2000 v70 heater core replacement

[famfeld]

Hi. After replacing my heater core with the $35 ebay Sweedish part, my heat is not as hot as it used to be. It is not HOT like before, just a little hot. Today it was 20 F out and I had to have the blower much higher than I used to. I got to work and there was still frost on the roof of the car. Could it have air in the heater core, or is there something that I overlooked? I followed the steps from this forum and everything seems straight-forward. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Ben

[scot850]

There are some mixed reviews on the efficiency of the Swedish $35 unit. Some say it is fine, but others say it is not so good in colder climates.

You may have an air-lock in the unit, so watch the fluid level as it may need to burp to get hot water through the system.

Neil.

[famfeld]

I'm hoping it needs to burp. Upon inspection, it seemed good before installation. I will run it a bit with the overflow cap off, to see if that helps.

Thanks,'
-Ben

[cn90]

- No need to remove the reservoir cap. The system self-bleeds.
- When was the thermostat replaced, if ever?

[Adler]

I just replaced mine last weekend with the swedish car parts core and it puts out plenty of heat. But then again it's only been down to 30F once since I did it. I did have to add another layer of insulation around the edge of the core so it would seal in the compartment. Did you do that? Cold air may be leaking around the core, not passing through.

[famfeld]

Alder,

This makes sense. I did not add the insulation. I noticed a padded strip ( on the original on I took out) and didn't think much of it. I am going to go back in there and see if I can insulate it. There really is no other plausible explanation. Car repairs are driving me nuts lately and I'm almost ready to get snow tires for my bike. Thanks,

-Ben Feld

[famfeld]

Alder,

What did you use for insulation? I'm going to try this over the weekend,

Thanks,

Ben Feld