Fixing heater core?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 1,956
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Don't even think about fixing a heater core. It is such a pain in the butt to change. If it has weakened walls and leaks, it will leak in another spot in short order. I even go so far as to check a new core for leaks before I install it. Jerry
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,429
Likes: 2,154
From: Loveland
Go new.
Thank you,,, is where I am leaning. For $50 bucks, and piece of mind, go new. Mine is non A/C, so not to bad removing from the firewall side.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
Last edited by Little Mouse; Nov 1, 2019 at 01:02 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Also install w/ a stainless 1/4-turn ball valve on both hoses.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,429
Likes: 2,154
From: Loveland
Heater core is remover. Fan shroud all cleaned up, ready for the new core arriving tomorrow. So much black crap stuck all over the place, geeeez! I am going to install a shutoff valve in the heater hose. When it's hotter than H next summer,,,, at least I will know it isn't coming from the heater.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,145
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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YOu can find out how much recoring would cost at a radiator shop. If you go new, go to harrisons website to see if you can find an exact fit. New ones from part supplier are a close fit. Depending on where you live , the coat is an option, I'm goiing to a show in less than an hour and its still below freezing out......brrrrr
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Radiators get hurt. Stone punches a hole. You can fix it. Nothing can hit a heater core to make it leak. Nothing but air and antifreeze. If that makes it leak in one spot, it is gonna leak everywhere. Especially right next to where you soldered it up..
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Heater core is remover. Fan shroud all cleaned up, ready for the new core arriving tomorrow. So much black crap stuck all over the place, geeeez! I am going to install a shutoff valve in the heater hose. When it's hotter than H next summer,,,, at least I will know it isn't coming from the heater.
... two valves will also allow you to completely isolate the core in just a minute or two ... handy if/when core pukes.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,429
Likes: 2,154
From: Loveland
Done,,,, Love having my car like it is supposed to be,,,, with a heater. For the DIY'ers. It is an easy fix for NON A/C cars. Change it from under the hood at the firewall. When you get the fan/heater cover off,, you will see the heater core. It is a pain to get out. Use a grinder and grind the upper and lower edge of the opening. Maybe just 1/8 inch on each edge. This way it will come out MUCH easier,,,, and install easier. Clean up the edges of the cover and the mateing surface on the firewall. The clip that holds the core in, on the pax side has 2 grips that need to be lifted so it can be removed. Don't just pull on it,,,, it will break. A small screw driver works well. I looked online at a new clip to see how it's removed. Next get some Butyl sealant tape. Very sticky and strong to seal the cover back onto the firewall. No need to make a mess with RTV. When you have the cover off,,, be careful with the box the core sets into. With the 6 bolts removed from the cover the inside box is loose. I was able to reuse the big rubber seal at the 2 tubes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 2,466
From: Indiana
Just did mine with ac..long thread on it..
i did find one place that would fix and or replace fins depending on condition..100 to 180 bucks.
new 80 bucks made in mexico from a sponsored supplier..and yes i would leak check at home with compressor and bubbles as mine leaked after tweaking.
i saved the old core and radiator..just in case..of what i have no idea ... it sits with ac compressor in another box.
i did find one place that would fix and or replace fins depending on condition..100 to 180 bucks.
new 80 bucks made in mexico from a sponsored supplier..and yes i would leak check at home with compressor and bubbles as mine leaked after tweaking.
i saved the old core and radiator..just in case..of what i have no idea ... it sits with ac compressor in another box.
Last edited by interpon; Nov 2, 2019 at 09:00 PM.