C2 Heater Core By-Pass

[David W.]

Replacing all heater hose and wouldn't you know it the lower outlet on the heater core became loose and leaked like a sieve. I'll spend much of tonite removing it but my real problem is I doubt I'll be able to find someone to braze it on a holiday weekend. I hate to lose valuable cruising time on what is suppose to be a nice weekend weather wise. The question is can I just use an adapter piece and connect the ends of the heater hoses together to create a continuous loop until I get the core brazed? (They are two different sizes.)Will this create any unforeseen overheating problems? Any suggestions appreciated.

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2 Heater Core By-Pass

It will do fine.

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 Heater Core By-Pass

David, I know of some Corvette owners who carry an by-pass adapter, whether home-made or purchased, with them on road trips. It will work fine.
Gary

[John R.]

Re: C2 Heater Core By-Pass

I made a bypass last ear with copper plummbing fittings I purchased at Home Depot for about $2.00. You can use use a standard "L" a reduction "L" (for the smaller diameter hose) and a small piece of copper pipe to connect the two. Mine worked so well I have yet to tackle the job of replacing the heater core in my 67 coupe.

[David W.]

Re: C2 Heater Core By-Pass

Thanks for the input. I'm going to the hardware store right now! David

[David W.]

Re: C2 Heater Core By-Pass

Worked fine. Thanks for the input. Next question, what works well to break down the antifreeze that soaked my carpet. Will regular soap break that stuff down? Any suggestions appreciated.

[James Madison]

Re: C2 Heater Core By-Pass

I had the same problem with my 59 .. Had to pull the carpet out as it soaked thru the under layment also .. Put the carpet thru the washing machine on gentel cycle came out fine .. LET IT AIR DRY .. Had to replace the underlayment pad as it cant be washed....

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 Heater Core By-Pass

When my neighbor's Lexus heater core let loose and soaked her interior carpet, the dealer vacummed as much out as possible, pulled the seats, washed the carpet, dried them and reinstalled everything. You couldn't tell it was done. I would wash the carpet until it ran clear (personally, I wouldn't use a washing machine), rinse it some more, air dry and then reinstall.
Gary

[Patrick H.]

Re: C2 Heater Core By-Pass

I wouldn't use a washing machine either.

When a friends 72 with AC had the heater core go, he tried that to clean it. He lost the black dye in his original carpet, and that was it. He would have been better off with soap and water in his driveway, or something similar.

Patrick