Gates 18604 HVAC Heater Hose - Heater Outlet

Gates 18604 Molded Heater Hose Overview

Gates 18604 is a molded HVAC heater hose built in an OEM-style shape for tighter engine compartments. It is made from EPDM and is specified for coolant, water, and air service, with marine application approval noted by the manufacturer.

This molded heater hose is a direct-fit style replacement for select Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata heater outlet applications. The Gates Molded Heater Hose line focuses on factory-shaped routing for vehicles where a straight hose will not follow the original path cleanly.

Key Features

• Factory-molded hose profile for compact engine bay routing
• EPDM construction for heater and coolant service
• End 1 inside diameter: 0.75 in. (19 mm)
• End 2 inside diameter: 0.85 in. (22 mm)
• Centerline length: 13 in. (330 mm)
• Approved for coolant, water, air, and marine applications
• Gates part number 18604 for HVAC heater hose replacement

Detailed Description

Gates 18604 is a molded coolant and heater hose shaped to match the routing needs of modern engine compartments. The EPDM construction and molded form help it follow the original hose path at the heater outlet, which is important on applications where space is limited and hose alignment matters. This part number is commonly searched as Gates 18604 for Kia Optima heater hose and Gates 18604 for Hyundai Sonata heater hose replacement.

Compatible With 2011-2015 Kia Optima, Heater Outlet, and 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata, Heater Outlet. This part cross-references 10604 and 14737S for the same application.

Common Problems It Can Address

• Cracked or hardened heater hose material
• Coolant seepage at a worn hose section
• Poor hose routing after a previous repair
• Fitment issues caused by using a straight hose in a molded application
• Restricted heater circuit flow from a deteriorated hose interior

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the hose routing, end diameters, and centerline length before installation. Match the molded shape to the original hose path and inspect adjoining clamps, fittings, and heater outlet connections for wear or corrosion. Confirm the vehicle application by year, make, model, and heater outlet position before final assembly.

Quality Assurance

Gates is known for OE-style molded hose construction, and this heater hose follows that factory-molded approach for accurate routing in compact applications. Part number 18604 is built to the listed dimensions and application coverage for select Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata models.