heater core ruptured 6 months old

mcbride · Post by **mcbride** » 24 Mar 2010, 19:18

I replaced my heater core on my 98 s-70 9,2009. My wife was driving car today ,said she smelled antifreeze and the car was running rough. I peeled back the front seat carpet and antifreeeze was every where. I then removed the heater core and the bottom of it had a crack about 2 inches x 1/4 inch. What could have caused this so soon? Could it have built up pressure or some thing? I also just replaced my pcv /flame trap system. Could this have had anything to do with it?? Thanks

Post by **jblackburn** » 24 Mar 2010, 19:33

Strange. A clogged radiator or cooling system could cause a lot of built up pressure, but I'd think you'd blow up the rubber hoses or the coolant tank cap before the metal in the heater core. Or it was just a weak part. I'd see if there's any possibilty of getting at least part of your money back towards the purchase of a new one from wherever you bought it from. But if you're going to go at it again, I would say do a complete cooling system flush before you put in your new one. For now, you can keep it running if you need the car if you can find some tubing and clamps to make a loop between the heater core hoses.

mcbride · Post by **mcbride** » 24 Mar 2010, 20:32

Thanks It is still under warraty for 1 yr. I will wait and replace the core and at your suggestion I will do a system flush. Thanks