Does this heater core look bad?

[rsl0311usmc]

Hey guys I was wondering if you all think this heater core looks bad? I pulled it about ten minutes ago as a last resort for my coolant issue I have been having. I replaced my radiator also that I had laying around with no change. Basically the issue I had been having is that my coolant wouldn't drain back from the resivor so I was hoping that instead of a head gasket or cracked head that maybe the heater core was faulty. The radiator always ends up low with the resivor full kinda like air or possibly combustion gasses getting in. When I pulled it there wasn't any wet coolant and it looks like this. There was a nest on it from god knows how long ago. But I may be wrong but the white could possibly be dry coolant causing air to get into the cooling system? Do you all think it's worth replacing to see if it corrects my issue? Thanks

 

[Mullaney]

Hey guys I was wondering if you all think this heater core looks bad? I pulled it about ten minutes ago as a last resort for my coolant issue I have been having. I replaced my radiator also that I had laying around with no change. Basically the issue I had been having is that my coolant wouldn't drain back from the resivor so I was hoping that instead of a head gasket or cracked head that maybe the heater core was faulty. The radiator always ends up low with the resivor full kinda like air or possibly combustion gasses getting in. When I pulled it there wasn't any wet coolant and it looks like this. There was a nest on it from god knows how long ago. But I may be wrong but the white could possibly be dry coolant causing air to get into the cooling system? Do you all think it's worth replacing to see if it corrects my issue? Thanks
View attachment 928237View attachment 928238View attachment 928239

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I really don't think it looks all that bad... I mean several of the fins are filled with "goop" but it looks pretty good. I think you can clean it up and reuse it.

The best plan for troubleshooting the radiator would be to loop the heater hoses.

 

[rsl0311usmc]

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I really don't think it looks all that bad... I mean several of the fins are filled with "goop" but it looks pretty good. I think you can clean it up and reuse it.

The best plan for troubleshooting the radiator would be to loop the heater hoses.

Yeah I was thinking that to. I mean they don't cost a whole lot. Here is the bottom I just saw to. Possible leak??

 

[Mullaney]

Yeah I was thinking that to. I mean they don't cost a whole lot. Here is the bottom I just saw to. Possible leak??
View attachment 928240

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Sadly, yes. It may well be a leak.
Almost wonder if it could be repaired...

 

[rsl0311usmc]

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Sadly, yes. It may well be a leak.
Almost wonder if it could be repaired...

Yeah I am not getting rid of it but I hope it solves my issue. I got a new one in and I am about to drive it. Things definitely are not made like they used to

 

[cucvrus]

The new aluminum ones work fine. I have used them since day 1. The old copper/brass stuff is obsolete. Like bias ply tires we have progressed to lighter better materials. I prefer the plastic aluminum radiators myself if I have a choice . They are easier to repair. And I have driven trucks with 200 k on them and they still have the original heater core and radiator in them. Have a Great Day. Have sure the new core is secure and does not contact the firewall when you install it. Double check.

 

[WWRD99]

That leak looks like mouse pee. That stuff eats everything. Can soak it in some light vinegar etc to clean it out. I use heater hose and a cheap 12 volt outdoor pump and flush them out. You'll know real quick if it flows enough or has a leak. You still having coolant issues?

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

 

[WWRD99]

If you don't already get one of these. Only fill it up a few inches from the bottom. Get the thermostat to open. Did you put a high flow water pump on this? Can't remember.

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[nyoffroad]

Easy way to see if that core is leaking, place it on a flat level surface and carefully look for any wet spots. If that place on the bottom is a leak then it will show up. Have you tried changing the rad-cap?