348 Losing Coolant

This sounds like a typical case of the coolant hose between the expansion tank and the intake manifold failing. Very common. It CAN be replaced without removing the intake runners, but you need small hands (I've done it myself). If you're lucky, you'll just find that the hose has swollen and split. If you're unlucky, you'll find that the hose fitting has been destroyed by corrosion, and it isn't fun to replace. I believe that Ricambi supplies the new fittings made by Hill. Good luck!

 

If you follow the small hose that runs from the corner of the coolant tank down to the middle of the intake plenum, you will see where it connects. That connection is known for rusting and rotting the end of the hose and leaking. You need to remove the old hose, clean the fitting and install a new hose.

I forgot that I had a pic with an arrow to show the end of the hose.

As Jeff said, you can replace it without removing the plenum but it is tricky. I used a socket extension with a small socket to tighten the hose clamp.
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By removing a few things, you can gain access under but it is tight (as Miltonian said)....tight, but do-able.

 

That is too easy of a setup. That's what she said.



Yes, it is doable without taking too much off. When I repaired mine, I removed the air box. I was able to repair the hose from there.

 

.....have a TS you can dismount the roof....take off your shoes and walk right in.
Before you do that you take the engine hood off and then you get access to all the water hoses.

That is what I do every time I take the engine out. Easy access to both trottle cable and water hoses.

Good luck!

//B//

 

Glad to hear that was it! Always happy to help where I can.