Dorman 626-551 HVAC Heater Hose - low cost aftermarket part review

[Bazz270]

Hi all

decided to write some review for cheap Chinese popular replacement part from amazon or rockauto etc.
purchased in 2019 in amazon after my old OEM hose Y fitting leaked. via this link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MA3YNJH/?tag=serious-20

lasted almost about two years and today leaked (hose melted near exhaust manifold)

1.plastic mount (hose to valve cover) broken after two weeks and heat shields melted after a year.
2. rear hose ID wont fit until u will use worm clamp (it will leak anyways).
3. HVAC valve side fitting leaking too
4. Dorman spring clamps are totally junk...replaced with worm ones.
5. existing heat shields locations have no any sense. they just moves tru the assembly because of vibrations.
6. need to be secured with cable ties or it will be melted even in the first year..


will purchase the original hose assembly now...

after my oem part will be here ill take a couple of photos of this melted junk.

 

[Explorer_PL]

Is it the part problem or location issue ? Do you have the manifold heat shields on yours still ?

Thanks for the update

 

[Mbrooks420]

The problem isn’t that it was made in China, the problem is it was made by Dorman.

 

[donalds]

China will make anything to your spec but you have to pay
Most don't want to pay

 

[Bazz270]

Is it the part problem or location issue ? Do you have the manifold heat shields on yours still ?

Thanks for the update

Yep
Manifold heat shields installed in both bank sides.

The location is the same one similar to OEM hose assembly.

 

[Blackhawkxx]

I also thank you for the update and that I hear nothing but bad about Dorman.

 

[Mbrooks420]

China will make anything to your spec but you have to pay
Most don't want to pay

Exactly. They can make extremely high quality things.

I only use cheap parts on things that aren’t show stoppers, and on things that are only a few minutes to replace.

 

[sport trac jr.]

China will make anything to your spec but you have to pay
Most don't want to pay

Donald is on Q......All can be made to spec.....a starter or alternator with press bearings or real ball bearings....
heavy coil wire or lite gauge wire ....its how Honda broke into the market with 300K starters and such...going
against the say Chev Vega.....lol.....and that massive engine.....master piece....
I use Gates or NAPA made by Gates.........

 

[MNgopher]

Thanks for the followup. Seems to be a trend with a lot of Dorman parts - they are "OK" as a quick replacement, but expecting long life from them seems to be a pain point... I ponied up and went with the Ford part when I did this repair, and it had lasted for 5+ years when I sold the vehicle...

 

[Bazz270]

Hi all

Replaced today:

Ford OEM Y heater hose equipped with vacuum valve,metal piping and all of the hardware needed for the whole passenger side cooling hoses rework.Dorman assembly includes cheap worm type clamps,couple of wrong spring clamps ,cast aluminum Y fitting and 3 OEM look like EPDM hoses (without metal piping and vacuum valve)

Dorman hose after approx 1.5 years:
Totally failed heat shields and plastic valve cover mount:

Almost all of the hoses inner diameters are bigger than needed(leaking -no matter what clamp type used).

Melted and leaked manifold side hose (heat shield missing at all)

Also noted that all of the hoses became kinda shape and outer diameter changed (look at the mount ring diameter)

 

[D Hook]

Pics should go straight to Dorman and Rockauto. I'd say Amazon too but wouldn't make a lot of difference. Probably won't to the others either, now that I think about it. It's all junk.

 

[Bazz270]

I've left negative Amazon feedback (they do nothing about those feedbacks for sure).Dorman warranty service works and communicates good but they usually offers the same junk as a replacement.

 

[m j]

of course this info comes up n a search after I am balls deep in the repair using the dorman junk.
can confirm the hoses are the wrong size, can confirm the hose clamps are the wrong size and will allow leaks. can confirm the hoses are in an awkward spot to replace and very close to the exhaust manifold at the rear.
I bought a 5/8 to 3/4 adapter to fix the size mismatch, so that stopped the rear lower leak.
thought I was good on testing it, had heat coming from rear hvac, but as it built pressure the hose clamp at the vac valve started allowing coolant to flow out ...

the dorman part can work, but not as delivered. this would cost zero dollars for them to make it actually fit the car, maybe even save them money using the smaller hose
I will snap a pic of the splice I had to do in a few while I am out there trying a clamp replacement.

 

[Bazz270]

Dont say that OEM last forever but so far almost 4 years no leaks and no any visual defects on the original hose.

Ford and many other manufacturers shares this stupid plastic Y- Adapter on many vehicles,BUT,located so close to the exhaust manifold, it should last maximum about 5 to 7 years though...

 

[94Eddie]

of course this info comes up n a search after I am balls deep in the repair using the dorman junk.
can confirm the hoses are the wrong size, can confirm the hose clamps are the wrong size and will allow leaks. can confirm the hoses are in an awkward spot to replace and very close to the exhaust manifold at the rear.
I bought a 5/8 to 3/4 adapter to fix the size mismatch, so that stopped the rear lower leak.
thought I was good on testing it, had heat coming from rear hvac, but as it built pressure the hose clamp at the vac valve started allowing coolant to flow out ...

the dorman part can work, but not as delivered. this would cost zero dollars for them to make it actually fit the car, maybe even save them money using the smaller hose
I will snap a pic of the splice I had to do in a few while I am out there trying a clamp replacement.

My advice is to replace the exhaust manifold heat shield if it is rusted and while you have easy access to it. It was an inexpensive part when my repair was made. My OEM part lasted ten years and would have likely lasted longer if the heat shield hadn't deteriorated so much.

 

[m j]

I am in good shape there the PO had exhaust manifold work done they were quoted $6000cdn for exhaust manifold job, and only paid $3800cdn ! their mechanic capped the rear lines rather then replace the one rusted clamp at the rear ds. I just need to read more and get tips from you long term owners. i like this car

 

[Explorer_PL]

Hi all

decided to write some review for cheap Chinese popular replacement part from amazon or rockauto etc.
purchased in 2019 in amazon after my old OEM hose Y fitting leaked. via this link:

Amazon.com: Dorman 626-551 HVAC Heater Hose Assembly for Select Ford / Mercury Models (OE FIX): Automotive

Buy Dorman 626-551 HVAC Heater Hose Assembly for Select Ford / Mercury Models (OE FIX): Heaters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

lasted almost about two years and today leaked (hose melted near exhaust manifold)

1.plastic mount (hose to valve cover) broken after two weeks and heat shields melted after a year.
2. rear hose ID wont fit until u will use worm clamp (it will leak anyways).
3. HVAC valve side fitting leaking too
4. Dorman spring clamps are totally junk...replaced with worm ones.
5. existing heat shields locations have no any sense. they just moves tru the assembly because of vibrations.
6. need to be secured with cable ties or it will be melted even in the first year..


will purchase the original hose assembly now...

after my oem part will be here ill take a couple of photos of this melted junk.

Very common issue. I put a plastic Y in that spot over 10 years ago, still holds up, I pulled the hoses away from the exhaust manifold with zip ties I think.