Heater T’s leaking (3 Viewers)

[WTITW]

Looks like I’ve encountered the three dollar part that could tank my engine. At least it should be three dollars but lexus only sells the entire set of hoses and clips, clamps and T’s together as a kit. $300

Anyone replaced these with brass and know the size?

 

[Acrad]

Yikes… You have a prize on that one. I haven’t seen anyone report that leak since I’ve had mine over the last 8.5 years. I’ll see if I can find the size.

 

[Acrad]

Do you have a caliper to measure hose and “T”?

 

[rav8]

This one?

If you don't require a stock part...here.

Lots of frugal solutions beyond those two. Local parts or hardware store probably has something that will work in stock. Good luck!

 

[r2m]

I had the same thing happen on our old 10 series LC's. The hose was right next to the firewall and the Tee connection was plastic.
I went to our local hardware store and purchased brass Tee fitting of the right size and some stainless steel hose clamps.
If your hose is still good, just get some brass Tee fittings and hose clamps and call it done. I never had an issue again with our Landcruisers.

 

[WTITW]

This one?

Yeah, thats one of two though. I want to do both sunce they are (I assume) the same plastic.

Grabbed a couple $7 replacements. One 5/8 and one 3/4 just in case it went this weekend. Going to look gor brass ones with bulges rather than barbs when I get a chance.

I wanted to make sure I have backup since Im on the trail this weekend. Although this wouldn’t be a bad place to have to spend and extra night.

 

[r2m]

The plastic ones on our LC's, the plastic was so broken down it was literally crumbling. I had to pull out little chunks with a toothpick before using the brass fitting.
I'd replace them now before they fail.

 

[thescreensavers]

The plastic ones on our LC's, the plastic was so broken down it was literally crumbling. I had to pull out little chunks with a toothpick before using the brass fitting.
I'd replace them now before they fail.

On my G37 there is a plastic hose union to the heater core that has essentially near 100% failure rate after 10+ years, when I saw how many plastic Ts, Unions the GX has it got me a little worried. I'll probably replace them all with metal at some point before 10 years

 

[WTITW]

I just decided to order both hose replacement kits with all the rubber and plastic. Might as well do it all and a flush while I'm at it. I didn't want to change the T and then have a hose go six months later. I've got 210K If the next set lasts that long, they'll likely outlast the truck, considering I'm towing like crazy now.

Bell Lexus had both for $175, so a little better than the dealership I ran into last week, but still pricey.

 

[Seavs]

I just decided to order both hose replacement kits with all the rubber and plastic. Might as well do it all and a flush while I'm at it. I didn't want to change the T and then have a hose go six months later. I've got 210K If the next set lasts that long, they'll likely outlast the truck, considering I'm towing like crazy now.

Bell Lexus had both for $175, so a little better than the dealership I ran into last week, but still pricey.

Since you mentioned towing a lot more, how are you liking the FCPs with the trailer weight? Have you added any 'helpers' to the springs?

 

[WTITW]

Since you mentioned towing a lot more, how are you liking the FCPs with the trailer weight? Have you added any 'helpers' to the springs?

Yeah, I added Airride helper bags. I'm pulling around 5K, and it definitely needs it at freeway speeds. No complaints about the FCP's. I updated my milage log and realized I've pulled this thing 6K miles in the last 6 months so definitely well tested.

My conclusions:
Trans: You definitely need a trans cooler with the GX, pinning the thermostat is good for 5-10° on flat ground but that goes away on any moderate climb. I never use 6th, rarely 5th. Mostly live in 3-4 on any hills, sometimes 2nd at 45MPH on passes.
Suspension: Helper bags required. You could do a weight distributing hitch, and I still may, but they have to be detached at the trailhead. FCP's handle it great, but you have to add capacity to offset the tongue weight. I wouldn't want springs that stiff with no load, so helper bags were my choice.
Fuel: 12mpg typical for me, averaging around 60MPH. Was more like 8mpg with the slightly heavier 40ft. trailer I rented a couple years ago so drag is the biggest factor.
Engine: Seems to do fine other than the passes. Wish I had a 5.3L

 

[r2m]

I just decided to order both hose replacement kits with all the rubber and plastic. Might as well do it all and a flush while I'm at it. I didn't want to change the T and then have a hose go six months later. I've got 210K If the next set lasts that long, they'll likely outlast the truck, considering I'm towing like crazy now.

Bell Lexus had both for $175, so a little better than the dealership I ran into last week, but still pricey.

Will you be replacing all the plastic Tee's with brass?

 

[WTITW]

No. First set lasted 201K.... The brass ones I found were either A: $40 each for good ones with bulge or B: barbed. I don't want to go with barbed and worm gear clamps. Would rather stick with OEM. The $40 option was great, but for $80 I get the T and new hoses (times two of course) so I think OEM is the way to go to be safe.

 

[Acrad]

On my G37 there is a plastic hose union to the heater core that has essentially near 100% failure rate after 10+ years, when I saw how many plastic Ts, Unions the GX has it got me a little worried. I'll probably replace them all with metal at some point before 10 years

OT

Mine didn't fail on '07 G35x (V36) but replaced all the hoses and unions proactively at 100k miles and also replaced the bleeders with aluminum Z1 Motorsport bleeder valves. I put in a second once since the G can be a real pain to bleed the system of air.

Z1 Aluminum Coolant Bleeder Port - Heater Hose

www.z1motorsports.com