Yep...when I switch on the heater in the morning my nose is wrinkled by the sweet funk of hot antifreeze coming from the vents. No wet windshield, but surely something's amiss.
There have been a couple of posts lately about the subject of replacement, but rather than hijack a thread, perhaps its better to start a new discussion. Perhaps those folks previously involved will care to comment.
The comments posted involved the pros and cons of aluminum vs. copper for heater core construction. Surely both materials are tested and proven, both disapate heat, and abuse or poor maintenence will result in quickerreplacement. Surely one cannot be better than the other, after all, the radiator is aluminum, as our most high po aftermarket brands.
None the less, I'd appreciate some commentary on what type and why. Oh...one last rule...price isn't the object. Longevity is the goal. And please, don't be offended if I challenge a statement. I'm looking for information, good solid information.
Thanks!

 

Well, here's some basics,

Aluminum - lightweight or flimsy (however you look at it), corrodes less easily than brass, but does corrode andis often times thinner construction, dissipates heat faster, could get hotterdue to it's superior conductivity,(goodfor heat into cabin,might be bad for components around it.)Might not stand up toas severe a beating as brass, especally under constant vibration at the couplings as it bends/gives easier.

Brass - corrodes relatively quickly (is the core galvanized/treat in some manner on the inside?) heat transfer propertiesgood but not on par with aluminum. Usually thicker in construction and more durable. Proven plumbing usage in homes(don't see much aluminum piping.) Fittings could take more torque than aluminum. might take better to constant vibration and jolting.

My guess isthat it's the same debateas a brass vs. aluminumradiator, I'd research the pros and cons of those too, as it's probably a close comparison. Also don't rule out build quality of an individual piece or manufacturor, that can make all other considerations moot.

 

I really disagree with your starting a new thread. You should continue the current discussions so as to keep all information relvant to the topic together.

 

Thanks for the information aims...

VW...sorry bro, I've been accused of hijacking once too often.
This thread isn't about the process or problems of installation.

I'm requesting specific information about component quality, or rather material longevity. The OEM core lasted 7 years. Would an aftermarket replacement last as long, (or longer)even if the material used to build is is different? Does the truck come stock with a copper one? Out of nearly 30 Mopars I've ownedin the last 30+ years this is the first one that needed a heater core. What goes bad?

 

It's usually corrosion that makes them leak. they can corrode from the inside out, usually from not changing the coolant soon enough. Or from the outside in, leaves orpine needles, etc packed up against the outside of the core can rot it too.
I wouldn't be too worried about material construction, but if you go aftermarket compare the number or size of the tubes and the connecting fins.
I've seen problems with cheaply madeheater cores and evap coils that caused poor heat and a/c performance

 

Thanks! That was good information.

 

Check out this post. My new heater core is an exact match for OE.