll.

Basically I bought a heater control valve from AutoSuck a couple months ago. Started pissing coolant like mad, and of course AutoBalls had no record of any warranty and basically said I was SOL. Oh well... break out the Dremel!

I went ahead and plugged the little vacuum line and just joined each cooresponding heater hose to itself via a coupler. Pic shows what I did.



Obviously for the larger line I used a galvanized steel fitting, which barely fit the line but is snug and not ripping/tearing. Has about 1/2" of coverage over the fitting on each side, which is what the clamp is holding to. The fitting itself is not smooth, and offers resistance to sliding. Is this gonna be ok?

For the second set of smaller hoses, I cut a section of aluminum tubing I had. It is about 1/8" thick around the circumference, with the hoses holding about 1" per side. My question is will the aluminum have any issues with the heat of the coolant or the chemical properties of the coolant itself (standard 50/50 mix).

Thanks yall!

 

Should work fine but you'll have no temp control. It will either be full hot or nothing.

 

Not true at all!!

The heater blend air door really controls the heat. The heater control valve is a redundant system to shut coolant OFF to the heater core when the AC is on. I have eliminated the HCV on 3 Jeeps in Arizona and the heat is NOT on all the time. AC works well in summer, too. The factory eliminated the same valve in later years.

 

My heater has a "full hot" option?!?!?!?!?! I thought they only had a "semi-warm" option lol.

 

I completely agree. But I would go a head and just replace the hoses when you get a chance. That way you won't have to worry about it leaking. Also I wouldn't even bother to replace heater control valve. You don't need it.

 

Oh trust me, As soon as I can I'm gonna replace with longer hose. But for now, since the wallet is empty, this is my "im desperate" fix. So the aluminum will have no issue with heat or corrosion?

 

I did not know this. I stand corrected! Next time I won't be so stressed about repairing that stupid plastic thing before winter comes!

 

as long as its galvanized... otherwise yes it will rust rather quickly

 

Your fine with steel and aluminum. They're used in engines all the time. Couldn't say weather or not there might be some sort of electrolytic action with galvanized steel though. I found the OD of copper plumbing pipe fittings works in 5/8 hose.
I seem to remember my 90 getting pretty toasty with some sort of valve issue. Was around 95? they went to the "blend door". Would never want to disagree with Cruiser. (always a bad idea!). Maybe I had/have some other issue with my doors, but both me and the dog there,< didn't care for extra heat on a hot day.