Nipples

nodemon said
My Edelbrock Performer Rpm intake heater hose nipple seems too big for the hose and clamp I have. There's the small and bigger hose coming from the heater core, and I think I'm correct that the smaller goes to the intake...
If that's correct, why would someone have put a different or wrong size nipple there..? Can I just go to a hardware store and buy a nipple, and if so, what size, type, etc. do I get. It also appears that maybe pipe dope was used on the threads, is that the way it's suppose to be done..?
Thanks for your answers..!View attachment 1716349523

Just so you know, there are pipe nipples and there are automotive hose nipples.
I’m not saying you should or shouldn’t use either one.
Just sayin the right part is easily available.
Pipe dope is ok.
I personally use teflon tape for non electrical threads and it works great.