Heater Core - Repair or Replace
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Heater Core - Repair or Replace
Just finished removing the heater box in my '76 to fix some vacuum lines and noticed the heater core is the original Harrison model. Considering the time and effort this has taken, was considering changing the heater core profalactically, even though the original is not currently leaking. After reading several posts on the poor quality of the cheap replacements available today, I've narrowed it down to three options.
1. Pressure test and use the current core as is.
2. Replace it with a new aftermarket (any suggestions on which is best?).
3. Have the original recored (any suggestions on who could do this?).
Look forward to hearing everyone's suggestions.
Thanks!!!
1. Pressure test and use the current core as is.
2. Replace it with a new aftermarket (any suggestions on which is best?).
3. Have the original recored (any suggestions on who could do this?).
Look forward to hearing everyone's suggestions.
Thanks!!!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake Virginia
I guess it depends on how you luck runs---YOU may get another 50 years out of it, if it were ME, it would fail about 10 minutes after I got it all back together and on the road.
considering the work it is to get out, I would most certainly replace it. can't help you with the "quality" aspect of it though. you could check with a radiator shop and see if they can check it out/recore it for you.
considering the work it is to get out, I would most certainly replace it. can't help you with the "quality" aspect of it though. you could check with a radiator shop and see if they can check it out/recore it for you.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Well I guess just like everything else, it comes down to money. Recore will be around $150, but with quality supplies made here in the USA. Or $50 from one of the parts houses, and a roll of the dice on a foreign made replacement. Decisions.....decisions.......
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
I would replace it. Even the Chinese cores are better than a 40 year old core. I think I got mine from summit racing or rockauto 2-3 years ago. No problems and it looked well made. If it looks cheap, ship it back 
I would pressure test it if you can, I didn't and I was worried the first few minutes. Plus it gives you a chance to clean out the trash in there along with replacing the door seals
I would pressure test it if you can, I didn't and I was worried the first few minutes. Plus it gives you a chance to clean out the trash in there along with replacing the door seals
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
You don't say if you have A/C or not. Even though the factory service manual tells to remove the heater core from the interior side, on early non-A/C cars it is easier to remove it from the engine side.
So.... still a crapshoot, but if you don't have A/C, it might be worth it to take a chance on your original. I think I would have a competent radiator shop check it over carefully for any weakness and if OK, go with it.
Pete
So.... still a crapshoot, but if you don't have A/C, it might be worth it to take a chance on your original. I think I would have a competent radiator shop check it over carefully for any weakness and if OK, go with it.
Pete
