Chrysler Repair: 1998 Town and Country auxiliary heater, postal mail, auxiliary heater

Question
I have one hose that is blown on the rear heater. Will a replacement for this be a dealer only item. I am not having much luck finding it on the web. It's the inlet line to the heater core. Would this suggest that the core is plugged? Is there any way to have only the rubber part of the hose replaced or do I have to buy the whole assembly? And last if I bypass the core do I have to loop it or can I simply plug/pinch off the lines?


Answer
Hi Jason,
My '98 manual says that the hoses can be replaced individually and appear to be segmented so that you should be able to get a replacement from a dealer. There is a quick-disconnect fitting so I suspect you will need an EOM part. There are some specific instructions on disconnecting and connecting to the heater core that I could xerox and postal mail to you. You can check the core flow-thru while you are replacing the hose. It looks like the core too is quite accessible compared to the front heater unit, so that is encouraging. I think you can fix this and not have to cut off the unit.
Roland
PS Use the 'thank/rate' tab below to get back to me with a mailing address if you want the pages from the manual. There is a space for comments. Sorry for the delay in replying as your question just showed up in the 'pool'.

Hi Jason,
I was wondering how things worked out with the hose replacements? Please let me know by using the 'thank/rate' tab below. While you are there, if I might ask a favor: where it asks about a 'nomination for expert of the month' I would appreciate your entering a 'yes'. I am in a close race for that honor so every vote counts!
Thanks,
Roland