C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Heater-Core Bypass... How?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 5, 2008 | 03:54 PM
  #1  
Vette80regon's Avatar
Vette80regon
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 2
From: Peoplez Republik (communist portland) Orygun
Default Heater-Core Bypass... How?

Hmmmm, so... I have been trying to make sense of the hose routing to bypass my newly discovered, slow leak heater core.

I have read & re-read my Haynes & shop book too. Scoured the Cforum for pictures or simple instructions as to "what hose goes where?"


anyone who has done this with pictures or able to send a step-by-step tutorial for a by-pass noobie would be totally helpful!!!


I just want to simply bypass the heater core until later this winter when I have more time to do the whole enchilada
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2008 | 04:00 PM
  #2  
Jud Chapin's Avatar
Jud Chapin
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Default

Just install plugs (buy at Advance Auto and others) for the engine and water pump where the hoses are attached and get rid the engine of the hoses. It's that simple.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2008 | 04:06 PM
  #3  
jackson's Avatar
jackson
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Default

The simplest (maybe not most elegant) means to reach your goal to bypass HC is this:

See where the small hose connects at water pump and extends to HC? check
See where the small hose connects at intake maifold and also extends to HC? check

simply connect a hose between both those two nipples: one at water pump and one at intake manifold. Yes, one hose has ID about 1/8" bigger than the other ... simply stretch one hose or squash one ... that's how it's done. If you haven't already realized it, please know that when you take the HC out of loop, it's true the heater won't have coolant flowing through it and won't work ... but ... the defroster won't work either.

edit ... jud answered before I saw his ... plugs work fine too ... but looping a hose can be done on roadside.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2008 | 06:00 PM
  #4  
Mashman's Avatar
Mashman
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
Default

*EDIT* SORRY- I re-read original post! I thought the OP wanted to by-pass heater core for the usual heat in cockpit reasons. I didn't see he had a leak issue. To completly bypass heater core, below ain't the way


Go to nearest auto parts, or home depot/lowes, and get 2 cut off valves - 1 5/8ths and 1 1/4th. Also get 4 clamps (they will be at the same location).

Locate the previously identified hoses - one from water pump to heater core, other intake to heater core.

Take a knife, and cut the hoses - I cut mine at thier highest (or highest convient) location to limit the amount of coolant leak.

Insert the valves and clamp them in tightly.

The valves allow you to easily open or close the hot coolant flow - you should open the valves once every month or so to flush out the coolant that is sitting in the heater core.

Last edited by Mashman; Jul 5, 2008 at 06:10 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 5, 2008 | 08:12 PM
  #5  
Paul L's Avatar
Paul L
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 97
From: Ontario
Default

Waterpump to intake manifold.

Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 12:17 PM
  #6  
Vette80regon's Avatar
Vette80regon
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 2
From: Peoplez Republik (communist portland) Orygun
Default I did it... I think?

Hey gang, thank you for the tips & ideas for the by-pass.

before I fire it up, did I do these correct?



I think that's right. Just hose the water pump to the intake, right?


Like I said, total noob on this type of repair. Never done it before.


Last edited by Vette80regon; Jul 6, 2008 at 12:47 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 01:08 PM
  #7  
Jud Chapin's Avatar
Jud Chapin
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Default

That'll work, its just kind of messy. If you are going to have the heater disconnected permanently, I would pick up some plugs, one for the heater and one for the block.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 01:24 PM
  #8  
Vette80regon's Avatar
Vette80regon
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 2
From: Peoplez Republik (communist portland) Orygun
Default

Thanks Jud,
Totally appreciate this.


I actually read many of your prior posts on this subject. Thanks again!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?

 Brett Foote
story-5

9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made

 Brett Foote
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 01:27 PM
  #9  
Theiskell's Avatar
Theiskell
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: Liberty Missouri
Default

Originally Posted by Jud Chapin
That'll work, its just kind of messy. If you are going to have the heater disconnected permanently, I would pick up some plugs, one for the heater and one for the block.
No need to loop the system
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 01:53 PM
  #10  
Jud Chapin's Avatar
Jud Chapin
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Default

Originally Posted by Vette80regon
Thanks Jud,
Totally appreciate this.


I actually read many of your prior posts on this subject. Thanks again!
You are welcome!
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 01:54 PM
  #11  
GPGG70's Avatar
GPGG70
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 2
From: Nixa Missouri
Default

Originally Posted by Vette80regon
Hey gang, thank you for the tips & ideas for the by-pass.

before I fire it up, did I do these correct?



I think that's right. Just hose the water pump to the intake, right?


Like I said, total noob on this type of repair. Never done it before.

Hey there Vette8Oregon
I noticed in your picture of your engine, (nice looking engine) that you have a rubber hose spliced on to your discharge fuel pump fuel line.
It looks like it could be clamped on there as a protecter for the fuel line or it's a splice in the line.
If it's a rubber hose splice on the pressure line you might want to replace the steel discharge line from the fuel pump to the carb.
I can assure you you dont want to find out what happens when fuel starts to leak out underpressure and setting on a hot engine. I am in no way trying to tell you what to do but I try to look at the safety side of thigs first. I just bought a new line for my SB & it was 24.00$ and now I can sleep at night.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 03:00 PM
  #12  
Jud Chapin's Avatar
Jud Chapin
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
St. Jude 15 Year Donor
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Default

Originally Posted by GPGG70
Hey there Vette8Oregon
I noticed in your picture of your engine, (nice looking engine) that you have a rubber hose spliced on to your discharge fuel pump fuel line.
It looks like it could be clamped on there as a protecter for the fuel line or it's a splice in the line.
If it's a rubber hose splice on the pressure line you might want to replace the steel discharge line from the fuel pump to the carb.
I can assure you you dont want to find out what happens when fuel starts to leak out underpressure and setting on a hot engine. I am in no way trying to tell you what to do but I try to look at the safety side of thigs first. I just bought a new line for my SB & it was 24.00$ and now I can sleep at night.
Good eye. You definitely want to replace that partial hose line with a steel one asap.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 03:57 PM
  #13  
gkull's Avatar
gkull
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,443
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Default

Your loop will supply lots of hot water from the manifold right back into the pump. Bypassing the radiator!

If motor temp is not a problem....................... go for it!

I was gone on a 8 day vacation and when I came back the boss decided to not send me along with the GT-40 and Bizzarini for the 11-13th races at PIR. I'm a little bumbed because the new guy gets to go.

Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 04:03 PM
  #14  
Paul L's Avatar
Paul L
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 97
From: Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by Vette80regon
Hey gang, thank you for the tips & ideas for the by-pass.

before I fire it up, did I do these correct?



I think that's right. Just hose the water pump to the intake, right?


Like I said, total noob on this type of repair. Never done it before.

That's what I did but my A/C compressor blocks the view in the pic above. Believe me it works as an inexpensive band-aid solution until the new heater core goes in.
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 10:31 PM
  #15  
Vette80regon's Avatar
Vette80regon
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 2
From: Peoplez Republik (communist portland) Orygun
Default

Thanks gang!

I'll be picking up plugs from the auto store tonight!


Oh... The fuel line. I never even thought of that before.
Is there a metal, one-piece line from the fuel pump to the carb?

Geshhh... I've never even heard of that before. I'll be inquiring on that too.


Thanks again
Reply
Old Jul 6, 2008 | 11:22 PM
  #16  
oneshot's Avatar
oneshot
Pro
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 609
Likes: 8
From: Round Rock TX
Default Plugs

What size plugs do you need for the water pump and the intake?

1/2" ?
3/4" ?
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2008 | 12:21 AM
  #17  
Project80's Avatar
Project80
Racer
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Vette80regon
Thanks gang!

I'll be picking up plugs from the auto store tonight!


Oh... The fuel line. I never even thought of that before.
Is there a metal, one-piece line from the fuel pump to the carb?

Geshhh... I've never even heard of that before. I'll be inquiring on that too.


Thanks again
If your looking to improve the looks as well as clean up the fuel hose splice, you may want to consider a braided line. JEGS, Summit, Speedway; I think they all carry fuel line kits for small blocks.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Heater-Core Bypass... How?

Old Jul 7, 2008 | 07:40 AM
  #18  
Ragtop_Rob's Avatar
Ragtop_Rob
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,035
Likes: 19
From: Freestate Corvette Club! Elkridge, MD
St. Jude Donor '17
Default

Heater core is really not a hard job BTW....
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2008 | 07:46 AM
  #19  
jim2527's Avatar
jim2527
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,330
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
Default

It looks like you have something other than a Quadrajet? If so, any preformed fuel line you buy will need to be modified.

Regardless, what you have needs to be changed. Put some insulating material around the line where it touched the coolant hose.
Reply
Old Jul 7, 2008 | 09:22 AM
  #20  
Paul L's Avatar
Paul L
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 97
From: Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by jim2527
It looks like you have something other than a Quadrajet? If so, any preformed fuel line you buy will need to be modified.

Regardless, what you have needs to be changed. Put some insulating material around the line where it touched the coolant hose.
It's hard to see but we might be looking at this (old setup on my 1967).

Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:37 AM.

story-0
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-1
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

Slideshow: Check out these easy-to-install upgrades from Extreme Online Store that reshape the look and feel of the C6 Corvette.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-03-23 17:00:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
How Likely Are These Five 2027 Corvette Rumors to Be True?

There may be some big changes on the horizon.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-18 06:55:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
9 Best Corvettes You Can Buy for Half Price (& 1 You Should NEVER Buy!)

Slideshow: 9 best Corvettes you can buy for half price (and 1 you shouldn't!)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-17 10:20:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Very Best Corvettes of Amelia Island 2026

Slideshow: 8 best Corvette of Amelia Island 2026

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-11 09:28:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 WORST Corvette Engineering Failures of All Time!

Slideshow: Top 10 worst Corvette engineering failures

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-10 17:38:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Records the C8 Corvette Generation Has SMASHED (& 1 Glaring Failure)

Slideshow: 10 records the C8 Corvette generation has SMASHED (& 1 glaring failure).

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-02 11:16:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
7 Wildest Corvette Concepts Ever Made

Out of the many Corvette concepts that exist, these are by far the wildest of the bunch.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-02 11:03:54


VIEW MORE