Gates 18896 HVAC Heater Hose

Gates Molded Heater Hose 18896 Overview

Gates 18896 is a molded heater hose built in an OEM-style shape for tighter engine compartments. Made from EPDM, it is formed for consistent routing and is suitable for coolant, water, and air applications, with marine application approval noted by the manufacturer.

This Gates Molded Heater Hose line is focused on factory-molded fitment and compact routing, making it a practical choice for service work on vehicles that need a formed hose rather than a straight universal length. It is a direct-fit style replacement for select Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury applications, including Taurus, Continental, Sable, and Windstar models.

Key Features

• Brand: Gates
• Part number: 18896
• Gates Molded Heater Hose product line
• EPDM construction for coolant-system use
• Factory-molded, OEM-style hose shape
• End 1 inside diameter: 0.62 in. (16 mm)
• End 2 inside diameter: 0.62 in. (16 mm)
• Centerline length: 23.2 in. (589 mm)
• Molded design for tighter engine bay routing

Detailed Description

Gates 18896 is a molded HVAC heater hose designed to follow the original routing used in select Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. The formed shape helps match compact engine layouts where a straight hose will not route correctly, and the EPDM material is suited for coolant transfer in heating and cooling system service. This part cross-references Dayco 71678 for the same application.

Compatible With 1995 Ford Windstar, N/A; 1991-1993 Ford Taurus, N/A; 1991-1993 Lincoln Continental, N/A; and 1991-1993 Mercury Sable, N/A. If you are replacing a molded heater hose on a Ford Taurus, Lincoln Continental, Mercury Sable, or Ford Windstar, Gates 18896 provides the formed profile needed for proper hose routing.

Common Problems This Hose Can Address

• Cracked or hardened heater hose material
• Coolant seepage at a worn molded hose section
• Poor routing caused by a hose that no longer holds its shape
• Restricted heater circuit flow from an aging hose
• Fitment issues when replacing a formed hose with a straight hose

Installation Notes and Tips

Confirm the hose path, end diameters, and centerline length before installation. Compare the original molded shape to the replacement part to verify routing around nearby components in the engine compartment. Inspect adjoining heater pipes, clamps, and connection points for wear or corrosion before installing the new hose.

Quality Assurance

Gates is known for OE-style fluid transfer components, and this molded heater hose is built to match factory routing requirements for the listed applications. The manufacturer notes approval for marine applications, along with use in coolant, water, and air service.