HEATER CORE FLUSH

[71-440]

My Challenger doesn't have the heat hooked up. The previous owner never drove the car in winter. I like to drive my cars..
the AC is  hooked up but the heater core is capped off.
First thing I think I should do is flush the heater core and check for leaks.
Probably have to connect some hoses to a water supply and run something
through it.

Any suggestions on what to flush it out with?
Thanks !

[Cuda Cody]

I've never done a heater core fluch, but I would assume you could use distilled water and figure out a way to pump it through.  Shouldn't take much PSI to push a bit of distilled water through it.   

[71-440]

Didn't think of distilled water. That maybe an option.
Thanks!

[1 Wild R/T]

Hook up a couple heater hoses, run one down the the drain pan, hook the other up to a garden hose, turn on water, 30 seconds later done, reverse hoses & repeat...  Chances are the heater core leaks which is why it's not connected.... 

[Jim AAR]

Hook up a couple heater hoses, run one down the the drain pan, hook the other up to a garden hose, turn on water, 30 seconds later done, reverse hoses & repeat...  Chances are the heater core leaks which is why it's not connected....

[RUNCHARGER]

Yes: What Wild said.

[71-440]

Thanks for the replies and advise. I sure hope it doesn't leak. Just more work on my part.

[Chryco Psycho]

there are good repro cores but not fun getting an A/C box out & apart 

[71-440]

there are good repro cores but not fun getting an A/C box out & apart 

I know what you mean. I have been looking at the manual and it looks like a bit of a job. I sure hope it doesn't leak when I flush it.
I will definitely have to have some help if it comes down to pulling the box.

[HEMICUDA]

Do a vacuum leak down check, that will tell you if it has a hole, then I would flush it.  No need to make a mess inside the car if it does leak.

[303 Mopar]

Thanks for the replies and advise. I sure hope it doesn't leak. Just more work on my part.

Make sure you have plenty of towels on under the box to protect your carpet....

[1 Wild R/T]

Thing is most heater cores don't fail catastrophically, so it probably won't destroy your carpet... But being prepared is a good thing... However what they often do is seep just enough to completely fog your windshield when you turn on the defroster....

[Jim AAR]

Thing is most heater cores don't fail catastrophically, so it probably won't destroy your carpet... But being prepared is a good thing... However what they often do is seep just enough to completely fog your windshield when you turn on the defroster....

I've never seen one leak that bad, mostly just fogs up the windshield when it's on.

[71-440]

Thanks Guys for the advise. I did plan on having a bunch of towels and also my little carpet extractor handy. I figure it might just drip
if it had a leak. Fogging the windshield makes sense.

I knew there was a reason for joining this forum...lol 

[RUNCHARGER]

Ha, ha: If you're in your 20's and take your Mom for a ride  in your 67 GTX, she will let you know if the core leaks on her foot. RIP Mom.
The towels are a good idea but yes, look for small drips.