Heater core basic question
 

My heater core sprung a leak. I am trying to take the cheap way out on my beater and was wondering if I just remove the heater core and run a hose from the block straight to the water pump, will I cause my any problems or damage the engine or rest of the cooling system?

I know I have seen this done on some other trucks, but I don't know enough about it to know about potential troubles it might cause.

Re: Heater core basic question
 

It'll work perfectly fine. Done it as a temporary fix. Of course up here we need our heater. Down there you could probably use it as a permanent fix :lol:

Re: Heater core basic question
 

That is what I am thinking, since this truck only makes weekend runs to the Home Depot and such. If it is too cold, I can just stay home!

Thanks for the quick reply

Re: Heater core basic question
 

Yeppers, just bypass it like 714x4 said ;)

Re: Heater core basic question
 

You should plan on changing the inlet on the intake... because the two hoses that go to the core are different sizes. Because if its a permanent fix, I doubt you want to just jam the hose on there.

You can get them in the "Help!" section of your autoparts store

Re: Heater core basic question
 

If you want to go to the trouble to "rig it right", buy two 1/2 N.P.T. plugs and replace the hose fittings on the intake and water pump with the plugs. That removes the hose completely, so you never have to worry about it failing or leaking.

You said it was a Home Depot truck, they sell the plugs there.

Re: Heater core basic question
 

My core just went out also and right now I am doing the hose fix like you said but I need heat because my truck is a daily driver. Oreilys had my 70 core in stock for 15 bucks parts are cheap to fix, I will let you know how hard it is to put in

Re: Heater core basic question
 

You guys are aewsome! Thanks for the responses.

Re: Heater core basic question
 

alf, if yours is an A/C truck, then look in the FAQ board... I transfered a write up that Jewels did a couple years ago.

Re: Heater core basic question
 

Ya plug it up with 2 plugs! what tx said

Re: Heater core basic question
 

If you're concerned about water flow, don't be. The AC equipped trucks have a vacuum operated valve that shuts off the water flow to the heater.

In high school my buddies told me you needed the heater hose connected for flow so as not to overheat the head. I have since learned that on older chevies with the 261 that the hose is needed, they tend to have steam develop in the head. For the other engines, no.

Re: Heater core basic question
 

My beater is non-AC, unless you count the rotten rockers and kickpanels!

I have it plumbed with a hose right now, but I am thinking seriously about plugging both ends and being done with it.

Re: Heater core basic question
 

Ive done that to my mustang the last year, and finally got it fixed 2 days ago. but to replace the heatercore in your truck is EASY! Id be happy to help and its like a $20 fix.