OK, I suspected as much. In this age of modern convenience and advanced technology, people sometimes forget that back when things were simple, even if they weren't 100% reliable, when they worked, they often worked just as well, if not better than they do now, given similar conditions. Probably has to do with the increasing use of plastic and aluminum (to cut costs and weight for better profit margins and MPGs) for parts that used to be made of cast iron or steel, making them less durable.
Anyway, I found the hoses on RockAuto (I've seen all sorts of TV ads for the site, and I must say that it does appear to live up to that hype quite admirably!)
Should I replace both hoses while I'm at it? I ask since they're both the same price (~$28) and I only want to do this once.
Also, are there shops that, for a nominal fee, could install the part for me if I give it to them? Like Jiffy Lube or some such? I'm willing to try it myself, but I thought I'd ask in the interest of saving time, since the California Fire Machine is gearing up for another hot, treacherous season, and I need to be able to get going ASAP if anything happens.....
EDIT: If I can tackle this, my next target (barring any more underhood issues) is the seats. The upholstery is in very fine condition for its age, but they're not the most comfortable to sit in.
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