Subscribe Feed (RSS)Cut the Heater Core Replacement Cost by Doing a Simple Bypass Operation
The heater core is a mini radiator of the car that is situated behind the dashboard. The fan and the defroster of this mini radiator functions as components that help bring the heat into the interior of the car. If a heater core goes out from its location and stops blowing hot air through the car vent or if the coolant is starting to leak out from under the car’s dashboard, it’s possible that there is a problem with the heater core.
Many drivers find heater core replacement dreadful because of its expensive parts which include labor. It is also a project that is difficult to do at home. But sometimes a simple bypass operation can save drivers a lot of money. A bypass operation helps keep the cooling system functional and keep the coolant from leaking into the passenger area. Unlike heater core replacement, bypassing is not really a complicated task. Here’s how you do it.
1. First step is to disconnect the heater hose from the firewall. Connect both the heater hoses to the nipples, which pass through the firewall and straight into the heater core.
2. To bypass around the heater core divert the heater hoses that is coming from the engine to somewhere other than the core.
3. Heater hoses are linked most of the time with hose clamps that require flat blade screwdriver to detach, but some companies install a different clamping style which can be squeeze with pliers.
4. Link both hoses together using diameter rubber tubing. This step requires drivers to have a fix on hand should any emergency arise, but because this procedure is only intended to bypass the heater core, then purchasing can be done after the incident.
5. The size recommendation for the diameter plastic tubing should have a diameter that’s the same size as the heater hose inside. Cut one 3 to 4 inch piece of the plastic tubing and box file the ends of the tubes to ensure their smoothness.
6. Connect the two hoses together and constrict the clamps on the tubing, this step will bypass the heater core without impeding the cooling system. Take note that heater core and defrost system will no longer function after this operation until the heater core is replaced. Heater core replacement won’t be very costly after this bypass operation because the labor will no longer include the bypassing of the cooling and defrost system.
7. Start the engine and check for any possible leaks. Allow the car to reach an operating temperature and watch closely the points of connection. Touch the hoses to check if they are getting hot and for possible leaks. Should there still be any leaks putting a small quantity of RTV silicon on the plastic connector should do the trick. Allow the system to cool before placing any silicon on the heater hoses.
