Heater core problem
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2019
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Heater core problem
Welp. My seemingly worst case scenario happened. I’ve wanted to replace the radiator, heater core, etc hoses since I got my 66 with correct GM stamped ones. I was worried I’d break the heater core or have one I couldn’t get to stop leaking so I took it to a mechanic I trust and weaved used fir our personal cars for years. He’s not a Corvette mechanic but is a great mechanic. He just called and said they broke the heater core. How difficult is it to replace and where is the best place to source a quality one so it never has to be done again? Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
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jc03,
I do not believe that the Harrison Heater Core is produced any longer . Most are sold by the Corvette Parts Distributors and are made in Mexico. I had my 65 Harrison Core repaired by a local radiator Company. While it was gone for repair I purchased one (Mexico) from Zip Corvette Parts. It worked well.....but I had it tested prior to installing it....
And I agree, It is not one of those jobs you want to do twice!!!! Maybe you can find a recored Harrison (AND TESTED) on Ebay.....
Good Luck!
Dcamick
I do not believe that the Harrison Heater Core is produced any longer . Most are sold by the Corvette Parts Distributors and are made in Mexico. I had my 65 Harrison Core repaired by a local radiator Company. While it was gone for repair I purchased one (Mexico) from Zip Corvette Parts. It worked well.....but I had it tested prior to installing it....
And I agree, It is not one of those jobs you want to do twice!!!! Maybe you can find a recored Harrison (AND TESTED) on Ebay.....
Good Luck!
Dcamick
Last edited by dcamick; Apr 7, 2021 at 08:43 PM.
Team Owner
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you can buy them at your local auto parts store. its the same one your pay more from a resto parts house.
Race Director
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From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Try this company. https://thebrassworks.net/pages/about-the-brassworks. They advertise as all USA made, and have 63-67 cores available or can fabricate.
They are very likely not cheap............but if I was doing this for my own car, this is the place I would probably go.
You might also look for truck repair shops for radiators and heater cores. Typically they do a very good job as well.
Larry
They are very likely not cheap............but if I was doing this for my own car, this is the place I would probably go.
You might also look for truck repair shops for radiators and heater cores. Typically they do a very good job as well.
Larry
Intermediate
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From: NC
My original had a leak and i took it to the local radiator shop. They tested it and it was beyond repair. I bought one from Corvette Central.Good build, they will tell you they are made in Mexico but Corvette Central was involved with the design and quality control.
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Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
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Send me a PM with your email address and I’ll send you a step-by-step set of instructions. It really isn’t hard to change the core, just takes a little patience. Mark
Thread Starter
Racer
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Thread Starter
Racer
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Army
The elephant in the room is the mechanic, regardless of skill level, if you twist on the hoses you can snap the nipple connection to the core and its a guaranteed leak, which I suspect is what happened. Especially if they were connected with original Corbin clamps; they can be a PITA to remove.
So, do the job yourself or maybe you'll get lucky with a farmed-out installation. If your guy doesn't have a set of swivel-jaw Corbin clamp pliers he should leave things alone:
So, do the job yourself or maybe you'll get lucky with a farmed-out installation. If your guy doesn't have a set of swivel-jaw Corbin clamp pliers he should leave things alone:
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Apr 8, 2021 at 07:29 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2019
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The elephant in the room is the mechanic, regardless of skill level, if you twist on the hoses you can snap the nipple connection to the core and its a guaranteed leak, which I suspect is what happened. Especially if they were connected with original Corbin clamps; they can be a PITA to remove.
So, do the job yourself or maybe you'll get lucky with a farmed-out installation.
So, do the job yourself or maybe you'll get lucky with a farmed-out installation.
Le Mans Master
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I used the same instructions and followed them step by step on my 65.
Dcamick
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Be sure to take your new one to a radiator shop and have it tested. You don't want to do the job twice. The brand new one I purchased had a leak right out of the box, but based on advice I read here, I took it to get tested prior to installing.
Racer
Joined: May 2006
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From: Wichita, KS
When I removed my original heater core it had a leak somewhere in the tubes. I checked and they can be re-cored but you have to find a shop that still does that work. I believe that all the new heater cores you see come from one manufacturer and they are made in Mexico. So I looked for a supplier which had a good return policy in case there was a problem. I ended up buying from an online store. The first heater core I received had one of the inlet tubes so far out of whack I couldn't even get the steel plate to go over both tubes. Called and had a return label sent and they sent another heater core right away. The tubes were soldered in correctly on that one but it failed a pressure test. Very small pinhole on one of the end tanks. Rather than sending that one back (and risking them sending my first one to me again) I just soldered the pinhole, re-tested it, and put it in the car. No leaks so far but I did keep my old Harrison and will recore it if this one fails someday.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Ho-Ho-Kus NJ
These have done 2 separate corvette cores, a cougar core and a GTO; i believe some others have used them also. Just my 2 cents and NFI
https://www.caparadiator.com
https://www.caparadiator.com
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Oceanside CA
Several threads have indicated that the core should be checked PRIOR to placement. I had a replacement that leaked out of the box also. I have factory air to my job was a little more involved but doable.
Race Director
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