Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

As some may know from a previous post, my heater core has gone south and has leaked all over my passenger flooring. While I take this out, and figure out if I can repair this one, or get another, is there a quick heater core bypass that anyone has done? I was just thinking of getting a length of tubing, and make a loop.

This is now the second heater core I have tried. Is there a good aftermarket one I could modify? I really don't want to go down this path again.

Thanks!

The car's plumbing has one built in. What I'm not completely sure is if the heater core is then completely capped off when you use the valve that is on the car.

Look aft of the rear carburator and you should see a long teardrop shaped (somewhat) handle connected to the tubing that's attached both to the Carb Heat Shield and the Intake Manifold. If it's pointing straight up, it allows coolant to flow to the heater core, if it's pointing to the carbs, it recirculates it.

Hope someone else can chime in if the return from the heater core is then plugged or if it needs to be capped.

E

Just disconnect the long heater hose and loop it back on itself and connect it to either the water pump or the water tube on the manifold - I can't remember which at the moment. Works like a charm. Don't trust the heater valve not to leak...

The easy way is to plug the hole in the waterpump, and the one off the back of the intake. Ziptie the hoses to something so they don't rub something hot and melt. The intake and the waterpump are both NPT as far as I know.

Will

When you take the core out you could run a hose through the compartment. Back out and connect them in there rightful places. Depends if you want heat that you cant control. You would then have some heat for winter driving inside. Until you get your core repaired.

Rich

What is it costing for a heater recore these days?
TIA

Linda

They can be repaired like a radiator if the tanks are metal. And Im sure they are cause of the age of the cars. The cores can be replaced just like a radiator. made to look and function like new. I would say $ 100-200. its an art these days.

Rich

They can be repaired like a radiator if the tanks are metal. And Im sure they are cause of the age of the cars. The cores can be replaced just like a radiator. made to look and function like new. I would say $ 100-200. its an art these days.

Rich

If I need one I'll be looking for a less artistic plastic one. Anyone found a swap?

Linda

Linda,

I have never seen a plastic heater core. Thats not to say they dont make one. Why plastic?
You could take the measurements of your old one with the in let and out lets to. Go to Napa use there books or internet and pick one out that is real close. If you have to you can take to a radiator shop to have different angles of pipping sweated on to make the angles you need. I know thats a lot of work.
But can be done.

Rich

Mine sprung a leak so I took it to a highly regarded radiator shop here in San Antonio and they charged $175. I thought price was outrageous but since it is a non standard item I suspect it was a labor issue.

The current Rock Auto newsletter has a blurb about plastic radiators:
http://www.rockauto.com/Newsletter/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Linda

Plastics of sorts have come a long way over the past 20-30 yrs. I see they only use the plastics on the tanks...they havent figured out how to get the fins and tubing to keep things kool with plastic yet. i bought a plastic type radiator for my 86 Toyota Cressida. Looked for an original but was about $100 more. They are using plastic tubing in houses around here now... under the houses...say it will not burst like brass tubing and can expand some. Car manufactures are always finding ways to cut down on weight. There will be a plastic engine with pistons some day. I wont be around to see it....maybe.

Rich

Except for the Pistons, it's been done!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_automotive_engine" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://books.google.com/books?id=FzCnbu ... ne&f=false" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks Tom,
I didnt know...who wouldathunk. Just didnt last long...in production.

Rich

I spent a couple of hours removing the heater core today. What a PITA that was. It was sure a lot easier putting it in when the dash and everything wasn't there. I guess now I need to take it in and see if it can be fixed. I'm still concerned about putting another one back in and having this happen a third time. Has anyone found a aftermarket core?