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Testing heater core
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma Washingon
Testing heater core
I have an un-used heater core that is still in the factory packaging.
It is in perfect shape and other than the two hose connections have been exposed.
What would you do to verify the core has no leaks?
Or should I just take it to a radiator shop and see if they will test it?
Thanks
It is in perfect shape and other than the two hose connections have been exposed.
What would you do to verify the core has no leaks?
Or should I just take it to a radiator shop and see if they will test it?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,000
Likes: 659
From: Puget Sound
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 21,315
Likes: 2,828
From: Nearby Mayberry in NC
Crowd Plow For Now
And after it's been tested be careful on the install. I had the original tested and by twisting the hoses on or the physical install itself caused a leak on the braze at the tube base.....
Replacement ordered and changed this week and is holding out!
Replacement ordered and changed this week and is holding out!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
I test them prior to installation and after just in case that during installation you sometimes have to massage them to get them installed correctly. The parts I used were only a few bucks..
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,354
Likes: 2,726
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Dave, That's a pretty cool/simple tester, but I'm wondering about the amount of pressure for the test. Could 28-29lbs be too much, or should it be somthing like the normal system pressure. I realize higher pressure is an advantage if bench testing, but! 
Dennis
Dennis
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 92
From: Lakeland FL
Excitement is having a heater core blow out while you're driving!!! Talk about whiteout.........
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
You should know me by now.. Anything worth doing is worth over doing!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 92
From: Lakeland FL
I used hitch's method to check out a water in oil situation on a recently installed intake last month, found out real quick where the leak was.....just bumped the needle a little bit and it started leaking. Also you can use your radiator cap as a relief valve.
Lakeland FL has had about 8 record low days this year, sux. Supposed to hit 70 today, we'll see! I may someday hook up my 60 heater core for what little good it does.
