Catastrophic heater core explosion

mlanctot · Post by **mlanctot** » 24 Jul 2011, 19:16

Wow, my son called yesterday and said the car exploded. we just finished rebuilding the head and all was great. Well it was 102 Degrees in CT. He was in traffic when the inside of his car filled up with what he thought was smoke. Then coolant went all over his right angle. We got the car home and the heater core came apart. Beside all the second degree burns on his ankle, has any one seen this before. I discovered the cause. The sending wire to the fan was broken. I guess we'll replace and keep going. After market or OEM for this part. Thanks

Post by **JDS60R** » 24 Jul 2011, 23:12

Consensus seems to be OEM. Recent failures of aftermarket are being explored but no new design has been issued. Plastic end tanks in the a/m seem to be the failure point as they have no additional structural ribbing.

Make sure to inspect around the pressure cap for signs of over-pressure and check the pressure the system makes while running to rule out bad gasket or fractured head etc.

mlanctot · Post by **mlanctot** » 25 Jul 2011, 04:13

Thanks for input. Purchased components from FCPP. Shall be traveling for a few days. Wed. or Thursday we'll have it back together. Thanks

mlanctot · Post by **mlanctot** » 25 Jul 2011, 04:53

When replacing the Heater Core, are there any tricks or steps that need to be considered. Vadis Instructions anybody?
Thanks!

Post by **bronxnativ** » 25 Jul 2011, 09:32

Search our forum. Plenty here about heater core replacement. Easy job; can be a little time consuming. Took me 45 minutes, and I had never replaced one before!

lotus4s · Post by **lotus4s** » 25 Jul 2011, 13:17

Depends on the model and year as to how easy it is. On my 2000 S80, you have to remove the steering column to get the core out which is a major PITA.

mlanctot · Post by **mlanctot** » 25 Jul 2011, 18:46

Hmmm this is a 99S80T6. Hope I don't have to remove the steering column.

Post by **JDS60R** » 27 Jul 2011, 10:36

Is this a US car (left hand drive) or right hand drive?
Listing your location and car in your profile helps form having to retype this data each time.

mlanctot · Post by **mlanctot** » 27 Jul 2011, 11:26

I've updated location in my profile.
This is a domestic US market S80T6. "1999"

I'm looking at the angle that the heater needs to inserted. Very tight. I'll give it a try.

mlanctot · Post by **mlanctot** » 27 Jul 2011, 15:25

Thanks all for the input. Heater core is in and my son is back on the road.