cheap heater cores

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 8:05 am

In a desperate attempt to solve my damp footwell, i'm looking to replace my heater core. BMW ones are extortionate, but my local parts shop has a no-name brand for 15 quid!

Is it likely to be made of chocolate, or will it last a few years? The car does less than 5000 miles annually these days.

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:35 am

Good second hand one would be a better bet. They rarely fail.
How sure are you that it's leaking? Does the screen initially mist up when you set the controls to 'demist'?

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:48 am

It doesn't mist, but i'm constantly getting a greasy film on the inside of the screen. However, I don't know if that's just the existing moisture evaporating out of the carpet.

I only really noticed it after installing aircon 18months ago, and since i've already replaced all the o-rings and welded the floor, it's the last item on my checklist.

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:54 am

Does the coolant level drop? Don't try to keep it right on the line - most E30s tend to stabilise at around 10mm - 15mm below the correct level.

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:05 am

No, I think I am losing some as the coolant tank is always very low when I check, although there's no overheating.

Talcum powder trick didnt show any leaks, but the footwell mat is permanently soaked under my heel (LHD car, Remember.)

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 1:58 pm

You need to get a pressure tester on the system. Can be very instructive, especially if you go a little above normal pressure.
If it's been happening since you changed the heater box, are you sure it's not just one of the rubber hoses leaking at the bulkhead? If they are pushed tight against the bulkhead, they will leak into the cabin, if they do leak.

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 2:32 pm

Yeah, those hoses have been checked, adjusted and tightened multiple times, and they passed the talcum test.

What sort of pressure test? Something I plumv into the coolant hoses, or more complex?

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 5:04 pm

Something like one of these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-XXR-TOOLS ... 4637592f4e

But if you have a bicycle pump with a gauge, an old rad cap, a drill and a tyre valve you should be able to knock something up

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 6:04 pm

I've got a cylinder pressure guage and a 3hp compressor - think that might be a bit overboard?

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 6:26 pm

i have known good oem heater cores here £15 + delivery if needed .

it's quite a big job to replace so i wouldn't trust a cheap copy to last .

Post Wed Apr 01, 2015 6:37 pm

magpie wrote:i have known good oem heater cores here £15 + delivery if needed .

Aircon type, don't forget.