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What was your procedure for flushing the heater core?Your heater core is most likely clogged. I just purchased a 2000 LX 470 less than a month ago and had the exact same issue. I flushed my heater core twice and that did the job. I'm almost positive that's what your problem is, seems very common based on my research here.
Will get on that. Is weak airflow also a symptom of a clogged heater core? I notice that on all the settings but high the airflow is very weakI would try flushing the heater core first before doing the whole coolant unless that'll make you feel better. The previous owner had a new radiator put in my car with new coolant flush less than a year ago but that obviously wasn't enough to flush out the heater core.
Will get on that. Is weak airflow also a symptom of a clogged heater core? I notice that on all the settings but high the airflow is very weak
If you are careful you can use a metal pick to kind of pry in there and break the "seal". Just make sure you don't poke a hole in the hose! Alternatively, if your hoses are original you could always just cut through the hoses and replace them. That's what I did but I was also replacing the heater Ts and all hoses back there.Anyone have any tips on removing the heater core hoses? They seem to be glued to the heater core nipples and there isn’t much room to work with
I’m not sure. They current Ts are definitely not the Oem plastic black Ts, they are rectangular and metal. I assume they were replaced when the PO had the heater core flushed in 2021. I tried using a metal pick but had no success.When were the heater Ts last replaced?
Never assume the heater tees were done, ever. Don’t bother inspecting them because some of them will crack if you merely look at them wrong. Just buy two 8724860460 and replace them asap. It’s $20, 60 minute job and you’re good for 90k miles.I’m not sure. They current Ts are definitely not the Oem plastic black Ts, they are rectangular and metal. I assume they were replaced when the PO had the heater core flushed in 2021. I tried using a metal pick but had no success.
If I decide to cut the hose and replace the small hose that goes from the heater core nipple to the heater T, can I use any generic 5/8 heater hose?
I feel your pain - honestly you just might have to manhandle it and keep pulling on it hard while being careful not to bend/break the metal tubes. Keep on keeping on and it'll come off with some persistence.Anyone have any tips on removing the heater core hoses? They seem to be glued to the heater core nipples and there isn’t much room to work with
I've read that some replace them with brass T's? Is there any benefit to that over OEM?Never assume the heater tees were done, ever. Don’t bother inspecting them because some of them will crack if you merely look at them wrong. Just buy two 8724860460 and replace them asap. It’s $20, 60 minute job and you’re good for 90k miles.
I was assured by PO the tees were replaced when the radiator was done. I pulled the tees myself and I’m sure glad I did since one was broke.
For breaking the seal, spray it down with soapy water and keep trying with a pry bar or pick.
I don’t like metal tees in the system. Introducing dissimilar metals opens the door for additional corrosion mechanisms of things I care about (like my radiator). I’ll gladly do the OEM at 90k. Changing hoses is a great idea.I've read that some replace them with brass T's? Is there any benefit to that over OEM?
The way its looking I will probably just cut the hoses and replace them along with the T's, just as preventative maintenance.
Could also be a blower motor getting tired. I just replaced the cabin air filters on my 2000 LX and they were filthy af with debris inside the housing. Minimal difference in airflow but good peace of mind. I had a blower motor go out on a 99 Camaro Z28 which had similar symptoms as you described.Will get on that. Is weak airflow also a symptom of a clogged heater core? I notice that on all the settings but high the airflow is very weak