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Hello all, well about 4 months ago I replaced my thermostat, housing, and almost all cooling system hoses on the truck. Now recently after this extreme cold here in Mn, I noticed I have a small to fair sized leak that I traced to this plastic coupling. Honestly not sure of the purpose of it and wonder if it can be eliminated entirely. Any insight would be very helpful!

 

That is the heater control valve. It shuts off the heater core when you have your A/C in either OFF or MAX A/C position.

The are like 20 bucks.

It can be eliminated by getting (2) 5/8 couplers ( I think its 5/8"). You also need to cap off the gray vacuum line that goes to it.

I don't know what the consequences are of getting rid of it are though. I think if you bypassed it you cabin will still be getting heat with your blower off and the max a/c wont be as efficient. This is probably not a real big concern in Minnesota though.

 

Exactly the reply I was looking for, and speedy too! Already picked up the fittings to eliminate it and some more clamps to replace the tired factory sqeeze ones. Now just need to track down the one hose you can see In the pic that I couldn't replace. It hooks to the motor near where the lower rad hose attaches. A general piece of heater hose can't make the bend, it collapses, factory one is preformed. Thanks again, appreciate it!