The existing heater hose was dry rotted and had some cracks in it near the engine. When trying to remove the hose from the heater core, the copper tube it connects to came out of the heater core......when I finally got the hose off the tube it was so stuck it left rubber behind almost as if it had been glued on.

I don't really have time to replace the heater core, and I don't really care about the heater at all actually.

Do I bypass the heater with hose connecting the outlet and inlet, or is there a way to cap it completely. What is the best practice in this situation?

 

Just bypass it as that is easiest. The engine has an internal bypass so doesn't need the heater to circulate coolant before the thermostat opens.

 

Thanks Gary! I've gone ahead and done the bypass as suggested. Appreciate the guidance!

 

Well, I lasted about 2 days with my heater bypassed and then I needed the defroster/defogger and it wasn't there. This could happen to you, there is quite a bit of humidity where your profile says you live.

R.