My heater core is leaking
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 306
Likes: 26
From: Chandler,AZ,USA AZ
My heater core is leaking
My heater core on my 91 coupe is leaking. Checking the various suppliers I see aluminum replacements and Copper/brass replacements. Anyone have experience in choosing one versus the other? I guess my main concern is not having to do it again for a long time.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
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I've used the aluminum replacements in both my '87 and '86 and have had zero issues. My thought was: "The brass / copper unit crapped out but the original aluminum radiator is still doing fine and looks like new inside" ...so the logical choice to me was to go aluminum.
I vote aluminum.
I vote aluminum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2019
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From: Mid-Atlantic
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Definitely aluminum in my view but really the only way to make sure it lasts is routine coolant maintenence.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 306
Likes: 26
From: Chandler,AZ,USA AZ
This one had a blown head gasket for a while that was pressurizing the cooling system. That is all fixed now but I'm thinking this is a side effect of that issue. Anyone partial to a particular brand?
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 225
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From: Vancouver, WA
I installed an aluminum HC in my 85 after the original leaked. This was a very time consuming job and some fasteners were very difficult to get to.
You have the later interior so hopefully it is easier for you.
You have the later interior so hopefully it is easier for you.
Last edited by 1985 Vette; Dec 30, 2019 at 04:12 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 363
From: Central Alabama
There is nothing hard about doing the later heater cores. Unless you have a hard time accepting that you will need to disassemble the dash. There are no short cuts or tricks. I worked on mine for several evenings after work and got it done. it's just a matter of taking your time and following the steps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 363
From: Central Alabama
I really don't get this advice. When i bought my 92 it had a bad heater core. Seller had not disclosed it. I found it during the purchase and dropped my offer by $1K.
It's such a common problem that any buyer that has done some reading will know to look for it.
It's such a common problem that any buyer that has done some reading will know to look for it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 306
Likes: 26
From: Chandler,AZ,USA AZ
There is nothing hard about doing the later heater cores. Unless you have a hard time accepting that you will need to disassemble the dash. There are no short cuts or tricks. I worked on mine for several evenings after work and got it done. it's just a matter of taking your time and following the steps.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,475
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
Probably was counting on you having the "Corvette Fever" and overlook a lot of things. Lots of people do so it doesn't hurt to try. Why do you think I always want a PDI by an independent mechanic who isn't caught up in that stupidity to make sure I am not caught up?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
No reason why it shouldn't last 18 years, if you do cooling system maintenance. If you don't want to change heater cores, change your coolant on a regular basis. Doesn't matter which material you chose...or which country the core came from; cooling system maintenance will help you avoid a leaking heater core.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 306
Likes: 26
From: Chandler,AZ,USA AZ
No reason why it shouldn't last 18 years, if you do cooling system maintenance. If you don't want to change heater cores, change your coolant on a regular basis. Doesn't matter which material you chose...or which country the core came from; cooling system maintenance will help you avoid a leaking heater core.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
I'm not implying that at all. While I think ANY heater core is made as absolutely shitty as possible, (and still actually work), there are probably slight differences in quality...brand to brand, unit to unit, even.
I'm implying that:
1. It's doubtful that anyone has changed (and owned) enough heater cores in one car to "measure" the difference in quality
2. The quality is not dependent on the material that it's made of, IMO.
3. If maint were well done, it would be a moot point b/c the factory one would likely last forever and still be working.
4. As long as there isn't a defect, any aftermarket one, brass or aluminum will likely last forever w/good maintenance
5. It really doesn't matter which one you buy too much. It matters more, how it's used and taken care of. If it doesn't come already leaking, it likely never will unless it's allowed to corrode/oxidize.
I'm implying that:
1. It's doubtful that anyone has changed (and owned) enough heater cores in one car to "measure" the difference in quality
2. The quality is not dependent on the material that it's made of, IMO.
3. If maint were well done, it would be a moot point b/c the factory one would likely last forever and still be working.
4. As long as there isn't a defect, any aftermarket one, brass or aluminum will likely last forever w/good maintenance
5. It really doesn't matter which one you buy too much. It matters more, how it's used and taken care of. If it doesn't come already leaking, it likely never will unless it's allowed to corrode/oxidize.