How to identify OEM vs aftermarket heater core?

[rftroy]

68 Barracuda, non-AC.
How do you identify an OEM heater core? I have 2 as rebuilding candidates.
I don't see any Chrysler markings, which I would expect with an OEM core.

Robert

 

[Dana67Dart]

Post some photos.

My recollection they have a honeycomb pattern.

I believe this is an OEM 67 core

 

[Murray]

There will be no factory markings. Original cores are copper while some aftermarkets are aluminum. I would never "rebuild" one as they are too delicate. No choice of material when replacing, just be happy that you can get one at all.

 

[rftroy]

Post some photos.

My recollection they have a honeycomb pattern.

I believe this is an OEM 67 core

View attachment 1716366620

Here is the heater core. It holds water; a start. I'll hook it up to the engine and warm it up and see what happens.

 

[Dana67Dart]

If you have a air supply, even a bicycle pump, and a way to seal the ends to keep it under pressure (16 to 20 lbs) and a gauge on it over night. if it looses pressure bad, if not good. also submerge it in a tub of water look for bubbles. I like the hot water circulating through it some expansion could cause a leak BUT I suspect an overnight leakage test would show that up too. ( just be sure its not leaking at the ends where you have the plugs etc.)

 

[CRUZE 418]

Heater cores can be rebuilt, we have one shop left here, he did mine. It did cost more than a cheap replacement, there do seem to be different levels of quality core materials.

 

[nutz]

can vacuum test too ....

 

[Dana67Dart]

can vacuum test too ....

My only problem with vacuume on normally pressurized systems is the possibility of sealing a leak shut with vacuume.

I have never used vacuume so I don't have real world experience

 

[nutz]

Yeah it's just easier for me
Have a vacuum pump and a plug
It's hard to regulate 20 psi
And any more and she could blow