Heater core?

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Sparky

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Had some anti freeze dripping from the area behind the glove box. Heater core shot I presume? Just installed a water pump a couple of weeks ago,just a co-inkydink?
 
I would say no coincidence. My guess is that your old pump was leaking, and therefore the system was not holding its max pressure. With the new water pump, your cooling system is once again holding whatever pressure the rad cap is rated for, and the next weak link (bad heater core) shows up.
 
New water pump maybe increased the flow and the worn out heater core couldnt handle it is my guess.

This ^^^^^^


BUT, make sure you check the heater hoses where they attach to the core nipples outside the firewall. I have seen those connections leak when they loosen up over time and the coolant runs under the bottom of the hose nipples into the car and looks just like a heater core leak.
 
Same thing happened to me, check out my build thread, lots of pics in there.
The old core was pressure tested before as well, but it still developed a leak a few days after i had the car running and driving.
I changed the heater core, and now the car is problem free. It's not a bad job to do this with the dash still in the car.
BTW, i used a spectra brand one, and i had to modify the heater box to install it, not a big deal, but the inlet and outlet pipes were off a little bit........
Just a little heads up, i don't know about other brands.
 
I wont hurt to check the hose clamps at heater core. If a tiny stream of coolant is spraying from under the clamp it could go inside.
 
Easy job....replace the core done :) No worries after that! Me, I just get'er done and do it right the first time. Likely needs a clean out in the heater box anyway.
 
I wont hurt to check the hose clamps at heater core. If a tiny stream of coolant is spraying from under the clamp it could go inside.

Same thing happened to me, check out my build thread, lots of pics in there.
The old core was pressure tested before as well, but it still developed a leak a few days after i had the car running and driving.
I changed the heater core, and now the car is problem free. It's not a bad job to do this with the dash still in the car.
BTW, i used a spectra brand one, and i had to modify the heater box to install it, not a big deal, but the inlet and outlet pipes were off a little bit........
Just a little heads up, i don't know about other brands.

This ^^^^^^


BUT, make sure you check the heater hoses where they attach to the core nipples outside the firewall. I have seen those connections leak when they loosen up over time and the coolant runs under the bottom of the hose nipples into the car and looks just like a heater core leak.

Agreed, on pretty much all of this.
You won't find a better deal than the link either most likely, as that is pretty much what they cost anywhere.

If increased flow was the actual cause it was going to leak soon anyway so it'll be nice to have it done for no more than it costs and how easy they are to replace.

I used a propane torch to move one of the tubes slightly (1/2 inch) because it didn't quite line up right, but you just have to be carefull to only melt the solder right where the tube goes into the core body (a wet rag works good for keeping the heat from getting to the core and finned tubes areas.)

For sure check the hose connections as I have also seen them leak past the clamps and squirt into the cabin.

It's also a great time to freshen up the look of the box and insulate the exposed tubes where they go from the firewall to the core.
 

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Thank you to all, great info. I did notice the car was running just a touch hotter than usual after installing the new pump. I will certainly check the hoses , nipples before pulling it out but I am pretty sure it is shot. My wife works at a parts store,lucky me, cost should not be an issue. Thanks again. FABO #1.
 
Even if you find it is the hoses leaking, "I" would still put the core in it. It's all probably the same age with the same amount of mileage. Might also check all the rest of the hoses and thermostat too. Good time to inspect the radiator as well.
 
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