Do NOT buy the aftermarket heater core at FCP

quarl · Post by **quarl** » 13 Jun 2011, 13:07

I just want to let all of you know that a heater core is not the place to save a few dollars.

During the course of an engine replacement, I was going crazy with the nickel and diming that will empty your wallet. One place where I chose to save a little scratch was in buying the aftermarket heater core, rather than the OEM.

Yesterday, with my two little boys in the car, the windows rolled up and the A/C on full blast, the heater core literally blew its top. Suddenly, the vents were blowing hot steam throughout the car and directly in my face. Fortunately, I was in a parking lot when the core blew, not on the freeway. Last night, when tucking my son into bed, I asked him what he remembered most from the day. He said, "The part when the car blew up. That was scary."

When I pulled the core, I saw that the top of the plastic cover had just blown out, leaving a crack the entire length of the case.

Flat out, this thing is just plain garbage, not built for the extreme pressures of the system. Do yourself a favor, buy the OEM heater core...

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 13 Jun 2011, 13:53

I always hate replacing something only to replace it again shortly thereafter at additional cost; I feel for you.

I agree, I refuse to buy even so called "OEM" parts from alot of online retailers; unless I know the brand for certainty. I have bought supposed OEM tie rods for my cat that ended up being Carlyn brand. I have also seen strut mounts advertised as OEM when they were not Sachs brand. Just be wary, I am have seen this kind of thing going on at even a few of the online sources I love, sadly including FCP; that said, I just ordered a couple hundred $$$ worth of tune up parts for my buddy and I at FCP

- Jesse

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 13 Jun 2011, 16:27

Quarl, I am so sorry this happened and I am glad that you are ok. I am letting the CEO know right now what happened so that he knows that these need to be looked at. PM me if you can with your contact info so that I can have someone reach out to you. Again, I am very sorry that this happened.

Post by **bigdaddylee82** » 13 Jun 2011, 17:12

Man I just replaced my heater core a few weeks ago with one from FCP. You made me go dig through my papers to see which one I had got (I tend to horde parts for a long time before actually using them). I remember comparing my original to the replacement, and not noticing any discernible differences, but couldn't remember for sure which one I got.

My packing slip says OEM Heater Core (9144221) so I believe I'm safe.

Is the one you got 9144221A?

- Lee

zanzabar · Post by **zanzabar** » 13 Jun 2011, 17:48

Andrew, you need to address the issues with the aftermarket spring seats as well (I believe there are other bad parts I'm not familiar with as well). I'm not trying to be a jerk, but it's just shameful to even offer products such as these for sale.

Post by **precopster** » 13 Jun 2011, 18:22

That is a potentially lethal product!!
Is your cooling system otherwise OK? Not overpressurising??

I put an aftermarket one from FCP in afew months ago. The spacing b/w the fins is far greater (meaning it costs a lot less to produce and it is less thermally inefficient due to less surface area)

The heat output is considerably less than my original core but this is well known on this forum; do your searches.

quarl · Post by **quarl** » 13 Jun 2011, 19:46

Yeah, the pressure on the system is fine. I have no troubles otherwise and the whole ordeal was a complete shock, to say the least.

@Precopster, the heat output is considerably more than the original when it ruptures, believe me.

@bigDaddyLee, yeah the one I got was the 9144221A.

By the way, they're having a sale on cores right now at FCP so the OEM is almost the same price as the aftermarket was. Unfortunately, I now have to pay to ship the ruptured core back to FCP.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 13 Jun 2011, 20:15

Andrew

Here is what I would respond:

I spoke with the CEO (Scott) and he told me he was certain that this has never happened before. Because there are so many variables involved in the equation (who installed it, the procedure for installation, proper hardware being installed in conjunction with the heater core) that he wanted you to email our VP of Sales Max ([email protected]) and explain to him in detail what happened. Max will coordinate with our ASE tech Mike Rivera and make sure that we identify any potential issues and get you properly reimbursed if necessary.

quarl · Post by **quarl** » 13 Jun 2011, 20:18

Andrew, did you get my PM?

quarl · Post by **quarl** » 13 Jun 2011, 20:53

Andrew,

I own a business myself. As such, I very much appreciate the swiftness with which you responded to this post and the concern you expressed. It's beginning to look, however, like the higher ups are wanting to make this an operator error type of situation. Which, again, I can understand. Some of my clients are so brain-dead it's a wonder they can tie their shoes in the morning. And these are very successful people!

Here are two pictures of the rupture, at the top of the core, at a corner (a notorious weak spot in casts). I encourage you to draw your own conclusions as to whether this was an operator error, or a manufacturing error.