heater core pipe?

[DW5.0L]

Is it a bad sign if one of the two pipes sticking out of the firewall has more free play in it than the other. I am in the process of getting my car up and running and noticed that the inner pipe moved around more than the outer when I was connecting the new hose. The heater core did not leak prior to undergoing the rebuild project.

I don't want to have to take out the dash, but if it needs a new heater core, I want to fix it before I get the car back on the road.

What do you guys think?

 

[srothfuss]

Is your car apart right now? If so, you can try to rigging up something to see if the core will hold pressure. Cap off one end, and spray some air through the other....

 

[bubba-dough]

It doesn't sound like a good sign.

 

[DW5.0L]

I just dropped the engine back in last Saturday. I'll try the pressure test.

 

[ALMOST STOCK]

I am in the process of getting my car up and running and noticed that the inner pipe moved around more than the outer when I was connecting the new hose. The heater core did not leak prior to undergoing the rebuild project.
What do you guys think?

I pulled my motor and reinstalled it when I found the exact same thing you're talking about happen to me while I was hooking up the hoses.
I thought (hoped) that maybe one had move a little bit more and that the other originally. So I finished hooking everything up, started the car up and the water came pouring out.
I’m saying that the thin metal in the heater core is tore and that's why it's wobbles. Sorry I know you didn't want to hear that!

 

[rd]

Yep, I would at least test it before putting water back in it. Its most likely gone.

If you fill it with coolant, it will cover the inside of the air box with it, and it takes quite a while to get the smell back out. I can confirm this on two cars at least.

 

[DW5.0L]

I have already ordered a new one. It has to seperated from the endtank.