GMT800 Coolant hose "Y" connector

[ScottyBoy]

On my 2001, the "Y" connector is leaking that's made into the heater hose/coolant hose that connects the water pump, heater core, and coolant overflow bottle. This is now the THIRD hose that's leaked on my truck since purchasing it. I did purchase it in 2005, but still......
This current hose has been on the truck since around 2017 or 2018 or so, and now it's leaking right at that plastic "Y" splice. Is there a RELIABLE replacement for this hose? I just ordered a Dorman hose from Rockauto that has a metal "Y" splice and hose clamps. Should this solve my issue once and for all? Or is there an even better solution?

 

[Doubeleive]

On my 2001, the "Y" connector is leaking that's made into the heater hose/coolant hose that connects the water pump, heater core, and coolant overflow bottle. This is now the THIRD hose that's leaked on my truck since purchasing it. I did purchase it in 2005, but still......
This current hose has been on the truck since around 2017 or 2018 or so, and now it's leaking right at that plastic "Y" splice. Is there a RELIABLE replacement for this hose? I just ordered a Dorman hose from Rockauto that has a metal "Y" splice and hose clamps. Should this solve my issue once and for all? Or is there an even better solution?

the Dorman Y is metal so yes, I would use spring clamps though

 

[ScottyBoy]

Also, I had an new engine (long block) installed in my truck in January of 2023. The engine installer used regular green coolant. I've always used the Orange Dex-Cool coolant. He claims that the regular green stuff works just fine, it just needs to flushed and replaced more often than the Dex-Cool. I'm think about just flushing it out now and going back to Dex-Cool. Thoughts?

 

[strutaeng]

I've never had those hose leak at that location of the Y, but I've only put maybe like 45k since I switched from the SBC to the LS engines.

I'd say, yes, just switch to metal and hose clamps and keep.on trukin'.

Green vs Dex-cool? Eh, either is fine and yes, green has a shorter life.

I've only ever ran Dex-cool since I my first GM vehicle in 2003-ish (99 Malibu). I drain/replace it at like 75k or maybe 5-6 years, usually when replacing a water pump or something like that. Never had any sludge. I really don't see myself going back to the green stuff honestly. This is on GMT 800s daily drivers that have over 200k, as well as my other newer-ish vehicles.

I do own a GMT 400 k3500. That one had green antifreeze when I bought it, so that's what I use on it (actually last time I just dumped some "universal" coolant stuff). But I hardly ever drive that truck. Usually only like once or twice a month at most when making runs to the landfill.

For daily driver duties, racking a good amount of annual miles, Dex-cool.

 

[Marky Dissod]

... Or is there an even better solution?

Cooling Systems for GM Trucks - Gruven Parts

www.gruvenparts.com

 

[Alex_M]

I run green in everything just for the simplicity of only stocking one thing on the shelf. Won't hurt a thing.

 

[S33k3r]

Cooling Systems for GM Trucks - Gruven Parts

www.gruvenparts.com

Bookmarked that -- thanks!