This leak started out of the blue. The hose or tube is identified as the auxiliary a/c heater tube. As my luck would have it, it seems to be a partnot readily available at your local auto parts. I would like to know if it would be safe to remove what appears to be a coupling piece and substitute the piece with rubber hosing. Also, I notice what appears to be a key hole on both coupling pieces, and I was wondering if that could be a small Allen adjustment access or something like that. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

The metal bit you are referring to is likely to be called a Ferrule and that is what clamps the hose to the metal pipe. Like Hydraulic hoses where the inside pressures can be excessive the jointing clamp is squeezed in place by a machine whether manual or electric. So to replace it with a clamp could be dangerous.
Most likely the rubber inside will be damaged and will need replaced.
The metal pipe that connects to the hose will most certainly have a shaped end, belled with maybe circumferential rings.
It could possibly be repaired but would involve shortening with a new ferrule and professional repairer.
All in all it will need to come off, so either take it to an Air-con specialist where it will need to be regassed anyway. Or get a second hand part and take it with you.
But saying all that, a good air-con specialist should be able to take care of all this.
Good Luck.

 

Thank you for the response. As it turns out the leak is not from that hose and I have yet to find out where the leak is coming from since it is not the upper or lower hose. I am guessing a pressure test is next but looks like I will likely be replacing the radiator. The leak seems to be originating at the drain plug but I also seen coolant all alone the underside of the radiator as well but not all the way across.

 

Don't forget -- when you've fixed the leak -- replace the antifreeze! It is the HOAT type, and can be obtained under the "Comma" label. Otherwise the ally radiator corrodes and plugs up, and they won't flush. The overheating also forces the thermostat into emergency 'jam-open' position. Heavy money...
I looked at my old rad. which I kept after replacing, and there is indeed a drain tap made of black plastic on the corner, looks like a volume control **** for a radio.
Get the engine fully heated up and therefore pressurized and examine everything where there could be a leak. Do not be fooled into thinking you've found it, these leaks are very deceptive and happen in surprizing places. If you have to go out in it and haven't fixed the leak yet, an old dodge is to half-loosen the filler cap to let off the pressure which can be up to 15lb/sq" above atmo. There isn't enough pressure to make it leak then...
Best of luck.

Leedsman.

 

Although my leak problem is not 100% diagnosed, I would be surprised if at 6 years old and 86,000 miles a new radiator would be needed. I have read that a radiator should last 8-10 years or even the life of the car.