| Author | Message | ||
     David Morin (Sporin) Member Username: Sporin Post Number: 141 Registered: 02-2003 |
If I wind up bypassing my heater core for the summer, can someone give me details on what I will "get" still? For instance, will I still be able to blow fresh air on my windshield for defogging? Still not sure if this is my problem, but if it is, I plan to bypass it for the summer and replace it in the Fall. I just know that I will NEED some defogging on rainy days this summer too and can't lose that. | ||
| Steve Cooper (Scrover) Senior Member Username: Scrover Post Number: 746 Registered: 09-2002 |
David, I just got through a CA winter with the heater core bypassed - not sure if that really compares to even a VA spring. I did have a few cold evenings and had to use the heated windshield once to defog, but other than that I didn't miss it. I did this:  No coolant crosses the firewall, so no heat at all (except for the drive-train heat of course). The blower functions are not effected. SC | ||
| David Morin (Sporin) Member Username: Sporin Post Number: 142 Registered: 02-2003 |
Whereabouts is that in the engine bay? I assume in the back somewhere. I checked the hoses yesterday where they go through the firewall and there *might* be a leak there. A Vermont spring, summer is pretty warm, but we get humid up here so good blower function is a must (at a minimum.) I wouldn't even try to get through a Vermont winter without heat.  | ||
| Steve Cooper (Scrover) Senior Member Username: Scrover Post Number: 747 Registered: 09-2002 |
That is on the top rear of the passenger side valve cover. From there, the hoses went behind the engine and through the firewall on the driver's side. Those are the original heater hoses cut and joined with 1/2" brass plumbing fittings. Not sure what year you have or if it's the same layout. If it's just a hose leaking at the firewall then I would first replace the hose, but you're probably on borrowed time. If you have any coolant in the carpet then beware. My core blew without warning and filled the truck with coolant - I was climbing uphill at the time - running out of the rear doors after soaking every piece of carpet in it's path. Not fun. SC | ||
| David Morin (Sporin) Member Username: Sporin Post Number: 143 Registered: 02-2003 |
Yeah, I need to get it sorted asap... my issue is just a tiny bit of coolant (and sweet smell) coming in, and the HC is a replacement (only about 4 years old) so I'm not sure it's th ecore, or hoses, or what. Thanks for the info, very, very helpful and appreciated. | ||
| Geoff 93 RRC (Geoff) Senior Member Username: Geoff Post Number: 307 Registered: 11-2002 |
Check for coolant on the top of the valley gasket. It causes an interior coolant smell like you have a leaking heater core. | ||
| David Morin (Sporin) Member Username: Sporin Post Number: 144 Registered: 02-2003 |
I can't find any coolant elseware in the engine bay so I suspect it's the HC, much to my dismay. | ||
| David Morin (Sporin) Member Username: Sporin Post Number: 145 Registered: 02-2003 |
Well, made an appointment at DAP (they are local) who I will have bypass it since I have ZERO time in the next month to do it myself. I know, I know, I know! I should do this myself but I am booked solid with work and family obligations, besides, they are cheap and I'm having them do a few other small things for me while it's there. They actually gave me a very reasonable quote on HC replacement... 8 hours � x $49 per + $100 for a new HC. It's tempting to have them do it and save myself the headache. Anyway, I'll bypass it for now and decide in the fall if I want to undertake it or have them do it. Thanks all for the info. | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) Senior Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 304 Registered: 05-2003 |
Dam...just double the labor for a job in California. | ||
| David Morin (Sporin) Member Username: Sporin Post Number: 146 Registered: 02-2003 |
Yeah... I figure the part is $100 bucks anyway, so is the extra $400� it to me? what is my time worht? Given how long I suspect it would take *me* to do it and all the hassles of getting everything back together again... I'm thinking yes. Either way, I'll have all summer to decide. Besides, for all I know I'll roll it this summer and wind up turning it into a 100 inch Series hybrid. haha! | ||
| A. Ali (Alia176) Member Username: Alia176 Post Number: 176 Registered: 03-2003 |
I'd have it done for $400. Hell, my time is cheap but that job is a royal PITA. However, what is the condition of your blower? It seems that lots of RRCs these days are having blower issues due to their age! | ||
| David Morin (Sporin) Member Username: Sporin Post Number: 147 Registered: 02-2003 |
Blower seems fine, sounds like there is a leaf in there or something on occassion but it blows strong on all settings. |
