Leaking heater core
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Leaking heater core
Hi all. I need some advice/opinions. I removed my leaking heater core and got a new one from Mid America. The tubes don't match. On Mid America's the tubes are closer together and both the same size, with one having a flared end. I'm pretty sure that it will work with some slight modification to the part that it sits in. I live in a small town in N. Wisconsin with no radiator shop to get the old one fixed. Has anyone else had this problem and made it work? I'm just trying to do it right the first time because it's kind of a pain to get at. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Tom
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 35
From: LaUgH, mOrE!
Be sure they sent you the right part for your year. And also, NO A/C or WITH A/C.
Maybe look at pictures of Heater cores from other vendor's websites to compare what it should look like.
I just did a heater core replacement on a NO A/C '79 and it was a perfect match. I think I ordered it from Rock Auto.
Maybe look at pictures of Heater cores from other vendor's websites to compare what it should look like.
I just did a heater core replacement on a NO A/C '79 and it was a perfect match. I think I ordered it from Rock Auto.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
If the replacement is not like the original it's probably the wrong part. I'm with G-sting thinking there's a mess up st the vendor... did your car have A/C originally? If so the core is definitely different from a no air car.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Thanks for the replies you guys. It's a '77 with air. I've gotten parts from Mid America before that haven't been exact replacments ( rear spring, strut bushings, etc.) but have been able to make them work without turning the job into a hackfest. I think that I might take a ride to the Big City and ask a radiator shop to take a look at my old one, and return the new one to Mid America. I was just hoping to find an easier way out. Thanks again for your input. Tom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
It should have 2 different port sizes, one for 5/8" hose and the other 3/4" hose. If yours doesn't, they sent you the wrong core. Give them a call, I'm sure they will make good on their mistake.
Gary
Gary
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
hows the heater core replacement going? you should get the correct gaskets seals ect when you do it. it should be exact if you ordered the right one. i like dealing with doc rebuild in conn. its always better to just get a new one. 50 60 bucks. its not something that can be seen. i think they are all made in mexico. 26 to 30 bucks buys the gasket set. comes with the pipe cushion where they come out of firewall. was not to bad of a job. took my time
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
That's great advice about sticking with a new one. It's what I was trying to do when I got this one from Mid America. I'll give them a call today. Also will get gasket set as mine crumbled to dust when I took it apart. There is no hurry to get the job done other than me forgetting how it all goes back together. Thanks guys.
Tom
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Re-coring the heater would probably cost as much as buying a new replacement. And the only 'new' item you would get would be the core. If the new heater is a quality product, it would be a better choice (over the long-term) than repairing yours.