I was getting ambitious and decided to replace all coolant hoses, flush the cooling system, and replace the thermostat on my 2000 SSEi. But when I tried to disconnect the heater hose going into the firewall, I couldn't believe how tight the working space is in trying to get the clamps off of the hoses. I am too proud to take it into the dealer at this point (after buying all the parts) because I'm sure they have some special expensive tool to reach back into the depths of the firewall and get at these clamps. I tried buying hose clamp pliers with a cable extension from Advance Auto ($49.95) but the fixture was too big to fit the small heater hose clamps. Does anyone out there have some quick solutions for this issue or do I just need to return the radiator hoses, heater hoses, thermostat, and coolant and go to the dealer for the service? Please say no!!

I've not had hoses deteriorate in a long time on GM cars. My 98 has 150K and I've had no problems. My 93 had 150k when traded and none had given the signs of trouble. They are made much better than they were in the 70s and 80s. Unless you see softening or bulging or other signs of deterioration, I wouldn't waste my money.

the coolant hoses dont seem to brake on these cars like they did on older cars. I would replace everything else. On these cars they have issues with the coolant elbow and coolant leaks on the lower intake manifold gaskets. I'm guessing you purchased a 180* t-stat?

If you have a leak replace the coolant hose, if no leak keep driving, I've had 6 3800 cars now and never once had problems with the coolant hoses, I have had more problems with coolant leaking internally becuase of failed intake manifold gaskets. If you want to insure long life of the motor return everything and put in new aluminum framed intake gaskets and DO NOT use dexcool.

No real reason to thow parts at it though unless we have indenfied a problem, I have over 150,000 miles on my 2000 SSEi and no problems with the intake gaskets yet and theyve never been replaced.

Hans,
Thanks for the reply. Based on your previous answers to others, I truly respect your opinion. I will just wait and see if the hoses fail. How hard is it to replace the intake manifold gaskets? Do you have to take the supercharger off? I hate to ask dumb questions but I haven't even looked at this yet. Thanks.

Can you put your year and model in your signature for us so we know what you drive in your future posts?

The SC doesn't have to come off to do the LIM gaskets, but you may find it easier. It'* a good opportunity to remove the TB for a good scrubbing too (article in Techinfo on that). For a first-timer, you'll want to reserve about 4-6 hours (37 beers) for the job. As you get comfortable with it, you should be able to do the job in about 2 hours (36 beers).

Thanks will,
I will look into Techinfo on the procedure to replace the gaskets. I have updated my profile to show that the car I am referring to (my wife'*) is a 2000 SSEi that is still in great shape with Bronzemist color and the factory chrome wheels and every option other than heated seats. I ordered the car new and have about 75,000 miles on it with only the power window problem so far (covered under extended warranty). Hopefully this info shows up on in my signature. Thanks for all the fantastic information you share on this site!!