Heater core leaking, again...

frehol · 01-15-2007, 08:45 AM

Blazer -95 V6 vin W 4WD OBDII
OK, it´s dripping coolant from the heater core again.

I did replace the core about two month ago, but it did not work very long... And the SES light is on again but I have not read the code yet ´cause I don´t have scanner (and the shop carge about $100 (700SEK) for reading them! ) but last time the heater core broke I also got a code for O2 sensor, don´t know if it is related...

My question is if there can be a relation between the broken core and the O2 error code? An internal leak might let coolant go into the exhaust and contaminate the O2 sensor, but can it cause a leak in the heater core too?

I have not (after it started leakin again) checked if there is voltage in the coolant (electrolyzis?), but when I checked it some 2-3 weeks ago it was not...

I have flushed out the Dexcool and run it on ordinary blue glykol, can it be a problem?

Any other input?

//F

ericn1300 · 01-15-2007, 07:22 PM

the solder joints on the inlet and outlet tubes are pretty weak and can easily be broken by forcing the heater core into place or can weaken and break by not reinstalling the strap that secures the core in place.

and sometimes new parts fail, i'll never buy a cheap heater core again. pay a little extra for a good one, the difference is only a few bucks for a reliable brand or a few hours doing it over again.

Chris Stewart · 01-16-2007, 09:21 AM

Who makes a good heater core?

frehol · 01-16-2007, 01:53 PM

I called the shop and asked for their opinion of my problem, and they said it could be a leak in a cyliner head gasket, and that could lead to to high pressure in the system. And that could blow the core... To check that I can do a "block test" he said. That is a test to check for CO (Carbon monOxide) in the coolant, there should be none but may be if a cyliner head gasket is leaking exhaust gases into the coolant...
(anyone heard of it??)
Coolant in the exhaust would also effect the O2 sensor...

Also talked to the store were I got the replacement core that now leak and they will give me a new one

But I have to remove it first and bring it to them

I´ll try to get the block test asap, will be back wiht the result when I have it!

/Freddy

ericn1300 · 01-16-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

Who makes a good heater core?

I like Modine, never had a problem with them

old_master · 01-16-2007, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frehol

I called the shop and asked for their opinion of my problem, and they said it could be a leak in a cyliner head gasket, and that could lead to to high pressure in the system. And that could blow the core... To check that I can do a "block test" he said. That is a test to check for CO (Carbon monOxide) in the coolant, there should be none but may be if a cyliner head gasket is leaking exhaust gases into the coolant...
(anyone heard of it??)
Coolant in the exhaust would also effect the O2 sensor...

Also talked to the store were I got the replacement core that now leak and they will give me a new one

But I have to remove it first and bring it to them

I´ll try to get the block test asap, will be back wiht the result when I have it!

/Freddy

They are telling you correct. It's a long shot, especially with no other problems that you've noticed, but possible. The coolant is tested with a gas analyzer to check for CO in the coolant. That is the easiest, cheapest and most reliable way to check for a leaking head gasket.

ericn1300 · 01-16-2007, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_master

They are telling you correct. It's a long shot, especially with no other problems that you've noticed, but possible. The coolant is tested with a gas analyzer to check for CO in the coolant. That is the easiest, cheapest and most reliable way to check for a leaking head gasket.

wouldn't the radiator cap with a 15lb rating relieve the pressure before the heater core failed?

old_master · 01-16-2007, 06:57 PM

It should, if it's working correctly. That's one of the reasons I mentioned it would be a long shot. Engine miss, steam from exhaust, etc etc.

frehol · 01-17-2007, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

Who makes a good heater core?

All I can say is that the core that I put in last and now leaks is from a company called "Proliance International, Inc" in New Haven, CT.

I do not yet know if it was a bad core or if something else broke it.

Will do the block test tomorrow...

/Freddy

old_master · 01-17-2007, 02:46 PM

Proliance is the result of a merger between Transpro and Modine. Here's their web site: http://www.pliii.com/about_overview.htm

As Eric mentioned, he likes Modine. Modine has always been a "quality manufacturer". It's possible that quality suffered as a result of the merger, that seems to happen quite often after a merger.

ericn1300 · 01-17-2007, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_master

Proliance is the result of a merger between Transpro and Modine. Here's their web site: http://www.pliii.com/about_overview.htm

As Eric mentioned, he likes Modine. Modine has always been a "quality manufacturer". It's possible that quality suffered as a result of the merger, that seems to happen quite often after a merger.

Thanks for the heads up Old Master, after reading the press release it seems Modine Aftermarket was spun off from Modine Manufacturing long before the merger. I guess I'll just have to give up on brand loyalty and ask for "Made in America" if there is any.

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