k so i read on another thread that you could bypass the heater core by just connecting the two hoses that connect it to the motor, is this true? cause my heater core is leaking coolant and i really dont feel like going through all the work to replace it, if i do that will there be any consequences?

 

Yes, you can connect the heater hose from the rear iron to the hardline that runs up to the radiator. But it's not that hard to fix. There is a panel that you can access from under the driverside dash. Take out a piece of vent duct-work and 2 screws, and the heatercore will be visible. Disconnect the 2 hoses (cut and replace w/ new ones), and the core slides out.

It's really worth the 30 mins to replace it. Especially if you live somewhere cold. The hardest part will be getting the rubber hoses on/off. I recommend lubricating w/ WD-40 before you slide new ones on.

 

haha you make it sound so easy, i read a write up thread and they were saying you basically gotta rip your whole interior out and itll take up to 6 hrs if its your first time etc etc, but ill check it out thanks

 

You had me right up to the WD-40 part.
WD-40 is a terrible thing to use for this application as it will contribute to breaking down of the rubber hose and also remains slippery long after it's needed.

There are special lubes designed for just this sort of thing that don't hurt the rubber and evaporate away cleanly but just plain water will work fine in a pinch.

 

also could you maybe show me a pic of where im supposed to take the piece out? cause ive never done this before on any car so im not really sure where to go/start

 

WD-40 FAQ: http://www.wd40.com/faqs/#q8
click on "What surfaces or materials are OK to use WD-40 on?"

The WD-40 manufacturer explicitly says it's ok to use on rubber. I've used it many times and never had it do any damage or cause a poor seal.

nunchuckgun: It does not take 6 hours. Whoever said that has never done it. I put it off when my core started leaking because I thought it'd be hard. But once I got around to doing it, I found it was so much easier. Stick your head under the dash and look for the tan colored plastic panel.

 

Def just take the time to fix the heater core, the guy before me half-assed it and just connected the hoses. I froze my *** off last year and it def was not worth it. Even in the summer if it rains and ur windshield foggs up ur screwed, just fix it now so its not a prob in the future.

 

Astroglide.

 

oh man i didnt even think of the rain and window fogging good point
and thanks for the info rocket ill give it a check out tomorrow and see what i can do

also my add coolant buzzer comes on because of it leaking is there any way to kill that buzzer? its really annoying