Heater Core
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Heater Core
Ok, so I know my heater core is leaking. Left the inlet hose off and bypassed it to the outlet hose for the past week. Today, I put in a package of those "cadillac pills" and reconnected all the hoses. So far, no leaks, no wet floorboard, and no more steam coming out of the vents. Did i F!*% up by putting those pills in? or should i be alright. I know its not a permanent fix, but i dont have the $ or the time to replace it right now. Or, is it something else like the a/c condenser? Keep in mind there was steam coming from the middle vents AFTER i would turn my truck off and could smell coolant. Please let me know asap so I can quit stressing. Thanks-
Vance
Vance
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Meeker, CO
You probably just gummed the works. Best bet is to get a heater core and some hoses for it, flush the ever-lovin' out of the thing with the core bypassed (because it doesn't really matter any more), and do the job right.
The big problem is with clogging up the lower passages in the water jacket of the block. There's not a lot of flow down there, but plugging things up down there can cause mysterious overheating problems.
The big problem is with clogging up the lower passages in the water jacket of the block. There's not a lot of flow down there, but plugging things up down there can cause mysterious overheating problems.
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Unlike VWandDodge, I will try my best to post a helpful response. Everything that UnregisteredUser said is correct. The worst thing to do to fix a leak on a vehicle is throw those stop leak products in. Either replace the part to fix the leak or don't do it at all. I understand you wanted a quick fix to a leaking heater core, but putting those stop leak products in can lead to more cooling system problems in the future.
Last edited by THePaRaSiTE5771; Dec 9, 2012 at 01:20 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Gainesville, Ga.
i'll disagree with most everyone and say that the stop leak products don't hurt anything. they stay in solution when in the cooling system and create a hardened crust wherever they leak out and are exposed to air. contrary to old wives tales, it doesn't stop up the radiator or heater core or t-stat.
its a band-aid that may or may not work. if it works - fine. if it doesn't work, do flush it back out when replacing the leaking component.
stop-leak products of long ago that i've used include black pepper and/or an egg. yes, an egg.
its a band-aid that may or may not work. if it works - fine. if it doesn't work, do flush it back out when replacing the leaking component.
stop-leak products of long ago that i've used include black pepper and/or an egg. yes, an egg.