Heater core

[Chadly]

This might sound stupid, but can you drive a truck with the heater core removed?(82 Jimmy) I thought the coolant ran through it but maybe I am wrong. The guy trying to sell me his said he has it out still but he can deliver the truck.

Yes I am a rookie. I've worked on some engines but never messed with a heater core.

 

[dhcomp]

Yep, you just have to link the 2 heater core hoses together. BUT, they are different sizes, so you need a little reducer piece, called a heater core bypass piece or something. Sold in teh help section, or doorman parts at kragen.

So yes, totally doable, and reliable if done properly.

 

[Chadly]

So does that mean you wont have a heater? Just curious, I plan on replacing the heater core when I get the truck.

 

[dhcomp]

Yep, no heater when bypassed. The heater core is basically a small radiator that gets mounted in teh cab, coolant passes through, fan blows air across it, heats it up, and blow out vents.

When you bypass the heater core, and tie the coolant hoses together, the truck's cooling system will work properly, but the heater will not work.

Hopefully he bypassed it properly, which will make it fairly straigh forward to repair the heater core and hook back up. If you do, zip tie that bypass fitting to one of the hoses in case your new heater core ever bursts, so the bypass fitting will be right there available if you need it in an emergency.

 

[Chadly]

Thats a good idea, like keeping an extra belt in the trunk of my car just in case.

Thanks for the help!