HALP BG, WTF is this hose? (Car Issue Related)

[Zansho]

Mom's car D:

It's leaking, and I'm not 100% sure it's coolant, as it doesn't have the same thickness, nor smell. This is the hose in question - and if it helps, 2000 Saturn LS2 -V6 3.0 liter. She said it was leaking once the AC unit was turned of and she parked - she came back to see a huge puddle of "water" (which made me think condensation, and blew it off), and I just refilled her coolant to max level after the engine cooled down (maybe 1/2 a quart, if that.).

The thing that has me stumped is that it looks like it's going to the firewall, and makes me think it's AC unit related hose - but does AC use coolant? And I don't think AC leaks will make a car's engine smoke a bit like you burned coolant either.

Anyways, pics since I think it'll help illustrate better which hose. It's leaking right at the connection to the firewall/hose.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8...6b6c2bee_b.jpg

Close up pic:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8...d6693d63_b.jpg

[Barada]

It may be a heater hose or heater return hose. Most cars use the engine coolant to generate heat for the heater.

[FNH]

It may be a heater hose or heater return hose. Most cars use the engine coolant to generate heat for the heater.

AC lines are right above it so heater is likely.

[Zansho]

So it's a possible heater core issue - I just want to replace the hose which looks very straightforward, but one problem.. GM wants to gouge me for 50 bucks for a CLIP to hold the fucking hose in place.

[Dimmauk]

AC lines are right above it so heater is likely.

This. Does it look worn out, or maybe its just clogged?

[FNH]

So it's a possible heater core issue - I just want to replace the hose which looks very straightforward, but one problem.. GM wants to gouge me for 50 bucks for a CLIP to hold the fucking hose in place.

$15 at advance
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...y-air_20891595

or just the clip for $5
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...tions_17191045

but I would replace the whole thing if it's 12 years old


edit: c-c-c-combo breaker

[Dimmauk]

AC lines are right above it so heater is likely.

This. Does it look worn out, or maybe its just clogged?

[pwrstnd1]

That's your heater hose,it has rubber seals in the end sealing it to the pipe coming out(pipe is part of the heater core). The clip just holds it in place,you will need to replace the hose,trying to find the seals will be more of a waste of time than just getting a replacement hose.Hopefully you put Dex-cool anti-freeze in it(orange) and not green coolant.

[Zansho]

Yes, I put in Dex Cool - not the green shit. And yeah, I might as well replace the entire hose and clamps while I'm at it. The clips that held the previous hose are useless, and the o-ring is worthless also - it's cracked and probably the reason why it was leaking.

I'll do a radiator flush at the same time, and refill with dexcool while I'm at it - I might as well look at the heater core as well. Thanks guys, it was a bit of a stumping issue for me!

[Brill Weave]

AAA rep checking in. I'm 99.999999% positive that is your heater hose as others above me have posted. Without looking at it in person I obviously can't tell you 100% but it sure as shit looks like it. What your describing fits it to a T.