Help me identify this hose

[Cornbread]

Long story short my Jeep overheated last summer and I finally got around to working on it. Old radiator blew apart at the top tank. So I did entire cooling system overhaul ( new Mopar radiator, waterpump, thermostat, upper/lower hoses, rad cap etc.). Jeep is now running about 205 degrees like it used to. Problem is I am losing coolant. I was begining to blame it on possibly a cracked head since I do have a 2000 model which are known to crack heads.

Anyways I just finished up an oil change and noticed coolant dripping out of this hose. It's on the passenger side coming out of behind the dash. Basically below and between the battery and metal canister.

If anyone knows what this hose is for and where it goes would be helpful.

 

[TJ4Jim]

That is the condensate drain from the Evap coil and heater core tray. Since you have AC the drain should drip when in use, especially in a high humidity condition.

 

[Cornbread]

That is the condensate drain from the Evap coil and heater core tray. Since you have AC the drain should drip when in use, especially in a high humidity condition.

Does it make since for coolant to be dripping out?

 

[bucky]

There is a coolant test kit tou can buy to determine if there are exhaust gasses present.

 

[TJ4Jim]

Does it make since for coolant to be dripping out?

If you can identify that coolant is dripping then your heater core may be done and in need of replacement. The heater hoses can be looped together to bypass the core until it's replaced but no heat until then.

 

[Modoc Guy]

Since the OP's probably not using his A/C in the winter much, might it be the heater core?

Have you tried catching some of the fluid to see if it's coolant? I'd try to confirm it's coolant because most vehicles with A/C will run the A/C side when your defrosters are on. Which would maybe drip some condensate.

 

[JKP]

The heater core is leaking.

 

[RMETeeJay]

Does it make since for coolant to be dripping out?

If your heater core is leaking, yes.

 

[Cornbread]

The liquid dripping out is very slick and dries sticky like coolant. Can't smell due to recently have COVID. Unfortunately the new coolant (Zerex) is clear so it makes it harder to confirm. Is there a way to test if the heater core is bad? I'm mechanically inclined but ignorant to AC/EVAP side of things.

 

[JKP]

There's only two things that will come out of the drain, water from the A/C evaporator or coolant from a leaking heater core. If it's not water, it's coolant.

The dash has to come out to replace the heater core, and the A/C system has to be discharged as well.

 

[Cornbread]

There's only two things that will come out of the drain, water from the A/C evaporator or coolant from a leaking heater core. If it's not water, it's coolant.

The dash has to come out to replace the heater core, and the A/C system has to be discharged as well.

Okay thanks for the help. I guess I'm glad to know it's not my head that is bad but this might be just as big of a job ehhh.

 

[JKP]

There are write-ups and videos of people doing it out there.

You can also download a PDF of the shop manual.

 

[TJ4Jim]

Okay thanks for the help. I guess I'm glad to know it's not my head that is bad but this might be just as big of a job ehhh.

Well generally it is an all day pita project and if your going to tackle it yourself start reading.