Who still has original Heater Core?

[gdog]

I lose about 1 cup of coolant every 3K miles. Absolutely no external leak.
- Radiator is new.
- All Hoses are new (large hoses, small turbo coolant hoses).
- WP is new (done with TB job).
- Reservoir/cap are 1 yr old.

So, I have come to accept that 1 cup coolant loss/3K miles is "normal".

The last place I was looking was the Heater Core.

I opened up the side carpets, took a peek, nice and dry with absolutely no coolant residue.
So not leaking from Heater Core.

With all the posts in forum about leaking Heater Core DIY, this leads me to the basic question:

Is it possible for Heater Core to last this long (160K) with no leaks?

Any coolant loss is not normal. Have you considered an internal leak (HG maybe)?

Do you have a cooling system pressure tester? Best thing to do is pressure test cold engine overnite; then find out where the coolant went the next AM.. may want to pull the plugs before cranking it next morning..

[scot850]

Check the header tank pipe that runs down the back of the block. I find it goes soft with the heat of the exhaust manifold. Use a small mirror or look up from below and look for a blue patch where the pipe goes onto the metal pipe. I was loosing the same amount of water, and it was only found when the engine was dropped to do the RMS and FMS on the block.

Replaced both V70 heater cores around 150k miles. One was possibly ok, but on removing the 'o' ring seals were leaking. AS it was out, replaced in anyway.

Neil.

[abscate]

You can have a slow leak like this that evaporates before it reaches the ground..ergo no puddle. My radiator had a nice leak on passenger side that was getting caught in that little tray under it and either evaporated or spilled out while driving. Never had coolant on driveway, but same 200-300 ml every few months added.

[Ben850]

This seems to have come up a few times lately. I had recently replaced almost all cooling components in the engine compartment area of the '96 Turbo Wagon but thought little of the heater core.

I believe it has been Robert, "rspi" on the site here, that had made mention several times.

I have not yet done the heater core in either of my 850s, although I have been looking at cores for both cars.
The Wagon had a few drips of coolant toward the right front of the engine compartment at the end of the hot summer last year.
I was not given the complete history of this car, I was told the timing belt, water pump and pulleys had recently been done.

They were done with nice INA pulleys and a Conti belt.

I noticed the water pump was not branded and I would prefer Aisin. Also, the hydraulic tensioner had appeared to have a slight leak. Although it was an OEM Aisin tensioner, I knew it had not been replaced.
I had felt better to replace a few more things while doing some minor modifications.

The radiator was indeed tired. I had FCP send me one overnight because I had a short time to use the garage.
Bottom line for me is, when I am already in a difficult area, I will try to replace anything that is reasonably accessible and/or tired. (funds allowing.)
I will likely have to pull the radiator sandwich again to change the A/C dryer. Yay.

This is still fun for me personally. It is only not fun when I don't expect to have to do it. So preventive can be good when it is convenient.

There is still the one small coolant hose to the turbo that is in a tight space to access.

My thought would be to change the complete metal tubing behind the engine this summer while swapping out the exhaust manifold with the '04 R version I am sitting on.

New Radiator Manifold and all silicone plumbing.

The blue stuff is for fun. I really don't care about being flashy, mostly clean.

I imagine from what I have heard, I may do the heater cores in both my Sedan and Wagon for the preventative maintenance factor.

It seems I may have been lucky so far as to not have had a breach to the heater core in either the '93 Sedan, or '96 Turbo Wagon.

Even the expansion tank to the rear distribution tube seems like a good idea for a good hose.

This one E-bay seller has a unit I was looking at. If anyone thinks he is not telling the truth please let me know. Otherwise I may go ahead with an order of two units from him for myself.

Both of my vehicles have an individual issue with their Interior climate control.
The '93 Sedan is ahead of the game as far as the electronic issues go. Heat and air both work in the N/A.

I will gladly use preventive measures within reason.
So yes, I have the original heater cores in both of my 850s 18-21 yrs. old, and everyone seems to be telling me they are time-bombs! Yikes. I agree.
All 18 to 21 year olds are time bombs.

[instarx]

Yes, I replaced mine at 150,000.

[instarx]

This one E-bay seller has a unit I was looking at. If anyone thinks he is not telling the truth please let me know. Otherwise I may go ahead with an order of two units from him for myself.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360771830251?_t ... eName=STRK%
3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Heater cores are so easy to replace I would go for it.

[rmmagow]

215K on original core and radiator and hoses (I think). I am doing all the hoses this summer but heater core will only have the replacement part ordered and shelved until needed. Spare used radiator in the garage already.

[Brucebo]

I lose about 1 cup of coolant every 3K miles. Absolutely no external leak.
- Radiator is new.
- All Hoses are new (large hoses, small turbo coolant hoses).
- WP is new (done with TB job).
- Reservoir/cap are 1 yr old.

So, I have come to accept that 1 cup coolant loss/3K miles is "normal".

The last place I was looking was the Heater Core.

I opened up the side carpets, took a peek, nice and dry with absolutely no coolant residue.
So not leaking from Heater Core.

Did you check for coolant in the exhaust?

[cn90]

No coolant in exhaust.
But at next oil change, I wills end a sample to local lab to rule out any coolant in the engine oil.

[abscate]

Quick look at the eBay product

Very cheap, about 1/2 OEM
Heater core made in Italy
Side tanks in Estonia
Price is justified by automated assembly costs.

I would stick with an OEM part from one of the board vendors on this one. Remember the heater core is full flow so it is part if your cooling system!