Will it fit?
Your Duramax coolant system plays an very important role in your truck’s ongoing reliability. By installing an EcoDrain, your cooling system maintenance will become much easier.
The design and idea of the EcoDrain is not unique. What makes the the EcoDrain unique is the size of 1.875″ O.D. to match the original factory OEM coolant hoses used by GM from 2001-2010 in truck applications(not van). We have measured the Gates brand aftermarket hoses and found them to perfectly match these OEM dimensions. They measure 2.110″ OD and the hoses have an approximate wall thickness of .165″.
With the 2011 model year there was a production change and the hose measures slightly larger. We have received reports from customers having sealing issues. We believe this is due to the slight change in diameter.
Assuming the customer’s hose has the same wall thickness, you would want the OD of the hose to measure between 2.1″-2.25″ in order for the EcoDrain to fit properly. If the hose measures less than 2.1″ or more than 2.25″, there are products offered by other sellers that will work with your hose.
However, there are other hose manufacturers. It is possible that small variances in that very important dimension may occur among different manufacturers. And with the common practice of companies outsourcing and re-branding product, it is also possible for that dimension to vary on hoses supplied by the same manufacturer. Additionally, any contaminants or corrosion in your Duramax cooling system can cause your hose to swell or deform over time. Any of these conditions can result in an improper fit of the EcoDrain, causing a coolant leak.
When installing the EcoDrain, regardless of hose manufacture, the hose should be a snug fit to the EcoDrain. If you suspect that your Duramax coolant hose is neither factory OEM nor a Gates replacement, or that your hose may be old, deformed or contaminated (swollen), we highly recommend that you install a new Gates brand coolant hose at the same time that you install your EcoDrain. Remember: hoses have a projected four year life/replacement cycle. If your hose is older than four years, you may want to consider replacement as preventive maintenance. This preventative maintenance could save you considerable time and money down the road.
If you haven’t already, please view our install video: https://mfrindustries.com/installation-video/
Installation Instructions
Always wait until the engine is cool before working on any part of the cooling system.
Inspect the lower hose and determine the best location for the EcoDrain. If the hose has a protective sheathing, cut and slide it sheathing back to access the installation location. Move a container under the vehicle in preparation to collect the draining coolant. At the location where the lower radiator hose will be cut for the installation of the EcoDrain, poke the hose with a knife. Insert a screwdriver, piece of tubing or something similar into the slice in the hose. This will open it up the hole and speed up the draining of the coolant. After the coolant is done draining, cut the hose completely and squarely.
Hold the cut ends of the hose up into their normal position on the vehicle but with 1 1/4”gap between the ends. While holding the hose into position with the gap, look to verify the hose has proper clearance and is not against something that the hose will rub against and cause a failure. If necessary, trim he ends of the hose to short the hose to shorten it.
Slip the new clamps onto the hose ends and then push the hose ends onto the EcoDrain. Do not use any type of sealant or gasket maker between the hose and the EcoDrain. If excessive effort is required to push the hose on to the EcoDrain, a small amount of dish washing soap can be used, otherwise the Ecodrain should be fitted dry.
Check that the hose is shouldered well beyond the edge of the fitting. Position the clamp between the raised bead on the EcoDrain and the hose end. Proceed and tighten the new hose clamps.
Do a final visual inspection to ensure there are no leaks after the cooling system refill.
Keep in mind that some leaks will become obvious when the engine is cold, but others only when it is hot. During the first few heat cycles, the rubber hose will move slightly and conform to shape. This often creates the need to re-tighten the clamps.
Special Note of Caution: an over tightened clamp will eventually cut the hose.