Hello all - after reading multiple posts and watching a bunch of videos about doing the heater T replacement - which was all good prep - I did this job for the first time today on both my 2000 LC and newly acquired 2000 LX470.
Three out of four heater tees broke off during removal, leaving chunks or entire end in the hoses. I was sort of panicking wondering how I could get the remaining bits out. Videos showed using a pick, a screwdriver, pliers, etc. but none of those were going to work to completely remove the remnants of the tees. Digging through my tools seeing what else I might have that could be better, I laid eyes on the perfect tool for the job… a paint can opener. Inserted into the hose center past the debris with the flat ‘hook’ pressed against the inside of the hose, it brings out any chunks, pieces, etc in front of it. Just work around the hose inserting in center then pulling out against the hose. For entire pipe end in one hose, I just work it out pulling on alternate sides slowly. I bent the hose down when possible to have gravity assist.
It works so well I thought I should make a post to share with anyone who is going to be doing this job on their 100 series.
Cheers!
Three out of four heater tees broke off during removal, leaving chunks or entire end in the hoses. I was sort of panicking wondering how I could get the remaining bits out. Videos showed using a pick, a screwdriver, pliers, etc. but none of those were going to work to completely remove the remnants of the tees. Digging through my tools seeing what else I might have that could be better, I laid eyes on the perfect tool for the job… a paint can opener. Inserted into the hose center past the debris with the flat ‘hook’ pressed against the inside of the hose, it brings out any chunks, pieces, etc in front of it. Just work around the hose inserting in center then pulling out against the hose. For entire pipe end in one hose, I just work it out pulling on alternate sides slowly. I bent the hose down when possible to have gravity assist.
It works so well I thought I should make a post to share with anyone who is going to be doing this job on their 100 series.
Cheers!
