Hi All,
I have a 1998 Sportage, 4WD manual trans, 2L, 4 cylnder.

On the engine there is what I believe is the bypass hose for the
cooling system. There is a short rubber hose that comes off the water
pump, makes a 90 degree turn and couples to an aluminum tube that runs
towards the firewall, wraps around the engine just below the head,
around the back of the engine and back up to the front where it
attaches to the (I think) thermostat housing on the opposite side.
This tube has begun to sort of ooze coolant, a few inches back from
the thermostat housing. I am just a bit concerned that it will, given
enough time, turn into a major leak.

From the look of it, you can't just remove this aluminum tube as it
is below and narrower than the head. It does not look like you can
slide it to the rear far enough to get it off with out hitting the
firewall.

Am I missing something? how do you replace this, short of pulling the
head? Is there any reason I could not re-route this so that it does
not wrap around the engine? Is there some trick and/or special kit to
repair this tube?

Please help!

I much appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks,
AL