<putt@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:9626-438D95E3-1060@storefull-3275.bay.webtv.net...
> >I know nothing about heater cores. Does
> > the coolant run through the core?
>
> Yes. The core is just like your radiator, only in a mini-version. The
> heater hoses are connected to the engine cooling system. When the
> coolant gets warm enough, the t-stat opens and lets coolant pass through
> the entire cooling system, including the mini-radiator heater core. It
> is very possible to clog the tubing within the core with 'junk'
> circulating in the coolant. This is a bad thing for the core as it can
> lead to creating holes in the core tubing, which equals a leak.
> Breathing that antifreeze laden air in the cabin isn't good for the
> lung things.
If you notice a film on the inside of your windows your heater core may be
leaking. I've had this happen on two Ford trucks and it was not enough of a
leak for it to drip. The windows always needed to be cleaned.
Hopefully your cooling system was back-flushed before
> replacing the coolant. If it wasn't, Prestone makes a back-flush kit,
> about $5, and it does a very good job. Easy to install/use.....not
> rocket surgery. You just need to capture the new antifreeze(big tub to
> hold 3-5gal), follow the instructions, and then pour the AF back in when
> the flush is done. Voila! BTW: another 'cheap insurance'/smart thing
> to do, is to replace the radiator cap. Proper pressure in the cooling
> system is important to the operation of the complete system. Replacing
> it when performing maintenance is a good/smart thing. While I'm
> spending your money, check or just go ahead and replace the radiator
> hoses, heater hoses, and use new SS screw-type clamps. Apparently
> little/no maintenance was done on the cooling system, so those hoses are
> very 'suspect'....
>
> Helpful, I hope
>
> Dave S(Texas)
>
