Heater core options

[diesel4me]

Can't solder it up yourself ?...or you feel its not worth the risk of it still leaking after re-installing it..

I have put Aluma-Seal powder in the radiator to postpone replacing leaky heater cores in more than one vehicle in the past,and it not only worked to stop the leak,it lasted the entire time I had the vehicle..and that stuff doesn't clog them up like Bars Leaks or Porter Seal and the many liquid type radiator sealers..still had good heat!..

 

[sweetk30]

Can't solder it up yourself ?....

dont use todays safe solder . if you can find it try old school stuff and lots of flux . i had some old acid core stuff and boy would that work good also .

 

[dyeager535]

Its been in there 20 years, as had the radiator that failed about two years back. The heat output hasnt been what others describe, so pretty sure internally its plugged terribly and wont put out the heat it should.

 

[diesel4me]

I bought several rolls of old school 50/50 acid core solder at the flea market for a buck each--Lowe's gets over $20 for a lb of that new lead free stuff that doesn't seem to work very well ,especially on old copper pipes that already had been soldered with the old stuff..

You can put some CLR in the core and let it sit a few days,then reverse flush it out with a garden hose with house water pressure--that usually cleans them out real good ,then you can solder it...white vinegar works too..

If it wasn't such a nutcracker to R&R a heater core,soldering it up would be worth a shot,but I can't blame you if you feel it isn't worth the risk that it may not pan out or last that long..
I've re-soldered the tubes back on a few in my youth and had good luck though..but now I'd probably buy a new one,and let someone else change it!..