Possible Heater Core Leak (1 Viewer)

[SteveH]

Pressure in the cooling system is always limited by the radiator cap, so you should have no issues. Beware of capping the tees, unless you can find higher quality 'caps' than I have. Many of them are crappy offshore rubber junk (resembling a vacuum cap) that rots in 6 months and isn't reinforced. You don't want to introduce a new weak spot in your cooling system.

 

[hysteria357]

Pressure in the cooling system is always limited by the radiator cap, so you should have no issues. Beware of capping the tees, unless you can find higher quality 'caps' than I have. Many of them are crappy offshore rubber junk (resembling a vacuum cap) that rots in 6 months and isn't reinforced. You don't want to introduce a new weak spot in your cooling system.

I was worried about that. the ones at the auto parts store look like crap and are just for getting home. Might look at a hardware store.

 

[TahoeZ]

Option 1 will work fine and is easiest and leaves you with rear heat. 3/4” Pex brass barbed plugs work with a hose clamp.

 

[hysteria357]

Option 1 will work fine and is easiest and leaves you with rear heat. 3/4” Pex brass barbed plugs work with a hose clamp.

Thanks, ill set this as a project for tomorrow. good time to replace the Tees as well....

 

[TahoeZ]

You could replace the T with a 90 like this: https://www.amazon.com/Joywayus-Reducer-Elbow-Degree-Fitting/dp/B0DQTHX9FW

Then plug the upper lines with plugs: https://www.amazon.com/Joywayus-Barb-Brass-Crimp-Fittings/dp/B0C286WZ5J

 

[hysteria357]

You could replace the T with a 90 like this: https://www.amazon.com/Joywayus-Reducer-Elbow-Degree-Fitting/dp/B0DQTHX9FW

Then plug the upper lines with plugs: https://www.amazon.com/Joywayus-Barb-Brass-Crimp-Fittings/dp/B0C286WZ5J

I was going to try that but bought the wrong size. Went back to new heater tees and capped the hose that connects to the heater core but I need to get a bigger cap. the 3/4 wasn't big enough and its leaking from there. PEX-B appears to be bigger so im gonna run back to the hardware store for the 3rd time today and pick up a new one.

 

[hysteria357]

Update, the 3/4 to 1/2 reduction wasn't secure enough and it popped out before the it heated up

 

[2001LC]

I'd pull off the return side Tee (passenger side). Take Tee to NAPA, Advance auto, etc. Used tee to size hose. Get 1' of heater coolant hose, that fits large side (upper) tee and two clamps.
Jump upper tee to upper tee, with temp coolant hose. Plug upper (front) core hoses, after blowing out coolant.

 

[hysteria357]

I'd pull off the return side Tee (passenger side). Take Tee to NAPA, Advance auto, etc. Used tee to size hose. Get 1' of heater coolant hose, that fits large side (upper) tee and two clamps.
Jump upper tee to upper tee, with temp coolant hose. Plug upper (front) core hoses, after blowing out coolant.

That's what I ended up doing. It's been at temp for about 15 mins in my driveway. Should also mention those are new tees.

 

[hysteria357]

Update: Its holding. I wont need to worry about heat till November, so I think im good until I can get around to replacing the core.
However you know the saying "nothing is more permanent than a temporary solution"?

 

[Mike NXP]

Update: Its holding. I wont need to worry about heat till November, so I think im good until I can get around to replacing the core.
However you know the saying "nothing is more permanent than a temporary solution"?

lol right, f**k that here's your new heat source

 

[DFXR]

Update: Its holding. I wont need to worry about heat till November, so I think im good until I can get around to replacing the core.
However you know the saying "nothing is more permanent than a temporary solution"?

I bypassed the heater in my 60 years ago. I had just done the head, then the crank seal, then something else. Then of course the heater core started leaking and I said, "nope."

I do think that a small leak can blow bigger, especially with coolant. So you have my support. Check back in in a couple years.

 

[hysteria357]

I bypassed the heater in my 60 years ago. I had just done the head, then the crank seal, then something else. Then of course the heater core started leaking and I said, "nope."

I do think that a small leak can blow bigger, especially with coolant. So you have my support. Check back in in a couple years.

I'm curious to see how the rear heater on its own works.

Also my situation is similar. I had the entire front end plus PS rack replaced and then this starts.