Heater Core

[Zac_Cutt]

So I took my pile of 780 Bertone to the shop today because it was leaking coolant into the passenger foot well. I knew there was a problem with the heater core however the heat worked fine. I figured it was a leaking hose on it because the car is 20yrs old. The mechanic did not open up the car at all and said it needed a new core. I tried to ask him if it could be a hose or if it was a craked heater core and he said it didnt matter, he quoted me 1200$ to replace it.

Is he right? Would it need to be repalced no matter what? Could I fix the tube or maybe tig weld the crack up if that is the problem considering it does work?

Lastly, what other model cars and years would have a interchangeable heater core. I am not up for getting a new one for over $500...

Thanks,
Zac

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

If a hose or ring seal then obviously you'll not need a new core. Renewing the seal or pipe would be the answer.

If it is the core, then, if you are able, a repair may well do the job. This will depend on what exactly is the pproblem.. Obviously the fact you are not actually swimming in the car, and you have heat means the problem is not a big one.

Not sure what model a replacement could come from, But if you can get the part number from your local dealer, you can find out if it is the same as fitted to other models...

Make sure, once you have repaired this to clean out the passenger footwell to minimise the likelyhood of rust..

Des. . .

[Nightingalecars]

Hi
How bad is the leak!
It may be worth trying a liquid sealent such as K Seal if the leak is only minimal.
I think if I was you i'd definatly get a second opinion on the heater core to check it is that before forking out all that money, although 9 times out of 10 it usually is the core!.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Originally Posted by Nightingalecars

Hi
How bad is the leak!
It may be worth trying a liquid sealent such as K Seal if the leak is only minimal.
I think if I was you i'd definatly get a second opinion on the heater core to check it is that before forking out all that money, although 9 times out of 10 it usually is the core!.

I have heard that these and similar (Holts) can gung up the heater core and cause more harm than good...
Certainly it won't help if it is one of the pipes...

Des. . .

[Zac_Cutt]

It is actually just coming out the footwell vent and dripping into the car mat. There is not that much ending up in it. Maybe after a day or two of driving my reserve tank of coolant will make it from max to minimum.

I am not sure if it is the core or not but no one has opened it up and looked they all immediately just said it needs a new core.... Which IMO is unfair I thought it might just be a hose considering it works.

Thanks,
Zac

[Zac_Cutt]

Well, just finished pulling out nearly the entire dash. I found a brand new haeter core for $100!!! The quote for the job done with the heater core was $1200. I got the core for $100 and pulled the interior my self. Was going to install it myself but I didn't know how to get into the box with the trap doors that holds the core. I figured that was too expensive of a part to fiddle with so for about $200 they will put it in. So in total, $300 for a new core which means I saved about $900 CAD.

But I will confirm that when its done.

I actually am quite happy I pulled it apart myself for I learned ALOT about this car. I learned that each peice of my dash weighs a good 15lbs or so and everything is over built. I also learned that there is about 3,000lbs of copper in the damn car, and boy the $1200 I payed was worth it for that with Canada's copper shortages But seriously, when this car does meet its destiny, drag car / drift car / track car I definately know how to save some weight. Not to mention the leather bucket seats with FULL power options and heated seats alone must be a good 300lbs plus the back seat.

Zac