2001 Cobra Firewall Heater Hose Leak

[Seth]

Okay.. So I went to go to lunch with a friend. I noticed the cobra was leaking something. I checked, and it was the anti-freeze. I went to the store, after we ate (we went in his truck), and I got some antifreeze to fill up the antifreeze reservoir. I was driving back home and before long the temperature gauge was red lined. It appears that I only need to change the part in the picture. This is the first "issue" I have ever had with my car.

It is leaking from the left hose. The one that in pointing at with the flashlight.

So what exactly is the part that I need to fix it? A universal hose? Also, will I have to drain the system of antifreeze before I change it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[3B99SVT]

I'm not sure you can use a universal hose w/the type of end(s) the hose has plus the bends it has for such a short hose. I recommend checking for the bolt that sticks out of the firewall and shortening it some. I'm not sure why it's so long but I've heard it has caused a lot of leaks.

You don't have to drain the system completely to change the hose. I'd just take enough out of the petcock on the radiator to not make a mess when you pull the hose off. When you refill your system make sure you follow the correct procedure. A quick search should give you a lot of info. I had my front end on ramps and filled from the coolant crossover w/a funnel shoved in it. I always had a little coolant in the funnel. Get the temp high enough for the thermostat to open and it should burp the system properly. Top off w/coolant as needed (no air gap should be in the coolant crossover) before you put the coolant crossover cap back on.

 

[2001cobravert]

I had to replace mine over the summer. Cjpp sells a kit but they're just napa hoses. Here are the 2 hoses: 11729 & 11062. I used regular metal hose clamps and had zero issues. I cut that stupid screw sticking out and recommend you do as well.
http://www.cjponyparts.com/1996-2002-cobra-heater-hoses-at-firewall/p/HH16/
Hope this helps.

 

[pdm]

You can use a hack saw/cutoff wheel/dremel to remove that crimped on collar (the silver piece) from the disconnect elbow and just replace the hose. If you need a new elbow, they are not cheap: XC2Z-18B402-BA (KT-90) from Tasca or Rock Auto.

The Napa 11729 hose mentioned above fits a 99 cobra or a 01 without the disconnect elbow. You should be able to cut the Napa hose to fit the elbow for a much cleaner install.

As already mentioned, cut that stupid long sheet metal screw sticking out of the firewall!!

 

[Seth]

After 3-1/2 days. I finally got her fixed. I ended up having to rig something up myself. I bought a 1" brass hose connector (coupling), two clamps, and a 1" piece of hose. I then stuck one side of the coupling into the OEM hose and clamped it down. I proceeded to do the same to the other side with a new hose that was cut to length. Then I just shoved it back on the spout and clamped that down. Filled the car back up with antifreeze.. Runs like a charm now.

 

[3B99SVT]

Glad to hear you got it fixed. Did you trim down that stud sticking out of the firewall while you were working in the area?