heater core replacement
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 170
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From: Bastrop Texas
heater core replacement
I need advise on how to replace the heater core on my 1976. I think it is leaking as my windows fog up with moisture when I roll the wheel to heat. I would appreciate any and all suggestions/comments.
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Melting Slicks
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From: San Diego California
Steve
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 170
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From: Bastrop Texas
I just checked and the carpet is not wet(I drove it yesterday), and although there is a spot behind the front passenger wheel indicating dried liquid, I think that is probably from the A/C drain line. I will probably drive the Vette tomorrow and will check the carpet and behind the front wheel after it is parked. If there is liquid behind the front wheel it certainly will not be from the A/C as it is pretty chilly now. Thanks for the information, and I would appreciate any other advise you might have.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 170
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From: Bastrop Texas
Thanks a lot for the (3) Posts. I hope I will not need to replace the core as I don't think I could do it myself not only from lack of skills, but I have a bad back that prohibits bending and twisting movements. If it turns out the core needs replacing, I hope I can find someone to due it for me, and who I can provide the information from the 3 posts. Again, thank you very much!
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When mine was leaking it didn’t leak in the car, it was dripping outside at the hose fitting area and was visible under the car. Not the worst job I’ve ever done but I did it over a winter so time was not a issue. Probably already mentioned but watch out for cheap crappy replacements and test it before installing
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 170
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From: Bastrop Texas
danh77, I do not see any evidence of leakage at the hose fittings or on the garage floor under the fittings. My passenger side carpet or behind the passenger side front wheel did not indicated leakage(as suggested by Cavu2u) a day after being driven,, and I do not get the sweet smell of anti-freeze inside the cabin. A corvette shop where I have had work done has suggested, since I don't get the aforementioned indicators of a core leak, that after the engine has heated up to put the indicator on heater and turn the fan on high for about 5 minutes to see if this might get rid of moisture that may have built up in the system. If this does not cure the problem, I will do the pressure test as suggested by Big2Bird. I really appreciate all the advise/comments I have received.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Bastrop Texas
Although it is raining, I could not stand the suspense of not knowing if maybe the problem was moisture that had built up in the vent system over the 18 months the Vette was in the repair shop resulting from being T-bones by a big USV in March 2017. So I removed my pickup from the car port and backed the Vette out of the garage to the car port. I let the engine run until the air from the vents became warm and turned the blower on high. The windshield immediately began to fog up, but after about 4 or 5 minutes I noticed it started to clear up right where the defrost vents are located, and after about an additional 10 minutes the windshield was clear except for a small space at the sides and the upper middle. I can't tell you how relieved I am that maybe I don't need to think about replacing the heater core. Once the weather clears up, I will take it out and see if my problem has been solved, and I will post the results.