Current heater core recommendation

[Green57]

Gents,

The heater core replacement that I purchased from Carquest to replace the original in 2010 has now started to leak. My original lasted twenty-five years, the Carquest replacement only fourteen.

Is there a preferred brand/maker that I should look for?

I've seen prices upwards of $70 to as low as $35. I don't mind paying a few extra bucks for a quality part, but I don't want to pay extra for the same part that comes in a box with a different name on it that's labeled "premium quality".

I'd rather not do this again, so looking for a quality part that will last until pitch over.

Thanks for any recommendations.

G57

[svono50]

Your 'best' bet may be to find a brass heater core vs the aluminum ones that are now out there. Looks like the aftermarket has switched to aluminum cores now. Mike has a couple brass ones for sale in the parts section, BTW. I put in a Napa/Belkamp brass unit when I did mine many moons ago (knocking on wood) and so far so good. Wish I could offer up more.

[MIKESVO]

Yep, from what I am seeing/hearing the aluminum core fails in a few years. I do have a brass/copper heater core for sale in the classifieds section.

[gbeaird]

This thread pretty much beats that horse into a meaty paste:

https://www.svoca.com/forum/forum/svo-only-tech/interior-body/215736-heater-core

So far the only issues we've had are getting the silicone hoses to seal. We still haven't taken our old core to a proper radiator shop to see if they'll rebuild it. They're not very local, so a road trip is necessary, usually eating up 1/2 a day round-trip.

I was recently made aware of the Evans line of coolant products, and am considering switching to their Vintage Car Protectant: https://evanscoolant.com/products/co...erless-coolant since we don't drive our car much. IIRC, you replace the anti-freeze/water mix with 100% of this stuff. Protects to -40=deg F, which is more than. enough for our environment. Getting any water out of our cooling system HAS to help the corrosion issue.

I guess I need to do that sooner, than later.....

[Green57]

Mike,

PM sent.