On the driver's side of the engine, just under the ignition coil of the 6th cylinder, there is a short maybe 3" coolant hose.

Has anyone replaced this piece? Any tips how to get my hands there and put a new hose on?

It's #18 on the diagram:



thanks,

 

My best recommendation is:

Silicone spray
Heavy duty long needle nose pliers: Straight, 45 degree and 90 degree
Razor/knife

Cut the old one out and leave the the hose clamps in dangling in the metal lines.
Remove the old pieces of hose.
Spray some silicone lubricant onto the new hose and metal pipes.

Bend the new hose into a U and slide it into place then return the hose to relax position and insert it into both pipes, lastly fit over the hose clamps (new or used)

Good luck.

 

thanks, makes sense

Only thing is there is very little room.