Overheating and coolant leaking?

CANDIRMR23

MEMBER
2008 SATURN OUTLOOK
3.6L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
208,000 MILES

About 3 days ago, my truck started overheating as I got on the freeway. In just a matter of seconds, the temperature gauge went from the middle all the way to the maximum, and the dash said, "Engine Overheating. Turn Off Engine", and the bells started singing. The battery power was draining, and it wouldn't accelerate as I pressed the gas. I was moving very slowly as I merged off the freeway. Today, I had a friend take a look at it, and as we poured water into the radiator, it was all pouring out from a hose that had broken off of a "T" shaped fitting with clamps connecting 3 different hoses together. I need to know what this broken hose is called so I can buy the part to have it replaced, and if one of these hoses needs to be replaced do all 3 hoses need to be replaced all together, or can I just replace the one?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,872 POSTS

Hi,

Based on what you are saying, it sounds like it could be a heater hose supply. Does the vehicle have rear heating and AC?

Do me a favor. Take a look at the pics I attached below and let me know if that is what you referring to. If you can take a pic of the damaged part and upload it for me to see, that would help.

If it is a plastic three-way connector, take it to the parts store with you and see if you can just get the connector. If you purchase the entire unit, it gets expensive.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Sunday, May 21st, 2023 AT 8:55 PM

CANDIRMR23

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello,

Thank you so much for your expertise. That part was exactly what I was talking about, and so yes, I took the part to O'Reilly's, and they were able to recommend a universal Tee shaped connector because I guess they don't sell just that part by itself. You either have to buy the whole Heater Core Hose Assembly, which was all 3 hoses already connected to the Tee, or just a hose. Well, thank God for universal things because the entire assembly was about $172, but I only paid $5.99 for the universal part, and it worked. No more coolant leaks, and no more overheating. My car is back to normal thanks to your excellent advice. Thanks again.

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Sunday, May 21st, 2023 AT 10:58 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,872 POSTS

Hi,

You are very welcome. I'm glad to know it's fixed. And yep, the assembly was very expensive. Interesting that adding three dollar's worth of heater hose can cause the price to go so high. LOL

Regardless, you take care, and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe

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Monday, May 22nd, 2023 AT 3:03 PM