Coolant leak to rear heater

[mothlight]

Howdy! Experiencing coolant leak, took my 2000 4R into the dealer and this is what they came up with:

"Inspected and found coolant lines going to rear heater are rotted and leaking coolant. Recommend disconnecting coolant lines to rear heater."

They want $250-300 to do this. Can someone give me some advise as to how to do this myself. I am going to do this myself regardless...but I would VERY much appreciate some help!

Thanks!
Jason

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Piece of cake.

Buy 20' of rubber fuel line. 3/8".
Buy 8 hose clamps.
Buy some large zip ties.

Cut the rear heater lines off along the fire wall. (note which one goes to which side of the rear heater)
Disconnect the rear heater lines at the rear heater.
Flush out the rear heater with a garden hose.
Cut your 20' of hose in half.
Connect to both sides of the rear heater.
Run up to the fire wall.
Connect to where you cut the metal lines on the fire wall.
Use two hose clamps on each connection for good measure. (8 total clamps)
Use the zip ties to tie the rubber hose to the top of the frame rail, away from the exhaust. (don't tie them so tight that your crimp the hoses)

Problem solved, $25 total and 25 minutes of your time.

 

[Drcoffee]

Or just permanently disconnect it. Put a splice in between the two rubber hoses up where the steel rear heater lines begin on the firewall. $2 brass splice should take care of it.

If you want to restore the rear heater with OEM parts, toyotapartsaes.com sells the steel lines for about $85.

 

[mothlight]

Thanks!!!

 

[Volley]

I agree with Pitbull. I had a pretty hefty leak as well. I bought some clamps and some hose and fixed it myself in about 30 minutes. Cost = about $20 bucks. I don't use the rear heat often but it's nice to have the option as opposed to just sealing it off.