uncloging heater core tricks

Posted By: Dakota_Don

uncloging heater core tricks - 12/26/12 10:02 PM

I have a clogged heater core, in the past i have used CLR let it sit over nite and flush it out with clean water and air, what other chems or tricks have you all used.

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: heater core tricks - 12/26/12 10:17 PM

I've pulled the hoses off of the nipples & back flushed it with a garden hose nozzle modulating the pressure somewhat with my other hand which helped with a slightly to moderately clogged one. No opinion on a good chemical to use but it'd have to be caustic to do any good. Cooling system deposits are tough. Doug Dutra the /6 guru used a solution of Muriatic acid (swimming pool cleaner) in a bare block & said the insides came out like fresh bare metal. Dont remember what percentage of acid/water he used nor how long he let it sit tho used in a core that might affect its' soldered joints

Posted By: RodStRace

Re: heater core tricks - 12/27/12 03:46 AM

Always back-flushed, but more often than not, any plugged core that is unplugged tends to leak!

You could try an old speedo cable (just the inside part) to 'snake' out the clogs...

Posted By: GO_Fish

Re: heater core tricks - 12/27/12 03:59 AM

Quote:

Always back-flushed, but more often than not, any plugged core that is unplugged tends to leak!
You could try an old speedo cable (just the inside part) to 'snake' out the clogs...

the aluminum, copper and solder on heater cores are thin to begin with. Add some corrosion and some probing and you've got a leak. Not much to loose though... with no heat you'll probably be going into the dash anyways.

Posted By: ahy

Re: heater core tricks - 12/27/12 05:51 AM

If its a coolant related plug (Dexcool?), backflush with a garden hose usually works. If its a hard plug, good luck.

Posted By: Skid_Demon

Re: uncloging heater core tricks - 12/27/12 02:11 PM

A number of years ago I bought a 76 Dodge pickup. Okay, it was many years ago. My garden hoses were rolled up for the winter, so I went to the local car wash and used their pressure wand. I figured I had nothing to loose. I brought along a piece of plastic pipe and extra hose clamps to re-plumb if the heater core burst. After a few minutes or so of flushing, the thick green goo started looking cleaner. After a few more minutes, we were good to go. No leaks, excellent heat. Seems like that was one of the few times things worked out as planned.

Posted By: mcmopars

Re: uncloging heater core tricks - 12/27/12 02:21 PM

depending on what its in,most always,you will be money ahead to just replace

Posted By: BulletBob

Re: heater core tricks - 12/28/12 05:12 AM

Quote:

Always back-flushed, but more often than not, any plugged core that is unplugged tends to leak!
You could try an old speedo cable (just the inside part) to 'snake' out the clogs...

Trash in a cooling system works like stop leak
It finds the leak only being larger & more rigid the stop leak it gathers the rest of the trash & essentially becomes like a clogged filter so to speak

Posted By: Dean_Kuzluzski

Re: heater core tricks - 12/28/12 05:21 AM

I've used air pressure from my shop compressor to blow out a plugged heater core. Just ease into it with a nozzle and once opened put it back together. If it leaks, add a little Bars Leak, pepper or whatever trick of choice.

Posted By: manymopars

Re: heater core tricks - 12/28/12 05:40 AM

I have a 98 Durango that has 210.000 miles on it.About every two years when I start to notice lack of heat at idle I know its time to back flush the heater core.What I do is I disconnect the inlet hose to the core and loop it back to the water pump and then I drive down to the local car wash and using their spray guns I back flush the core through the cores outlet hose. I have probably back flushed the core 3 times and have had no issues yet with the core leaking.At some point I know I will have to replace the core but until that time comes I will just continue to flush it every two years or so..

Posted By: therocks

Re: heater core tricks - 12/28/12 11:51 AM

We backflushed a bunch of GM heater cores for no heat.The Dexcool clogged them up.Some you had to do a few times to get good heat.Never had any leaks.I had a 73 Dart that had a plugged core.Flushed it probally 10 times.Still never had good heat.Replaced the core and it roasted you out.Typically though they will be good after a good flush.That and almost never have they leaked.Rocky

Posted By: Dean_Kuzluzski

Re: heater core tricks - 12/28/12 04:42 PM

Anyone ever try putting some Airsoft BB's into the heater hoses to help clean out the heater core???

This assuming you have both the inlet and outlet hoses detached and can recapture the BB's when they come out.

Posted By: finadk

Re: uncloging heater core tricks - 12/28/12 09:25 PM

I have had good luck using CLR. Flush with water, Avoid high pressure air you can easily blow out a weak core. Pour the CLR in through the heater hoses, let it sit, flush with water again. I would flush it into a white bucket and stop once the sediment stops coming out.

Good Luck

Posted By: hp383

Re: heater core tricks - 12/29/12 03:27 AM

Quote:

Anyone ever try putting some Airsoft BB's into the heater hoses to help clean out the heater core???

This assuming you have both the inlet and outlet hoses detached and can recapture the BB's when they come out.

I dont think the passages on the core would pass the BB's

Posted By: NITROUSN

Re: heater core tricks - 12/29/12 04:15 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Anyone ever try putting some Airsoft BB's into the heater hoses to help clean out the heater core???

This assuming you have both the inlet and outlet hoses detached and can recapture the BB's when they come out.

I dont think the passages on the core would pass the BB's

Posted By: Dakota_Don

Re: heater core tricks - 12/30/12 12:18 AM

kool ty

Posted By: challengermike

Re: heater core tricks - 12/30/12 11:00 PM

i have been told liquid plumber or draino works great.

Posted By: dhkennedy

Re: uncloging heater core tricks - 12/30/12 11:06 PM

White vinager worked for me.