So these hoses weren't are difficult as I expected. Since we had the starter and axles out for the clutch install, I decided to go for it. Sure it would take 90 seconds to swap them with the motor out, but at least in the 98 SE-R I don't think it's at all necessary to remove the intake manifold. (It would be easier sure)
Above is a pic of the old bad long hose. Look at that slit right down the middle! The thing is for anyone unfamiliar with these engines the leak would be difficult to spot because you have to physically squeeze it to find where the leak is coming from. Maybe a few too many hard launches and 1st to 2nd shifts at WOT at the tracks where the motor twisted a bit thus taking the old brittle hoses with it.
That longer hose was much easier to remove than the short fatter hose. Just maneuver yourself under the car, legs sticking out under the front bumper, a 10mm socket and various extensions and swivels and loosen those piece of *trash* OEM clamps, pry them off the hoses to the sides then just grab the long one and twist and pull until it comes off.
For the shorter hose, since there is much less to grab, I took a box cutter and cut it down the middle in half, all the way thru, then once that coolant drained out I starting basically cutting it horizontally and pulled off both sides with my hands and pliers. I suggest either draining the coolant and/or wearing safety goggles because it WILL spill out onto you. And don't do it unless the motor has not been turned on for awhile and cold as that stuff will burn you bad. So once it starts pouring out get your butt outta there for awhile.
Funny bc I had ordered both new ones from Nissan but I replaced just the longer one last week. I go drive the car last night and park after awhile and see STEAM rising from the passenger side of the hood, yet again. So yes as someone mentioned, BOTH hoses basically went bad within a few days of each other. Shelf life?
This was a photo just before I changed the short fat one in the center of the photo, you can see it's wet, while the upper one (left in the photo) is dry as that's brand new.