Gates 18868 HVAC Heater Hose

Gates 18868 Molded Heater Hose Overview

The Gates 18868 molded heater hose is an OEM-style coolant hose built for tight engine compartments where a factory-shaped routing path matters. With a 16 mm (0.62 in) inside diameter at both ends and a 22.5 in centerline length, it supports heater, coolant, water, and air routing in select applications.

Gates Molded Heater Hose products are formed to follow the original hose path, helping maintain proper clearance around nearby components in compact engine bays. This molded EPDM hose is also approved for marine applications, making it a practical replacement for vehicles and equipment that need a shaped coolant hose with consistent fit.

Key Features

• Gates part number 18868
• Factory-molded, OE-style heater hose shape
• EPDM construction for coolant and heater service
• 16 mm (0.62 in) inside diameter at both ends
• 22.5 in centerline length for routed installations
• Suitable for coolant, water, and air applications
• Approved for marine applications

Detailed Product Description

This molded heater hose is built for direct-routing applications where a straight hose will not follow the original path cleanly. The Gates 18868 uses EPDM material and a molded profile to match tighter engine compartment layouts found on vehicles such as the 2006-2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse heater outlet and the 2007 Mitsubishi Galant heater outlet. It also appears in multiple Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Ford, and Hyundai heater and auxiliary heater pipe locations, including 1987 Ford E-250 Econoline Club Wagon pipe to engine and 1993-1995 Dodge Caravan auxiliary heater pipe applications.

This part cross-references Continental 63115 for the same application. If you are replacing a worn, cracked, or collapsed molded heater hose, the Gates 18868 provides the correct shaped routing for select HVAC and coolant connections. The part number 18868 is also useful when searching for a molded heater hose for Mitsubishi Eclipse or Mitsubishi Galant heater outlet service.

What This Hose Helps Address

• Coolant leaks from a cracked or aged molded heater hose
• Restricted heater flow caused by hose collapse or soft spots
• Poor hose routing in tight engine compartments
• Replacement needs for heater outlet and auxiliary heater pipe connections
• Service on select vehicles with molded coolant hose routing

Installation Notes and Tips

• Verify end inside diameter, centerline length, and molded shape before installation.
• Match the hose to the exact heater outlet or pipe location listed for the vehicle.
• Inspect adjoining pipes, clamps, and fittings for wear before reassembly.
• Some listed applications note protective sleeve requirements or AC-related exclusions; confirm vehicle configuration before ordering.
• Use the molded shape to preserve factory-style routing and clearance around nearby components.

Quality Assurance

Gates manufactures this molded heater hose as an OE-style replacement part for select HVAC and coolant applications. The EPDM construction and factory-molded profile support consistent routing in applications where the original hose shape is required.