LS1 Heater inlet hose location?

**z28-blur** · 05-11-2010, 05:42 AM

Hey guys if someone could give me a picture or tell me where the heater inlet hose is on a 2000 z28 Camaro that would be appreciated.

I would like to install a flush kit but can't for the life of me find out where the proper hose is; even after plenty of searching.

**pajeff02** · 05-11-2010, 05:51 AM

I haven't used a flush kit in 20 plus years -- seriously, I would not cut that hose as it is a rather expensive and difficult assembly to replace. Rather, drop the coolant out of the radiator and block. There are two (2) block drains -- a large threaded plug that takes a 17mm allen head behind the alternator on the driver side and a smaller 5/16" (it's probably metric, but this had the tightest fit) allen head plug above the starter.

Once these are pulled, you can also pop the heater hoses off the side of the water pump (passenger side front of engine) and then flush everything with water. Per the factory service manual a chemical flush is NOT recommended. You'll also want to remove the thermostat and radiator hoses to flush everything out until the water runs clean. I alternate spraying water into all the hoses and inlets/outlets to flush everything out real good, including the heater core.

On fill up, be very careful about air locking the thermostat. Keep an eye on your temps and feel the radiator hoses to see if the thermostat is opening. I did a slow fill on our car and rocked and bounced it on the suspension to help work the air out.

**z28-blur** · 05-11-2010, 05:53 AM

Sounds good pajeff02 will do.

Quick question, is it absolutely necessary to remove the block drains?

**pajeff02** · 05-11-2010, 06:04 AM

There is actually quite a bit of fluid that remains in the engine if they are not pulled. You can get the 17mm allen head in a kit at most parts stores for about $10-$12. Upon reinstallation, I used a paste thread sealant and haven't had a problem.

**sjsingle1** · 05-11-2010, 06:19 AM

i just used a short piece of hose to join up with the stock hose so i did not have to cut......i use the HH outlet close to the radiator

**pajeff02** · 05-11-2010, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by sjsingle1

i just used a short piece of hose to join up with the stock hose so i did not have to cut......i use the HH outlet close to the radiator

Good idea. I like that better than slicing the stock hose.

**sjsingle1** · 05-11-2010, 06:26 AM

the lady that had the car before me never did anything to the coolant...............the coolant tank was FULL of sludge.........figured a flush was in order

**Cutlass** · 05-11-2010, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by sjsingle1

i just used a short piece of hose to join up with the stock hose so i did not have to cut......i use the HH outlet close to the radiator

me too.
And to answer the OP's question, the smaller hose is the heater core inlet...meaning it feeds the heater core coolant. The larger hose is the return hose.