Generally, the upper heater hose leads to the water pump.
If you are referring to the upper radiator hose, then there is a spring inside the hose that keeps it from collapsing over time. It is normal and is intended to be there, so DO NOT REMOVE IT!
It won't circulate until the engine is hot. Also: Squeeze the suction hose (bottom hose)from the radiator to the pump, it should have a metal spring inside to keep it from collapsing. The spring may have rusted out and the hose is collapsing upon suction.
2 hoses total, Upper and lower radiator hose. There is also 2 heater hoses, an inlet and outlet hose.
On a 1998 B 4000, it is in the housing at the attachment of the upper heater hose.
follow the upper radiator hose, that should lead you to it.
to keep the hose from collapsing
Simply the age of the hose - they suffer great stress during their lifetime of dealing high pressures and extreme heat.
if it has one it is in heater hose at firewall if it has one it is in heater hose at firewall
You know the heater hose on a vehicle needs replacing when it beings to swell and soften. The heater hose runs from the intake manifold to the heater core.
The 1997 VW heater hose has swivel nuts on each end of the hose. Turn the swivel nuts to the left to remove the heater hose.
The temperature of the coolant entering the heater core is controlled by the engine thermostat. The engine coolant thermostat is generally located at the engine end of the upper radiator hose.