Author Topic: Heater core BLEW!  (Read 3013 times)

Offline shadango

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Heater core BLEW!
« on: July 20, 2014 - 09:32:38 PM »
Well, the heater core in the Fish sprang a leak today..... :crying:......was getting on it to pass a car on the highway and we smelled antifreeze,....my son Tyler looked down and yelled..."Dad, theres a leak!"......lots of coolant....but then it stopped just as quick as it started.  We made it home without any further leakage.

We had smelled antifreeze a couple times before when getting on it, so this is not a surprise. :banghead:

So now, to get a new core.

I was just gonna check out Rock auto......any specific brands to use or stay away from? :popcorn:

Thanks guys!




Offline brads70

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2014 - 09:35:15 PM »
Hate that job! Prepare to stand on your head!  :grinyes: :lol:
Brad
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Offline shadango

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2014 - 09:40:48 PM »
Mine is a no a/c car so I think its easier .....I had the heater box down and apart when I got the car 5 years ago and it was a mouse hotel.  I figured I would try the core as is and it held that long!

ANyways, as I recall, it wasnt horrible.....I am going to take the front seat out which seemed to help a lot.......

Offline shadango

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2014 - 09:45:44 PM »
I saw some posts elsewhere saying that the spectra brand was problematic as far as fit....saw someone say they bought one from O'Reily's and it was great.....its a "Murry" brand at $42 and a limited lifetime warranty.....

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MHT0/399109/02709.oap?year=1972&make=Plymouth&model=Barracuda&vi=5143949&ck=Search_02709_5143949_4634&pt=02709&ppt=C0331

Rock auto has a "pro" brand for $48, 12 month warranty  and a "four seasons" for $11...OUCH!

Offline shadango

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2014 - 09:53:58 PM »
I am thinking I might just disconect the heater hoses for now and plug the two nippes on the water pump or just run a hose between the two......since they are different sizes, I guess an adaptor nipple would be in order......

Offline 1 Wild R/T

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2014 - 10:03:20 PM »
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Offline shadango

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #6 on: July 20, 2014 - 10:08:43 PM »
If the heater box is coming out anyway put this on your list...

http://www.detroitmuscletechnologies.com/70-74-e-body-basic-non-a-c-heater-box-restoration-kit/


yeah I was wondering.....I actually replaced all that when I had it apart 5 years ago.......hoping it has held up well enough to use again.

Offline ChallengerHK

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2014 - 03:50:56 AM »
Usually with RockAuto they'll list stuff in several price ranges. The bargain basement stuff is frequently Chinese crap, so I just avoid it entirely. I shoot for somewhere in the middle.


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Offline shadango

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2014 - 05:57:32 AM »
Usually with RockAuto they'll list stuff in several price ranges. The bargain basement stuff is frequently Chinese crap, so I just avoid it entirely. I shoot for somewhere in the middle.

Yeah that has been my experience too...

But.....

This time they have more or less a high and low...... $108 and $47 and then $37, basically.    Didnt see any "made in ______" info.....and the pics all look the same.....what the heck kind of brand is "pro"....LOL....that is the middle one.

I think everything is chinese made anymore.  :pullinghair:

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #9 on: July 21, 2014 - 06:06:10 AM »
I got a replacement several years ago from Oreilly's, fit was perfect,made in Mexico at the time...I supose they still sell the same brand, today it's $42.00 .
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MHT0/399109/02709.oap?year=1972&make=Dodge&model=Challenger&vi=5136581&ck=Search_02709_5136581_-1&pt=02709&ppt=C0331
« Last Edit: July 21, 2014 - 06:08:11 AM by Bullitt- »
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Offline cwestra

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #10 on: July 21, 2014 - 07:37:17 AM »
I had a big problem with Spectra brand a few months ago.  It just would not fit no matter what.  Went with Murray brand at O'Reilys and it was perfect.
Corey - in Northern Indiana

Offline blown motor

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #11 on: July 21, 2014 - 09:14:05 AM »
I had a big problem with Spectra brand a few months ago.  It just would not fit no matter what.  Went with Murray brand at O'Reilys and it was perfect.

With a name like Murray how can you go wrong?  :smilielol:
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Offline jimynick

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #12 on: July 21, 2014 - 11:27:04 PM »
With a name like Murray how can you go wrong?  :smilielol:
Let me count the ways..... LOL!  :cheers:

Offline shadango

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #13 on: July 22, 2014 - 05:10:30 AM »
I went ahead and ordered the Murray from O'Reily's.  They have a lifetime warranty and the best price.....and you guys say it will fit right....so, no brainer.

Thanks folks!

Offline 74 challenge

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Re: Heater core BLEW!
« Reply #14 on: July 22, 2014 - 11:44:10 AM »
I went ahead and ordered the Murray from O'Reily's.  They have a lifetime warranty and the best price.....and you guys say it will fit right....so, no brainer.

Thanks folks!

let us know how hard of a job this is since I have to do this job aswell! the Previous owner removed it when it started leaking.
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