z11375ss

I finally got around to disassembling my heater core issue. I'll put it together next weekend. I hate the chinese crap. This one had all of 3 months on it and it started leaking. The tube was completely out of the core.

RandyS

That is the weak point on any heater core. Sometimes we can weaken them when 'coaxing' the heater hose on. That is actually a very simple repair if you have a small torch and some solder.

z11375ss

You can't see it in the pic but the tube was cracked at the base. I think I tore it out trying to get the hose off of it. I agree, I am going to put the new hose on very gently.

RandyS

Bummer. Hope the new one is more sturdy.

z11375ss

I may have it extra brazed by a friend. Your thoughts on that?

RandyS

It depends on the split in the tube. Can you post a pic?

z11375ss

I meant on the new one. To strengthen it.

MDchanic

It doesn't need to be brazed - just soldered, and yes, I'd do it, if it can be done carefully.

- Eric

RandyS

Ah, got ya. I would test them to see if the joints seem solid. If they flex much, I would opt for adding solder. It can be DIY if you are familiar with the process. The solder has a very low melting point and it is really easy to overheat the joint and loose more than you gain.....

z11375ss

I was thinking this would be a tricky process. I'm going to lube the hose before trying to slide it on. Hopefully it goes on with no fuss and I clamp that sucker down with no leaks! What a PITA!

MDchanic

"Keep it greasy so it'll go down easy."

- FZ

z11375ss

i don't plan on doing this again to this car anyway. Wish me luck.

RandyS

Good Luck!!!

pfriesen

I'm doing the heater core job on my 1966 Olds Ninety Eight. It had a felt-like insulation between it and the firewall, that's all soaked in coolant, and a bit torn up now. What do you use as a replacement? Can't seem to find the same thing from any of my usual sources (USA Parts Supply, Fusick, Year One)???

z11375ss

So I finished it up tonight with the help of 4 of my best buds standing around having a couple of beers and offering moral support. I had to tweak the new heater core to get it to fit around the outside box but it was a success. This is what the old cars offer. You get together with friends and bench race and just shoot the sh*t. Great time and the car is back together. You can't get this with new cars. It's download this and that and you're through. What a bore. Glad to have the Cutlass back on the road with heat. It is cold you know.

Junkman

In the old days, I just spit into the heater hose before I installed it. The spit would help the hose to slide onto the heater core nipple with little to no effort. I never would try to pull a heater hose off, but would cut the hose at the end of the nipple, and then remove the clamp, and slice along the nipple with a razor blade. Then I would use a small screwdriver to gently pry the cut hose apart and off of the nipple. Takes a little longer, but never broke a nipple off, and never had a leak. If you don't want to spit into the hose, then use some Johnson & Johnson KY jelly. It is water soluble, and does the same thing as spit.

Junkman

I don't ever remember a felt like material, but do remember a thin (1/8" thick) foam seal. If you need a felt type of material, check with a automotive upholstery shop, since they use some thin cloth type material on metal seams prior to installing new headliners. I refer to it as moleskin, but I don't believe that is what it is called in the trade.

chadman

I can't believe you tore that car down that far just to do a heater core. That was one of the first things I replaced my '68 when I bought it as the previous owner had it looped off. I didn't remove the fender, hood, fender liner or anything. Had it done in less than an hour and a half. That just blows my mind.

boese1978

X2 same here with my 68 - more than once. That was a lot of work, curious why you did it that way?

hilbily

Does it make any difference if it has air or can you do it all from under the dash?

ELY442

My 70 Cutlass convertible has a/c and it was under the dash. It wasnt too bad once you do it a few times. I didnt have to take the fender or the front bench seat off. I just took the fender well off and everything was going as planned. I bought the seal kit for the heater box and the heater core is made in the USA. I installed it just in time before the cold weather arrived.

z11375ss

You're car runs 11.60s. In other words you obviously know more about cars than I. To each his own. My back and hamstrings are thanking me right now. The addition of the non opening all the way hood on the 68 is a great option for working on it btw.

z11375ss

This^^ has a lot to do with taking my time and going the long way around. Took the time to repaint some things as well. Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

chadman

I will never argue that point. They fixed that for '69..........and then gave you the center "tooth" to knock your dome on instead.

z11375ss

Sadistical, LOL!