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

Heater core tester

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 10, 2019 | 12:18 PM
  #1  
kodpkd's Avatar
kodpkd
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 2,193
From: Loveland
Default Heater core tester

Now I know why someone bypassed my heater core.... Seems to leak.. Tested with my Bubba tester.

Last edited by kodpkd; Sep 10, 2019 at 12:19 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2019 | 04:19 PM
  #2  
L-46man's Avatar
L-46man
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
Default

Did you 'soap bubble check' your tester????

Not so 'bubba', that's how I would've done it...leak down test.

Unkahal
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2019 | 12:11 PM
  #3  
kodpkd's Avatar
kodpkd
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 2,193
From: Loveland
Default

Yes,,,, I got the soap water out and tested the best that I could. It was hard to see the connection at the heater pipes. I did about 8 PSI and it blead off is seconds. You also need to be very careful not to explode your core. I used a bike hand pump. If you use an air compressor it's very easy to get to much pressure.
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2019 | 01:23 PM
  #4  
L-46man's Avatar
L-46man
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
Default

Absolutely don't overpressure! The Radiator cap and therefore the system is rated to 15psi...so just short of that will give the best results....I figure should hold pressure for 24 hours.

Probably blown.

cheers Unkahal
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2019 | 01:57 PM
  #5  
derekderek's Avatar
derekderek
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Default

Make sure you leak test your leak tester. Maybe put both ends on to a piece of copper tubing and blow it up and see if it holds. Is the heater core still in the car? If not get something like in oil drain pan or something else big enough fill it with water and plunk it in there.
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2019 | 02:53 PM
  #6  
CA-Legal-Vette's Avatar
CA-Legal-Vette
Race Director
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Default

Good idea! I have a new heater core to install and I sure don’t want to find out that it leaks after that ordeal.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Heater core tester





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:23 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE