C2 Coolant leak INTO car!

[Jim S.]

47080-007.jpg

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/DOR3/47080/N0187.oap?ck=Search_N0187_-1_-1&pt=N0187&ppt=C0108

[Tom R.]

Re: C2 Coolant leak INTO car!

QUOTE: Whatever you decide with the heater core, you have to take some immediate action.
Remove the leaked coolant then take up the passenger side carpet and underlayment. Wash out the remaining coolant from the floor and thoroughly wash and dry the carpet and underlayment. If the coolant is left in the carpet and underlayment it will eventually deteriorate the fiberglass on the passenger side foot well. END Quote.

Sound advice. Plus it may migrate along the carpet and rust through the wire track cover. I just replaced the core on my 67 A/C coupe. Do yourself a favor and take the passenger seat out first. Lots of good instructions and tips here on the forum. Read up and use the info you find here. Especially the one about the almost hidden nut on the heater box just above the accelerator pedal that has to be removed or you'll break the heater box trying to get it out. You can do it solo but having a helper makes it a lot easier. A job not for the faint of heart.
There are a number of places to get a new core but make sure you pressure test the new core before you install it. I found one for my car that was made in Mexico for about $75. If your leaker is in fairly good shape you may be able to get it repaired by a radiator shop. I had mine looked at first but the shop said it was too far gone to repair and would cost more than buying a completely new one. I don't want to have to do this over again ever!

[Jeffrey D.]

Re: C2 Coolant leak INTO car!

Thanks to all for the much appreciated advise.
I've begun the arduous task of replacing the heater core.
Arrrgh!

Best,
Jeff

[Patrick N.]

Re: C2 Coolant leak INTO car!

I will punctuate what Tom said about being careful with the removal of the heater box and replacement of the heater core. Do not force anything on the box. The fiber glass is surprisingly easy to break even though it looks to be pretty thick. I am working on my 68 heater, different than yours but I broke the donor box with no effort at all trying to scavenge some parts from it.