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Change Heater Core?

A

AzNick

Member
Should I change out my heater core? I replaced it in about 1987 (the usual smell of antifreeze and the wet/slick carpet on the passenger side), and as many of you know, my car has been sitting idle, in storage since 1988. I rebuilt the motor in 1995, drove it sparingly, had the engine re-gasketed last year, but I have not done anything with the core in 23 years....So, I am assuming that fluid has just been sitting in it for a long time.

Would you change it before something goes wrong?...especially since I am replacing the carpet this winter. I usually do not fix things before they are broke, but with heater cores, it is is not "will it leak"...it is "when will it leak".

Thanks.
 
Since the car has been sitting for so long, I would pull the heater. Get the rebuild kits (low cost) that are out there and replace all the foam and gaskets internally. You can then replace the core with anything that is not aluminum (verify before ordering). This is also a good time to extend the hose connections on the heater thru the fire wall so hose changes in the future can be done under the hood. This also eliminates the potential for an inside hose leak on the new carpet. Also, you can make sure all the moving parts actually move.
 
Yep, that's what I was afraid of...

BTW, thanks for moving this. I was reading my SS wheel thread, immediately remembered my heater core question, hit back button, and started a new thread...

So AzPete....stick with the copper and brass core and not the Aluminum one?
 
I'm installing my core tomorrow, I opted to get the one that is compatible with a/c since my car had factory a/c ( and I plan on re-installing the missing a/c this spring). This is my first rodeo with a heater core, I'm hoping for the best.
 
"AzPete" said:
You can then replace the core with anything that is not aluminum (verify before ordering).
Click to expand...

I just read this, of course after I just installed an AL heater core in my box. I have not installed the box yet but, what's wrong with the AL core?

I was told the only thing that is really different was that they put out more heat than the brass style and I would have to watch what anti freeze I used.
 
I found the alum. core did not heat as good as the copper plus the alignment thru the firewall was bad. I tried a couple different ones and all measured as having the tubes to far apart. I ended up dremeling the holes to get the car on the road.
 
Zombie post: I'm going to replace the heater core on my 65. How do I extend the core in/out tubes through the firewall? Thanks.
 
Take it to a shop that works on them and have longer tubes or extensions added. I believe about 2" is what is needed but I am not sure on the length.
 
I did mine several years ago and as I recall standard 1/2" copper tubing with a straight coupling worked fine.
 
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