Could I plug heater hoses?

[Konstantin]

(07-16-2020 )Waterloo Wrote:  You should be ok, any clue why the hoses blew, old hoses or a bad heater core? Most of us have on/off valves on our heater hoses that run into the cab like your old N-14. I carry these 4 inch Needle Nose Vice Grip clamps for just such incidents, I keep them within reach of the driver seat. https://amzn.to/3fBXTOt

When you repair, it would be a good idea to put a vacuum on the coolant system to refill. Air pockets like to form up in that area of the cooling system which can cause engine damage... Replace hoses, I would install a valve, either manual or electronic, drain off the coolant and refill using a vacuum pump or an airlift kit.

Here is the electronic valve I use... https://amzn.to/32pT6fw
This is the Vacuum kit I use... https://amzn.to/2OtUR2V
You will need an air compressor, I use a 10 gallon 90psi Kobalt/Lowe's compressor.

An air pocket in the motor can do damage, best to avoid it and load anti-freeze/coolant with some sort of vacuum per the engine manufacturer. And if those heater hoses are old, how about the rest of the hoses? If they have been on there for awhile, I would drain the entire system and replace all of them. While you are doing that and the coolant is out, I would replace the heater core under the dash, I bet it is original and probably on its last leg. I would also replace the thermostat too if it is original or you do not know when it was changed.

You should be able to get the heater core from these guys in Atlanta... http://www.truckersac.com

They will be much cheaper than the dealer, around $150 if the one I looked at is the correct one... And they only sell OEM quality parts. I use them for quite a few things.

Thank you very much!! I would follow your advice . It is new to me of how to fill up coolant with the pump. I probably will buy all parts and tools and after replace hoses. The one which leaked is very old. For now will drive the truck with plugged connectors.