Hi all.
I just got my 96 Z back on the road after saving up for 2 months to get the clutch replaced. New clutch is in; I drove it for 4 days until one of the heater hoses came apart, It broke at the joint for what I have found is called the restrictor. Until I just took it off the car, I didn't know why there was a crimped connection there. My plan was just to get a couple of connectors and a short piece of heater hose and fixing the hose. Now that I see that the restrictor is in there, my question is: what will happen of I eliminate the restrictor? I can't believe GM would spend a nickel on this part if there wasn't some reason for it. I can get the complete set of heater hoses, (about $150 shipped) but I'll have to wait till I get another paycheck.
Thanks for any input..
Leon

 

I found my answer with some more searching. The Delco part # for the valve is 15-5511. The murray/4 seasons part # is 74796. I just ordered one from NAPA so I should be able to fix my car tomorrow. I'll check the hoses for mushiness when I replace the valve. I found that I can replace all the rubber hoses in this setup and reuse the metal parts, so I will do that if the hoses are questionable. I am posting this in the hope it will help someone else.
Thanks,
Leon