Heater Core

[neb_scot]

Some of you will be fairly familiar with my situation in the BII with getting the engine to get and stay warm.

Well today it was 50 outside and I had forgot to remove my piece of cardboard covering the grill.

So on my way back from the flat battery I had experienced of Friday, just as I got into the interstate, I suddenly found the inside of the car FILLING up with steam coolant.

Its been explained to me that this is a problem with the heater core. Its probably been a long time since the car engine has ever been that hot - given the thermostat is either stuck open or missing completely - so Im wondering - what are the chances that this was simply the pressure in the cooling system - that presuming I dont let the engine get that hot again, that the problem wont come up any more? I realize this is wishful thinking - but I really dont have the capability or time to fix it.

Is this something that could be repaired with one of those radiator sealer solutions?

thanks for any help you can give.
Forgive my stupid questions....

[Ruffinit]

First off, try NEVER to use the radiator stop leak solutions, while they work in a pinch, they should only be used as a bandaid until you can get it to a radiator shop.

Secondly, yes, I'm afraid that the problem is your heater core which is a small radiator, built of the same materials and subject to the same corrosions and problems. It is VERY easy to remove and install. A new one costs $23.99 at AutoZone. If you are REALLY short on cash, you might be able to take it down to a radiator shop and get it fixed, but I think the cost would be close.

The reason it blew is because it is old and you have the engine temp running higher than it has for years. That is also the reason why you shouldn't have it pressure flushed unless you are willing to pay the cost of a radiator and heater core.

[neb_scot]

Ive not consulted the Haynes manual yet - but from what I read on line it really seems like the BII has the easiest heater core to change in the history of cars. One site suggested it was a 1hr fix...

Id mentioned that I have not yet put a new thermostat in it yet - following fixing the heater core, do you think it would be safe to put one in? I mean, although the engine had heated more than it had in a long time, it wasn't maxed out. I dont know what the normal running temp is of these cars, and Im trying to risk asses the implications of forcing the engine to run at tempertature - kwim? What would you personally do? Im in Lincoln, Nebraska so it does get pretty hot in the summer - I don't really want to encourage more problems further down the line...

[Ruffinit]

I'll vouch for the easiest core change. When I first got this '84, I had to change it... So easy I thought I'd died and gone to mechanic's heaven...

The normal temperature (factory) is 195 degrees (some say 192). I'll have more to post on the early 2.8 thermostats tomorrow (I came upon some rare and interesting information) as I will be changing mine within the next couple days. There's a lot of mis-information on these that I want to help erradicate. You can get the thermostats in 3 different heat ranges, 195, 180 and 160. I'll be doing it at 195. The radiators in these are difficult to find, so you may want to run yours a bit cooler. More on this tomorrow.

[neb_scot]

I'd noticed the different heat ranges - I was thinking about the 160 range - admittedly because of paranoia. Forgoing a better words to describe this car, the heating/cooling system has really been abused through neglect, and I really, really dont want to push it....

[Ruffinit]

Can't say as I blame you there.

BTW, you need to get your pics up in the Member's Rides.

[campcreekkennel]

yes the heater core is the problem and my 88 B2 blowed one last week and autozone.com gives u step by step and pics. and the thermostat is easy to also a repair guide is on autozone may i suggest u buy a gallon of antifreeze when u get the other parts