Gruven heater core T-connectors

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Larryjb

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I agree. I'd replace all the plastic connectors with a coolant change, and definitely with ACDelco. Change the heater hoses as well, especially the "Y".
 

thompsoj22

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Just crawling under and looking around on the 08 xl denali and noticed the rear heat has the same plastic disconnects/hoses. I just finished replacing the hoses/T's under the hood. Are the rear heat components/hoses that are located at the back of the vehicle failing at the same rate??
 

Rocket Man

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Just crawling under and looking around on the 08 xl denali and noticed the rear heat has the same plastic disconnects/hoses. I just finished replacing the hoses/T's under the hood. Are the rear heat components/hoses that are located at the back of the vehicle failing at the same rate??
I’ve never heard of one those failing, in fact this is the first I’ve even heard they are back there. I wonder if it’s because the rear heaters are rarely used so the hot coolant isn’t circulating through those very often?
 
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I'm guessing the main cause of failures on the front ones is due to either heat from the engine or them getting stressed when hoses are moved when working on the engine.

The ones in the back aren't exposed to that.

2001 Yukon SLT
2012 Yukon Denali XL
2011 Yukon Denali RIP 5/20/18
 
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kbuskill

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I’ve never heard of one those failing, in fact this is the first I’ve even heard they are back there. I wonder if it’s because the rear heaters are rarely used so the hot coolant isn’t circulating through those very often?

The heater core in the rear has coolant flowing through it all the time... same as the front... it just has a diverter for the air flow... same as the front.

My guess is that the plastic degrades more rapidly on the front ones due to the fact that they are directly above the exhaust manifold.
 

Tonyrodz

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ivin74

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kbuskill

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Ken have you received your Gruven T connectors? Post some pictures

Just received the email where he shipped today... I'm guessing they should be here by the end of the week... there are pics of the actual parts on Gruvens website now though...

Found here...
Billet GM Heater Core Coolant Tees - Gruven Parts
https://www.gruvenparts.com/billet-gm-heater-core-coolant-tees/

Here are his pics...
rps20190625_153941_237.jpg


rps20190625_154013_271.jpg


They will ship as seen with the 2 sections of silicone hose and 4 clamps.

He is sending me hoses that are a little longer so I can cut them to the needed length and let him know what length will be required to ship.

I also went ahead and ordered this metal Dorman Y-connector for the junction at the heater hose/reservoir hose/water pump so that will eliminate ALL the plastic connectors in my system so that I don't have to worry about replacing those ever again or having them crack and leak or break and leave me, or my wife, stranded.

rps20190625_154547_765.jpg


Dorman part # 626-553

HVAC Heater Hose Assembly Dorman 626-553
 

89Suburban

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Just received the email where he shipped today... I'm guessing they should be here by the end of the week... there are pics of the actual parts on Gruvens website now though...

Found here...
Billet GM Heater Core Coolant Tees - Gruven Parts
https://www.gruvenparts.com/billet-gm-heater-core-coolant-tees/

Here are his pics...
View attachment 225584

View attachment 225585

They will ship as seen with the 2 sections of silicone hose and 4 clamps.

He is sending me hoses that are a little longer so I can cut them to the needed length and let him know what length will be required to ship.

I also went ahead and ordered this metal Dorman Y-connector for the junction at the heater hose/reservoir hose/water pump so that will eliminate ALL the plastic connectors in my system so that I don't have to worry about replacing those ever again or having them crack and leak or break and leave me, or my wife, stranded.

View attachment 225586

Dorman part # 626-553

HVAC Heater Hose Assembly Dorman 626-553


Good work on this dude. Why no nipple flange on the inlet? Not nit picking just curious is all. Nice touch adding the clamps and hoses to the kits. I may eventually order these I just can't justify the expense right now.
 
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kbuskill

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Good work on this dude. Why no nipple flange on the inlet? Not nit picking just curious is all. Nice touch adding the clamps and hoses to the kits. I may eventually order these I just can't justify the expense right now.

First of all I would like to clarify, just for the record, that I am in no way affiliated with Gruven.

I had no part in the design or manufacturing of these other than pitching the idea to Paul and sending him some original parts (plastic T-connector, and the metal ends that they attach to) for him to use in the R&D process.

As to why there is no flange on the one end... I really couldn't say.

If I had to venture a guess, my guess would be that since there is a longer length on that section for the hose to slide over it has plenty of *********** creating more friction due to the larger surface area contacting the hose making it less likely to slip off.

Combine that with the fact that the cooling system runs a relatively low pressure, approximately 15 PSI, and the odds of it blowing off are slim.

If it makes you feel any better though, it looks like there is probably enough room to stick two clamps on that side.

In return for helping him (sending him the original parts, giving feedback on the fit and finish, install pics) my compensation is a free set of these connectors that I will get to install and take pics of for him to use on his website.

Not a bad deal, even though it has taken a lot longer to come to fruition than I expected.

I do think these will be a great product. I realize they are not for everyone, and that's ok... for me even though the price seems high it is worth the piece of mind for me to never have to worry about them breaking ever again.

Just to put things into perspective from a pricing perspective...

I just paid $42 for one CAST aluminum Y-connector from Dorman.

These are solid BILLET aluminum and TIG welded so obviously the labor involved is higher to make them VS someone casting a hundred at a time.
 
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89Suburban

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Sorry if that came across as rude... I was just trying to clarify my role in this matter.

It's hard to communicate effectively through text as it sometimes comes across the wrong way... lol

It’s all good.
 

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Reading>me LOL

Some feedback from someone who's not ordered them, but might entertain the idea in the future:

- Smooth side is a turn off. It appears sized to fit the push to connect hose end, but without any provisions for actually securing it. Either add a barb for clamps, or add a lip for the stock heater hose. Feels half assed


- Cheap screw clamps aren't what I would expect for a product of this caliber. Either include spring clamps (preferred) or proper no-pinch hose clamps.
 
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