heater core solution

[warmpancakes]

doing some research i have found that most of the bad heater cores are caused by cracks where the tubes connect to the core, the problem is the 7-8 inches of tube that hangs off the core and vibrates, the simple solution it to install a heater core from a NON a/c truck same core only difference is the tubes are 2 inches long so theires less mass hanging on the solder joints

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: heater core solution

I would think that would help the other issue is the bracket to support the long heater core tubes is often missing.

 

[warmpancakes]

Re: heater core solution

the bracket just joins them together, I dont think attaching them to the fender helped either

 

[nello]

Re: heater core solution

the bracket just joins them together, I dont think attaching them to the fender helped either

Or a simpler solution. Disconnect the hoses from the heater core and bypass the core all together. My heater core blew 2 weeks after I bought the truck and no way was THIS going to be my first mod or fix. My money was going other places. Though if I didn't live in california I probably be singing a different tune. :tup:

 

[syclomatic]

Re: heater core solution

Or a simpler solution. Disconnect the hoses from the heater core and bypass the core all together. My heater core blew 2 weeks after I bought the truck and no way was THIS going to be my first mod or fix. My money was going other places. Though if I didn't live in california I probably be singing a different tune. :tup:

Yeah, I live in Oklahoma, and when my heater core went out it was freezing temperatures outside. I went without a heater in my ol' car for years, and did not want to freeze out in my new truck! So I fixed it, I got it done in one night, it was a long night.

 

[turbodog]

Re: heater core solution

doing some research i have found that most of the bad heater cores are caused by cracks where the tubes connect to the core, the problem is the 7-8 inches of tube that hangs off the core and vibrates, the simple solution it to install a heater core from a NON a/c truck same core only difference is the tubes are 2 inches long so theires less mass hanging on the solder joints

You may be right, but I'll play devil's advocate here for a minute. Yes, the tubes are long, but if they are secured together AND TO THE HEATER BOX as the OEM clip does, they should be relatively rigid. Assuming you want heat, you have to connect to your shorter tubes somehow. What to use? If you use hose, it is just as heavy as the copper tubing when full of coolant, and there is no way to make that rigid. It is sure to vibrate and flex the solder connections to the core - I would predict worse than the long copper tubes, again assuming the tubes are secured properly.

Now, that does leave the question as to why our trucks suffer from core failures so often, even when the OEM clip is installed. My pet theory is that the hose running over from the intake is too short, and gets stretched when the engine twists in our wimpy OEM motor mounts. This in turn flexes the tube, and the force is too great for the clip to overcome. On my 1st Ty I lengthened the hose and secured it so it cannot flex the tubes after my 1st core failed. Second core went over 100k miles. My 2nd Ty had a leaky core when I bought it. Same treatment. Now at 60k mi on that one. Now I have solid mounts, so am hoping to never replace another core.

 

[SY2932]

Re: heater core solution

Now, that does leave the question as to why our trucks suffer from core failures so often, even when the OEM clip is installed. My pet theory is that the hose running over from the intake is too short, and gets stretched when the engine twists in our wimpy OEM motor mounts. This in turn flexes the tube, and the force is too great for the clip to overcome.

Sounds good to me . That's why I lengthened all my lines and got rid of that silly metal tube that attached to the battery tray when I replaced mine over two years ago. No leaks yet...

 

[Loeryder]

Re: heater core solution

Same here.
Extended the lines once and I've never even done a heater core.

 

[djcXgmc]

Re: heater core solution

i know i got a leaking heater core, what all is involved in doing this? i'd like to know everything before i start taking things appart

 

[Don W.]

Re: heater core solution

i know i got a leaking heater core, what all is involved in doing this? i'd like to know everything before i start taking things appart

Here's the link you need:

http://www.sytyarchives.com/howto/viewarticle.php?article_name=heater_core.php&dir=climate_controls

Different cores avail, I bought a NAPA. Be sure to reuse the core tube support. I found it allot easier to just spend the time and remove the pas side fender well.

 

[SY2932]

Re: heater core solution

Here's a link to my observations when I did mine back in 4/05. Not as hard to do as you would think after it's all said and done.

 

[Don W.]

Re: heater core solution

Mike, interesting that you rated it a 3 on a 1-10 scale. Toughest thing I, personally, have done is the front dif. Prolly 7-8. Haven't done a trans, or pulled the motor...yet Replaced the pan gasket and did the outside freeze plugs with motor in the truck. All fairly easy once that front dif is out.

Old thread so OK to hijack?:roll:

 

[TYTILIDIE]

Re: heater core solution

Why does everyone have such a hard time changing these out? I can get mine done in less htan 45 minutes.

 

[jimmyz79]

Re: heater core solution

What ever you do, get a GM part or one of high quality. Don't put in an Autozone-china-made-crap in there, or you will be doing it twice. Trust me...

 

[Aeroking]

Re: heater core solution

Why does everyone have such a hard time changing these out? I can get mine done in less htan 45 minutes.

x2

What ever you do, get a GM part or one of high quality. Don't put in an Autozone-china-made-crap in there, or you will be doing it twice. Trust me...

x3

i went thru 3 "Autozone-china-made-crap" in about 2 months

 

[SY2932]

Re: heater core solution

x3

i went thru 3 "Autozone-china-made-crap" in about 2 months

That's your problem, I still have the box from my Autozone heater core that I replaced on 4/30/05 and it was made in Mexico

!

 

[ChuckWright]

Re: heater core solution

Replaced the heater core in my typhoon. Was'nt much trouble. Everything seemed OK. Now the darn thing won't start. Ive had the computer out several times before. Anybody got any thoughts. All the plugs seem to normal. Don't know where I went wrong.

 

[Don W.]

Re: heater core solution

Drop ECM and double check conections. Does the fuel pump run for 2 secs with key on? Pull coil wire from cap, insert a spark plug, ground plug and crank. Do you have spark? Prolly something simple, go back and check everything you touched.

 

[ChuckWright]

Re: heater core solution

Drop ECM and double check conections. Does the fuel pump run for 2 secs with key on? Pull coil wire from cap, insert a spark plug, ground plug and crank. Do you have spark? Prolly something simple, go back and check everything you touched.

Thnx for the quick reply. I've never checked the spark like that befor but it's a great way. thnx for the help.

 

[TY0618]

Re: heater core solution

All I know is to change the heater core in these trucks pays something stupid at the dealer....like 18hrs....I had a tech at work a race, he worked on a Blazer, and I did my Ty. I won 37min. I did mine on my lunch hour, and he took 6hrs.42min. ....Go figure, a parts guy wins!!!! Yes, buy a good Quaility heater core...or try to get one made in Canada..we need heat up here! :rotf: