Dorman 47118 Plastic Heater Hose Tee Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Dorman 47118 Plastic Heater Hose Tee is an automotive component designed to facilitate the branching of heater hoses within a vehicle's cooling system. This tee allows for the proper routing of coolant to various parts of the heating system, ensuring efficient operation. It is constructed from durable plastic and is engineered for a secure fit with 3/4 inch diameter heater hoses.

Figure 1: Front view of the Dorman 47118 Plastic Heater Hose Tee.

2. Specifications

3. Safety Information

Working with automotive cooling systems involves potential hazards. Adhere to the following safety guidelines:

• Always ensure the engine is completely cool before attempting any work on the cooling system. Hot coolant and engine components can cause severe burns.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves, to protect against coolant exposure.
• Be prepared for coolant spills. Have absorbent materials ready and dispose of used coolant according to local environmental regulations.
• Never open a hot radiator cap or coolant reservoir cap.
• Refer to your vehicle's service manual for specific safety precautions and procedures.

4. Installation

This section outlines general steps for installing the Dorman 47118 Plastic Heater Hose Tee. Specific vehicle procedures may vary. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for detailed instructions.

Required Tools:

• Hose clamp pliers or screwdriver (depending on clamp type)
• Coolant drain pan
• New coolant (if necessary)
• Utility knife or hose cutter (if cutting hoses)

Installation Steps:

1. Preparation: Ensure the engine is completely cool. Place a drain pan beneath the radiator or a suitable point in the cooling system. Drain a sufficient amount of coolant to lower the level below the heater hose connections where the tee will be installed.
2. Locate Installation Point: Identify the existing heater hose connection or the section of hose where the tee needs to be integrated.
3. Remove Existing Component (if applicable): If replacing an old tee or a section of hose, carefully loosen and remove the hose clamps. Disconnect the hoses and remove the old component.
4. Prepare Hoses: Ensure the ends of the heater hoses are clean, smooth, and free from any damage or debris. If cutting a hose to insert the tee, make clean, straight cuts.
5. Install Tee: Slide the Dorman 47118 Plastic Heater Hose Tee into the ends of the 3/4 inch heater hoses. Ensure that each hose is fully seated onto the barb of the tee. The barbs are designed to create a tight seal.
6. Secure Connections: Position new or existing hose clamps over each connection point. Use appropriate hose clamps (e.g., worm-drive clamps) and tighten them securely to prevent leaks. Avoid overtightening, which can damage the plastic tee or the hoses.
7. Refill Coolant: Refill the cooling system with the vehicle manufacturer's recommended coolant to the appropriate level.
8. Bleed Air: Follow your vehicle manufacturer's specific procedure for bleeding air from the cooling system. This often involves running the engine with the heater on and the reservoir cap off until air bubbles are expelled.
9. Inspect for Leaks: Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. Carefully inspect all connections around the newly installed tee for any signs of coolant leaks. Address any leaks immediately by re-tightening clamps or re-seating hoses.

Figure 2: Angled view of the Dorman 47118 Plastic Heater Hose Tee, showing the part number marking.

5. Operation

The Dorman 47118 Plastic Heater Hose Tee is a passive component within the automotive cooling system. Once correctly installed, it functions by directing the flow of engine coolant through the heater hoses to facilitate the vehicle's heating and defrosting systems. It does not require active user operation.

6. Maintenance

Regular inspection of the Dorman 47118 Plastic Heater Hose Tee and surrounding cooling system components is recommended as part of routine vehicle maintenance:

• Periodically check the tee and connected hoses for any signs of wear, cracks, swelling, or hardening.
• Inspect hose clamps for proper tightness. Loose clamps can lead to leaks, while overtightened clamps can damage hoses or the tee.
• Look for any coolant residue or stains around the tee, which may indicate a slow leak.
• If any damage or significant wear is observed, the tee should be replaced to prevent cooling system failures.

7. Troubleshooting

Most issues related to a heater hose tee involve leaks or improper coolant flow.

• Coolant Leaks at Connections:
  • Ensure all hose clamps are properly tightened.
  • Verify that the heater hoses are fully seated onto the barbs of the tee.
  • Inspect the hoses themselves for cracks or damage near the connection points.
  • Check the plastic tee for any cracks or manufacturing defects. If damaged, replace the tee.
• Insufficient Heater Performance:
  • This is less likely to be directly caused by the tee itself unless it is severely clogged (uncommon for a new part).
  • Check for air pockets in the cooling system, which can impede coolant flow to the heater core. Bleed the system as per vehicle manufacturer instructions.
  • Inspect other cooling system components such as the thermostat, water pump, and heater core for proper function.

8. Warranty and Support

Specific warranty details for the Dorman 47118 Plastic Heater Hose Tee are not provided within this instruction manual. For comprehensive warranty information, technical assistance, or customer support, please refer to the official Dorman Products website or contact their customer service department directly. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.