The heater cores clog both internally and externally. Remove it, clean
the outside real good, and check the inside, flush thoroughly. Have it
tested for leaks. Re-use if all is OK.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Al and Sue Brase
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2004 3:57 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: clean heater core

Does anyone have any ideas of possible procedures to clean a heater
core? I'm getting very little heat out of it. It's been getting worse
the last few years. I guess I should not have used stop leak way back in
the 90s to stop the head gasket leaks!
Yes, the coolant is getting up to temp. I've changed thermostats with no
improvement.
I'm able and willing to take out the heater core. With new ones a dealer
only item and SO expensive I'd just l;ike to try cleaning.
How about some slight caustic cleaner?
I feel the best way to clean if it was out would be an ultrasonic bath
type like jewelers use, but this is a bit bigger thatn a watch.
My radiator shop says no to taking it apart. They would if it were
brass.
Al Brase
87 Vanagon, luke warm

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