So im going to be on my 3rd heater core for my 96 malibu and I dont want to spend the 180$ at the malibu dealer like in years past. I have heard people getting heater cores at Napa (50$) that fit somewhat. I was wondering if anyone could give me a part# or model # for a heater core that would fit my 3 outlet heater box. What have others done?
Rob Quetschke
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Another option is if the leak is small you can J-B Weld it. My current core has been holding with this fix for years.
If there is a new heater core as mentioned above, I would probably go that route. I replaced mine about every 3 years. Then just bypassed it and didn't use it.
Mid 70's Ford Bronco if I remember right. Same diameter plumbing.
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An 07 Nautique crosses to a 79 Thuderbird
When you winterized you need to take the hose off and run RV antifreeze through the heater.
It will last much longer.
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The biggest thing is crawling under the deck to replace it. I'm not a small guy!
I've also seen what sediment in the raw water can do to an engine (not mine). It collects and may clog some of the channels in the block resulting in one cylinder that overheats, etc. The culprit is that the block heats and cools the gunk and turns it into a cement-like compound.
It's better to run in the cleanest, clearest water possible or flush it with a garden hose if you are running in a muddy location.
Going the automotive route, the Ford cores are the ones that are closest to the design in question - 5/8" diameter straight inlet and outlet nipples located top and bottom of core. Noted above the close fits, you can simply request the core catalog when you stop at your favorite Auto parts store and scroll through the Ford options. The widest core (3 outlet version) probably won't be listed as available, you will end up picking a narrower one and making a blanking plate to fit.
I'd go the new OEM route if they are improved.
Not that I'd know. I don't have either. It's too hot in Texas for heaters most of the time.
But if I needed heat, I'd skip the thing that is guaranteed to fail in a matter of years.
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BTW, the quick connect fitting just above the ball valve is to tap heated engine water. It is used in the fall/winter when you need a hot bucket of water on the dock to warm gloves or boot liners. We have even used it to fill a soaking tub on the dock. A little bit of hot water goes a long way, and much faster than the shower hose.
Also not sure about raw water vs. anti-freeze as a durability function. How would one treat or coat pipes with long term resistance to high temp high pressure water flow? Just curious-
Thanks-