Heat Out Of 2002 Exped Vents Is Just Not Hot Enough

[Ted Rund]

So, after viewing a bunch of You Tubes on flushing a heater core, I decided to bite. The thing is, in all the videos I am told to disconnect the 2 hoses going into the heater core at the cowI. In every video there are always 2 hoses, no more no less.
When I open my hood, of course, things look a little bit different. (See the photos below, close up and far.)
It seems like I have a T connection in each hose prior to entering the core.
No one has T connections in the videos.

Before I get started on this project, I'd like to know what these additional hoses are going DOWN out of the T junctions. Can anyone help?
Thanks, Ted

 

[Hamfisted]

They go to your rear HVAC unit's heater core. It's possible the vehicles used in the videos didn't have a rear HVAC system (optional ), so they wouldn't have the Tee's .

In your photos it looks like a previous owner has already installed a flush kit in the heater hoses. You attach your garden hose there and take the other hose apart where that other plastic coupler is, and flush that way. You don't need to remove your heater hoses. Use ViseGrips to pinch off that hose going to the front of the engine, or wherever you want the flushing water directed.








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[Trainmaster]

Flushing will get you some heat, but it will probably only help for a season or two. Eventually you'll need to replace the heater core. Try to flush counter to the regular flow. This way you'll carry out the mung.

Let us know how you make out.

 

[Ted Rund]

Hamfisted and Trainmaster,
Thanks for your responses. Much appreciated.
Further....from looking at my photos, can it be discerned whether the hose with the add-on flush cap is the inlet to, or outlet from, the heater core? If you can't tell, is there another way to tell inlet from outlet? Once I know, I am gonna label them for the future.

Also, you got me thinking...don't I need an additional flush out on the hose that doesn't have one? Where would be the proper placement for it? Why would anyone just install on one side only?
Best
Ted

 

[Hamfisted]

The cap covers the garden hose INLET fitting. You'll need the female/female garden hose fitting from Home Depot to actually connect your garden hose to it. You have to release the hose clamps on the other hose and pull it apart to serve as an OUTFLOW or you will overpressurize the system and do possible damage.. That is just a plastic coupler in that hose, pull the hoses apart. The vehicle could've had these poor heating issues before, and that is why the previous owner went to the trouble of installing the flush kit. But eventually just got rid of the Expy.


Female to Female Hose Adapter at Home Depot



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[Ted Rund]

Hamfisted,
That makes a lot of sense. I am ready to do this on my first warmer day. When I pull apart that other OUTLET hose, should I add in another flush port when I put it back together? Seems like a good time to add it.
Ted

 

[Hamfisted]

Hamfisted,
That makes a lot of sense. I am ready to do this on my first warmer day. When I pull apart that other OUTLET hose, should I add in another flush port when I put it back together? Seems like a good time to add it.
Ted

I'd leave it like it is and just separate the hose there at the coupler. If you put a Tee fitting there, some of the fluid your want to get out of the system will just pass by the Tee and continue in the system. With the hose disconnected it all just flushes out. You probably are supposed to connect a length of 5/8" heater hose to the coupling to go into a bucket so you can see what you're flushing out. See how much grime or rust or whatever is going into the bucket, and flush till it's clear.






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[Trainmaster]

You don't mention where you are, but when you are done make sure you have enough anti-freeze in the system and get the air out.

 

[Ted Rund]

Thanks Hamfisted and Trainmaster for this extra advice. I will follow these pointers. BTW, I am In NY.