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I just recieved my new heater core ( Pro Source 98606) from RockAuto, as a spare, just in case.
I noticed the smaller, longer tube is somewhat flexible, you can move it around a bit from the actual radiator body, is this like it should be?
The tubes are not soldered to the body, but crimped in a way....
Like this:https://www.rockauto.com/info/567/81...MAIN__ra_p.jpg
Thanks!
Last edited by Fire"Dutch"Bird; Sep 9, 2020 at 01:56 PM.
Those are known to leak because of the flexible design at the base of the pipes from what I've seen on here. It is nice to be able to move the tubes at install but you do not want to do that job twice if it leaks...Some have said the Spectra is a decent fit but Spectra quality is hit/miss IMO. I looked on eBay last year and found a new old stock type replacement leftover (still in old original box) that fit nearly as good as the original for like $50 when I replaced mine. Another option is getting the original brass one re-cored if it fails but I couldn't find anyone in my area to do it. There are 2 hold down/strap on the originals,
Btw, Pro Source mailed me the core they are selling wont leak....(for what it's worth...)
To bad they did not send me what is in the picture on their website...
Last edited by Fire"Dutch"Bird; Sep 12, 2020 at 03:26 AM.
I’m sure there’s maybe a design advantage I’m overlooking but yeah something about a moveable joint in a cooling system I just don’t like. If that’s the best option and what most everyone is having to use than I can take some stock in that as well. I have a cousin that owns an old radiator shop that his dad ran for years, thinking of having him take a look at my original now that I have it out and see if we can possibly repair it. If not I’ll take the next best thing
Maybe the gaskets in those moveable joint swell up when in contact with (hot) liquid....
I figured there’s a technology or something like this behind it. I’m sure they are not intentionally sending out leaky cores, but it sure looks like it could be problematic down the road.
And the pic you posted next you can see a clearly difference but I wonder if it’s representative of the part you’d receive.
The most likely issue is the EPA and their crusade against lead. Concerns over environmental and human impact have led to crimped together aluminum heater cores that don't fit. Getting old stock brass cores off Ebay isn't a viable solution in most cases. As soon as we start suggesting that to people, first they'll all sell out instantly, then the prices will go insane. Theoretically, if enough people buy the aluminum core, then return it because it doesn't fit; Rinse and repeat eventually the manufacturer gives up or reverts to the old construction. But at this point the most likely outcome is they'll just discontinue the part completely.
I figured there’s a technology or something like this behind it. I’m sure they are not intentionally sending out leaky cores, but it sure looks like it could be problematic down the road.
And the pic you posted next you can see a clearly difference but I wonder if it’s representative of the part you’d receive.
The last pic is from Pro Source website for our cars,, and was the reason why I ordered it, but instead, Pro Source send the one in the first picture...
