Heater Core Issues

[TSWG00]

So here is my dilemma. My heater core is leaking and it seems to me that I just got it replaced about a year ago. This will be number three that has gone TU on me. Is it me or should the heater core last longer than a year? Shouldn’t it last at least like 5 years or maybe even oh say 3 years. In all my other vehicles I have never had to replace the heater core. Is there a better than stock heater core out there that will last a little longer? Or is there maybe some issue with my car that is causing me to go through them? And advice/suggestions would be very nice to help me with this issue. Thanks for the help.

 

[donjohn]

just wondering, if you "got it replaced" did they actually replace it, or did they try and patch it? and was it a reputable shop?

I can't remember where I got my heater core from, I think I just picked it up at Kraegen/Autozone etc...

Some background on how the heater core actually works would be helpful.

 

[Stanger007]

Man sorry to hear that - you can get a hose coupler to bypass the heatercore before it messes up your interior.

I had to replace the heatercore in my 90 and boy was it a chore. I've heard that the Ford pieces are better and it is definately true. I originally got a new core from the parts store but took it back after I saw how flimsy it was. Got a new one from Ford and it was *much* better made.

Do it right the first time, this is a job you don't want to do twice.

 

[Labora]

1. Make sure you are using a FORD heatercore.

2. There is supposed to be some kind of restricter to keep the pressure in the heater core down. If it isn't there they wear out quicker.

 

[TSWG00]

Well the last time it was a ford unit and it had a pin hole in the return one of the lines. I saw it when the shop owner showed me the core. It was kind of funny when I have the heat on my pants got all wet. thank god it was not hot to me. The last time it went out on me I got hot water on my foot that did not feel good lol.

And where is this restricter suposed to be?

 

[95MuStEtAnG]

I had to replace my heater core last December, and it wasn't a very fun project. I had to pull my entire dashboard in my car off to get to it, and it still was hard trying to get it in after that. I don't know if I just did it the hard way or what. It sounds like you have the same problem as what I did. My car also started leaking antifreeze into the car all over my leg. What I did for a temporary fix was bypassing the heater core. Look and find the small rubber hoses running to your heater core.Then I took them off, and took one of the hoses that had the best U shape to it, and cut it down so it was just a U shape. I then Just clamped the hose onto the lines so that it doesn't ever go through the heater core. You will no longer have heat, which really sucks, especially when you wind up having to fix it in the middle of december outside in your driveway.

 

[fawcett]

Mines leaking too, or maybe its just my exhaust but i really think its the core. My interior reeks of exhaust, its going to a shop to get fixed tomorrow.

How much is this going to cost me?
-fawcett

 

[scarless]

You need to clean and flush the block and radiator. You need to get rid of rust and gunk in the system. If you don't clean and flush it, the new core will corrode and leak very quick.

 

[SeventyMach1]

Just an FYI if you decide to bypass .....



http://www.allfordmustangs.com//Detailed/623.shtml