Help, coolant leak, Heater Core?

projectcavalierz24sc · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 1:29 am Post subject:

Since that's what all what was wrong, I could have probably saved you some money if I would have saw this thread and posted earlier. What you could have done was buy 2 feet of 5/8" heater hose, 4 good hose clamps, and trimming around the ends of the cover where the hoses go through the cowl panel (firewall). Pretty much just a matterof cutting the hose in half, slipping each of the hoses over the heater core outlets, routing the hoses through the cowl panel, and connecting the hoses to the steel bypass lines. It has worked for me and haven't had any problems out of the cars I've done this on.

BTW, when pulling off or re-installing the cover, make sure you have a 3" 1/4" drive short extension or some deep well sockets too. Those hidden screws are sometimes hard to get a socket to reach them.

nemesis_z24 · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 12:59 pm Post subject:

cyclone_z · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 2:19 pm Post subject:

One good thing you will find is that you'll get more heat in the winter; at least that is what I found out when I replaced my heater core. I don't know if it was due to build-up in the old one or what, but it gets nice and toasty now even when it's 0 degrees out.

It took me forever to change mine 'cause of the hidden screws and the clamps that just wouldn't come off. It probably would have been quicker with better tools. I got so frustrated with the plastic pan, that in the middle I took an hour break. I even went on to this board to see if anyone had good instructions because I was sure I was missing a screw or two, but just couldn't find it. Eventually I did. But I didn't break the plastic because I was careful. so it was worth the extra time. I have the Chevrolet service manual now; it probably tells you where all the screws are and how many. It's good on details.

jakerooni · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 7:41 am Post subject:

You did put a new heater core cover on correct? If you still have that broken one on there you're not going to get very much heat it's imperative that stays in tack. I broke mine all up the first time and had to duct tape it all back together to get just a little bit of heat. That's a sealed system when you put it back together. Might not be a big deal now that we're in warmer weather but before next winter make sure you have a replacement cover on that thing.

spedlio · Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 6:59 pm Post subject:

Wow, this is crazy. I'm having the same problem with my car. Except I had an "extra" issue that held me up from starting with the heater core first. I was on my way to work, my low coolant light came on, thought nothing of it, then saw the steam. Pulled over into a gas station and saw coolant puking out the back of the motor. I had to limp my car home for about 15 miles stopping at about every gas station and filling up with water. Finally got home, got it up and found the lower coolant line had busted. Replaced it, let it run, and same thing happened. Figured it was the heater core, but I know for sure it is now! The second time it puked out, I started it back up, pulled it up onto my ramps, and as I shut it off, the windows fogged up at the vent. Also, something else that I saw happening was water was spurting up off of the belt at the top of the motor. Weirdest thing, I kept getting sprayed with water (I'm dumping water in it for now, water freezing and cracking the block is not a concern at the moment). Hope it was from the heater core craping out.

But I do actually have a question, is there a way to bypass the heater core for the moment? I'm thinking a piece of u-bend hose and some clamps will work. What size hose? Hey, one good thing about living in the south, winter is only for a short time. Thanks for all the help everyone!! Damn I've missed this site

projectcavalierz24sc · Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 7:19 pm Post subject:

Those plastic hoses going to the heater core are very fragile and can break really easy if not careful.
Yeah you can bypass it, some people on here have done it.

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