I don't believe that heater hose would last any length of time...I made one using 5/8" hydraulic hose, It was however difficult to drill the clamp holes at the ends because of the woven wire brades in the hose....I believe that Frank W. may have some NOS drive couplings available....Bill
I use HEAVEY DUTY heater hose and it works fine. The regular does not.
Also, tighten the brass nut down to seat the packing and then back it off so the pump turns easily. The motion of the shaft will then tighten it sufficiently. If it is too tight, the hose will just twist.