The heater core repair

[PhatFree]

So after I got my car back from the dealership I looked at the heater core whitch they said was broken and wanted over $2000 to fix it. I noticed the leak is a small hole no bigger than a hole from something like a pin, it is a super super small little hole, and its in the middle of the pipe. So that got me thinking why don't i just patch it? and I was wondering what you guys think would work, something to seal the hole and a hose clamp to apply pressure? any suggestions or ideas otherwise?

[Nor_Cal_Driver]

I believe there is some solder you can weld on the aluminum.

[ddillenger]

I believe there is some solder you can weld on the aluminum.

You are correct. Solder the hole closed.

[PhatFree]

The lead in is plastic not metal

[OHS4]

plastic epoxy??

[trichard3000]

Wait, are you talking about the bleeder hole on top of the plastic pipe leading into the heater core by the firewall? If so, this is there on purpose. If it's leaking from there it means that your hose isn't pressed all the way on.

Hope that's your only problem as the actual heater core R&R is a serious PITA!

[PhatFree]

thanks i didn't know that, so if that's a bleeder than why would audi say its broken and not just fix it hmm

edit: that doesn't seem to be it, its on the inlet

[DonnieDark0]

take a picture with you pointing exactly at it. I think its the bleeder hole and the hose is not pushed far enough over it.

[csosnowski]

Is there a bleed hole in the aluminum tube as well as the hose?

If its on the plastic portion aft of the aluminum tubing or hell even on the aluminum tubing, JB weld. Make sure the surface is very clean though, g12 makes JB weld act funny.

[boss99er]

No, the bleeder hole is only in the hose. The inlet/outlet tubes do not have holes in them.

[trichard3000]

No, the bleeder hole is only in the hose. The inlet/outlet tubes do not have holes in them.

Oh yeah, you're right! Never mind!! :-)

[PhatFree]

i got some of the rubber hose and i think im just going to hose clamp it around the hole, if that doesn't work Ill use jb weld

[ezfour]

Try some of this first if possible. My aged core pipes shattered instantly when using hose clamps. I think this would have saved them.



http://www.filmtools.com/rescuetape1...FYKDQgodz2MAtw

If that doesnt work you can cut the core pipe in question before the hole, remove firewall shroud, cut off the brace between the inlet and outlet pipe and then slide a hose over the pipe as far in as possible, secure with a hose clamp and couple with engine block hose.

Your only options at that point would be to bypass the heater core or replace it. I am just up in Tahoe and could do it for you in a weekend for a fraction of that cost. If the core is clogging you may be better off replacing it but I would avoid it if possible.

[ezfour]

Yo trichardson! Did you get another S???

[PhatFree]

yeah the hose clap+rubber hose seemed to work with it barley leaking after driving aggressively around the town to stress test it, I used a extremely thin piece on accident, so was just going to put a wider piece of hose, I will try that tape but how long can i leave it on there for?