Gates 18446 HVAC Heater Hose - Heater To Pipe-1 or Pipe-2 To Engine

Gates Molded Heater Hose 18446

Gates 18446 is a molded heater hose built for tight engine bays where a straight hose will not route cleanly. This OEM-style coolant hose uses EPDM construction and factory-molded bends to support coolant, water, and air transfer in HVAC and cooling system service.

The Gates Molded Heater Hose line is focused on small I.D. routing for modern vehicles with compact underhood packaging. For applications such as the 2004 Dodge Durango and late-1990s Buick Century, Chevrolet Lumina, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and Pontiac Grand Prix, the formed shape helps match original hose routing and connection points.

Key Features

• Part number: 18446
• Gates Molded Heater Hose product line
• EPDM rubber construction for HVAC and coolant service
• Factory-molded, OEM-style shape
• End I.D.: 16 mm (.62 in) to 19 mm (.75 in)
• Centerline length: 234 mm (9.2 in)
• Molded design for tighter engine compartment routing
• Approved for marine applications

Detailed Description

Gates 18446 is a molded HVAC heater hose engineered for vehicles that require a formed coolant hose with small inside diameters and precise routing. The EPDM construction supports use in coolant, water, and air applications, while the molded profile helps it follow the original path in compact engine compartments. This makes it a practical replacement for vehicles that need an OE-style heater hose rather than a universal straight hose. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.

Compatible With 2004 Dodge Durango, Pipe-2 To Engine; 1997-1999 Buick Century, Heater To Pipe-1; 1995-1999 Chevrolet Lumina, Heater To Pipe-1; 1995-1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Heater To Pipe-1; and 1996-1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, Heater To Pipe-1. The Gates 18446 part number is also associated with additional Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac heater hose applications listed in the fitment data.

What It Helps Fix

• Coolant leaks from a cracked or aged heater hose
• Improper hose routing in a tight engine compartment
• Softening, swelling, or collapse of an original rubber hose
• HVAC heater circuit flow issues caused by damaged hose sections
• Replacement needs for molded hose shapes that straight hose cannot match

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify end diameters, centerline length, and molded shape against the original hose before installation. Confirm the routing path and connection points on the vehicle, especially on the 2004 Dodge Durango and the Buick Century, Chevrolet Lumina, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and Pontiac Grand Prix applications listed above. Inspect clamps, pipe ends, and adjacent cooling system components for wear before installing the new hose.

Quality Assurance

Gates is known for OE-style hose engineering, and this molded heater hose follows that approach with factory-formed routing and EPDM material selection for HVAC and coolant service.