Bad Heater core- Common problem areas?
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Laurens SC
Bad Heater core- Common problem areas?
In the old days when I had a heater core leak in my car (lets say a Camaro), I would re-solder the inlet/outlet tubes and it would be good as new. I see when everyone here has a heater core go bad, they just put in a new one.
What I want to know is does the corvette heater core fail in a bad way (rot out) or does it fail around the inlet/outlet tubes? Can those of your who have replaced one chime in?
My 84 has a bad core in it now that I bypassed. I also picked up a parts car that still had a core in it (unknown condition). Im thinking if the corvette core normally fails in the same area, I would just repair/beef up the parts car core and swap into my car. I know a new core is only around $50.00 but that money I could put towards something like headers
What I want to know is does the corvette heater core fail in a bad way (rot out) or does it fail around the inlet/outlet tubes? Can those of your who have replaced one chime in?
My 84 has a bad core in it now that I bypassed. I also picked up a parts car that still had a core in it (unknown condition). Im thinking if the corvette core normally fails in the same area, I would just repair/beef up the parts car core and swap into my car. I know a new core is only around $50.00 but that money I could put towards something like headers
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego, Ca
Most fail from galvanic corrosion which was aggravated (caused) on the motors with 113 heads ('88 to '91) which experienced an unusually high number of weeping head gaskets. After that, and with the advent of Dex Cool, they plug up, but don't seem to burst. Coolant Sealant Tabs also seem to play a role in plugging them up. The Folklore is that GM fretted over Coolant leaks with the EPA mandate to remove Asbestos from gaskets, so they came up with the Pellets which were to hold it altogether until the warranty expired. In a subsequent Service Bulletin, GM denied using them at the Factory and specifically instructed Dealers not to use them. However, any Dealership Parts Counter I've been to always had them in plain sight. Keep your System clean and if you have a 113 headed motor, check the #7 cylinder for a bad head gasket, particularly if your Core is leaking.
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Laurens SC
Okay thanks for the info everyone. Sounds like they corrode to death. looks like I buy a new one.
Thats unfortunate- the older cars used to break at the solder joint around the inlet/outlet. resodler and done.... Oh well.
Thats unfortunate- the older cars used to break at the solder joint around the inlet/outlet. resodler and done.... Oh well.
