I have a 1990 4runner that has a clogged by-pass pipe not the #3 hose but the pipe once it leaves the hose. Has anyone re-routed the #3 hose over to the #5 by-pass hose? I want to do this due to the cost of replacing the existing hard pipe that is under the intake manifold, etc. Thanks

 

Wouldn't clearing the pipe be easier than building a "Y" and blocking off #3's down tube? I mean sure you gotta take of a bunch of stuff to get to it to remove it but seems kinda wrong to go messing with the cooling system on those.

*Shrug* run with the heater valve open and think about it.

 

Yes, I agree...I have tried to clean but cannot get past the first turn in the pipe?

 

It's off the engine?

Fill the tube with CLR or vinegar and let it soak it's way thru.

For a "tool" I'd go with piano wire, a soft copper coat hanger, and/or some light duty multistrand cable chucked up in a hand drill. (Like bicycle brake/shifter cable). Just have to use the right rotation so the cable doesn't try to unwind, think plumbers snake.

Worse case you could cut it off and put a flare nut on the pipe section you have to keep, and put a 8-12" solid brake line on there. Not sure how that'd work out depends how tight the space.

Good luck, stick with it and you'll get it fixed!

 

Thanks but it is not off the engine...I have tried a coat hanger with a drill and a more rigid wire but that did not work either...