Heater Core Problem
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Heater Core Problem
Hi guys and gals, I have a leaky heater core. It is on my 55 Fairlane. I know this site is all about effie trucks, but until I get this problem fixed I can't get back to the PU. Has anybody ever had a heater core repaired? How much did it cost and would you go that route again? How about vintage heater cores? Is there a reputable supplier around that has decent prices? I found one that wants $100! plus shipping. That seems like a lot to me for such a small part. 
Any leads? Thanks, Jag 
Any leads? Thanks, Jag
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Jag -
I once had a heater core leak in my caddy. I took it to a shop and they removed, repaired and reinstalled for less than $100 (4 years ago). If you take the heater into the shop, having them fix it has to be cheaper than replacing with something new. And, it goes right back the way it was rather than reinventing that wheel.
Gee, the heater core only lasted 50 years. What was Henry thinking?
I once had a heater core leak in my caddy. I took it to a shop and they removed, repaired and reinstalled for less than $100 (4 years ago). If you take the heater into the shop, having them fix it has to be cheaper than replacing with something new. And, it goes right back the way it was rather than reinventing that wheel.
Gee, the heater core only lasted 50 years. What was Henry thinking?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
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From: Seattle WA.
I once had a leaky heater core on a 66 Bronco. It had a cracked tube in the finned section. I carefully cut the fins away sanded the tube to clean it and used a hand torch to repair it. I then pressurized it to the same pressure as the radiator cap, and checked it in water. I had to do a couple more touch ups on it but the repair worked fine for as long as I owned it.
Rod
Rod
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Jag,
I'm sure a local radiator shop can repair yours for less than $100 if you take it to them. I had one repaired years ago and never had any more problems with it before selling the vehicle. I'd go the repair route again if I had a leak.
Vern
I'm sure a local radiator shop can repair yours for less than $100 if you take it to them. I had one repaired years ago and never had any more problems with it before selling the vehicle. I'd go the repair route again if I had a leak.
Vern
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,503
Likes: 1,998
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Check around for some more prices as that does seem pretty high. Usually one of the discount parts suppliers will give a better price. It maybe hard to find many places that can supply a part that old but never hurts to check around. Some times when an old heater core is repaired it will find another place to develope more leaks so I would keep looking for a new one a bit longer.
Thread Starter
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
Thanks for the responses guys. I took the advice and went to my local radiator repair shop. Unfortunately, even though I had already removed the core, the guy quoted me $115. 
So I ordered a new unit from Concourse Ford Parts in Carson City NV. It was $95 because they gave me a 5% discount for online ordering. I like the idea of soldering the tube myself. I may try this just so that I have a backup piece. I can't hurt it any more than it already is!! Thanks, Jag
So I ordered a new unit from Concourse Ford Parts in Carson City NV. It was $95 because they gave me a 5% discount for online ordering. I like the idea of soldering the tube myself. I may try this just so that I have a backup piece. I can't hurt it any more than it already is!! Thanks, Jag
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
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From: Santa Clarita
I repaired a few of mine that leaked at home. I made a plug for the one side and taped it up good. the other side I applied about 4lbs of air. Put it in water and found where the leak was. I just took a propane hand torch with a little silver solder and applied it to the leaks. Hasn't leaked since. If it's real bad, I'd take it to a junk yard and match one up. Most of the heater cores are similar in size and shape and easily replaced. Probably get one a junk yard for $5-10. Good luck Jag.
