Heater Core Flush: Using CLR

[@SouthMainAuto]

CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover, Blasts Calcium, Dissolves Lime, Zaps Rust Stains, 28 Ounce Bottle : amzn.to/39uKaI6 Water Circulation Pump 3-Speed : amzn.to/3fts4ub OTC 6043 Blast-Vac Multipurpose Cleaning Gun : amzn.to/2OeOZhC

[@charlesdent22]

Well done sir, repair before replace, save that landfill space.

[@FredTheLutinoCocatiel]

Do not use Red Devil Lye That will melt everything.

[@scottcraft8869]

I have done that with my 2010 Dodge ram worked like a charm! Great job Eric☝

[@dmcdm]

I watch your videos from time to time and came across this one....You definately did the right thing for this lady by not clobbering her over the head....You will get more business just because you are HONEST and have a heart....Great work my friend !!!!

[@johnboywaltonbeard4699]

Eric O’ I like that JEEP in the next bay! Is that yours? CLR seems to do the job. But not sure that you need the “C” calcium or “L” Lime for a closed loop system... but the “R” Rust part should be effective.

[@gunsaway1]

You help the customer. Not interested in screwing over people. That’s why you are successful as a business man and a human. You are an honorable man. God blesses you for that. I so love your videos.

[@timothya2742]

He reminds me of a cross between Mr Rodgers and Bob Ross. And I do mean that as a compliment. If you are really young you might be confused by the references. Just Google them and you will find they were both beloved and honest in their work

[@drunk3n_m0nk12]

He's a rare breed for sure. I had a shop like his that I've taken my cars to for the last 20 years anytime I didn't have the appropriate equipment for the job. Sadly the owner passed away back in August. RIP to Matt Rigsby. You were a pillar of the community, a top notch mechanic, and my good friend.

[@kfl611]

How come I can't find an hones mechanic like him, where I live? I guess he is rarer than hens teeth.

[@jimlovesgina]

"God blesses you for that" That is open to interpretation. Also, which god are you talking about? There are many. The god of the bible blesses career criminals who accept him while in prison before they are about to be executed. It sounds absurd because it is.

[@jack002tuber]

All the other mechanics out there must hate that

[@vpimike2646]

Eric, the mechanics at the Chrysler dealership are experts at replacing heater hoses complete with dust, dirt and factory paint alignment marks so that no one can tell they have been taken off for a full coolant system flush. Additionally, they are even better at performing full wallet flushes on their customers.

[@bob1519]

Hilarious 😂

[@dircon75]

That could be said of any dealership. In fact the Ford stealership was the worse around here

[@machintelligence]

They are experts They always do a wallet biopsy first.

[@tyree9055]

This is why one must install hidden cameras in their vehicles, or at the very least, take Before and After pics... 🤫

[@michaelblaes9847]

What's worse is they will keep the car for a week and then tell you they did the work and charge you without ever even touching it.

[@rafaelmarin1963]

The caliber of this man’s work ethic is as high as his skill set.

[@kfl611]

And being honest, I am sure he will never be out of work or happy customers, who will want him to work on his car. Also word of mouth to his honesty is the best way for him to keep a happy customer base.

[@alleng9681]

Agreed Eric is a honest man that knows his trade inside and out

[@bob1519]

Unfortunately the honest one are usually not the richest BUT sleep much better.

[@bradjohnson6919]

Here is a CLR Tip. That stuff is supercharged when it's hot. Since most heater core work will be done when it's cold heating it will help. We mix it 50/50 with boiling water and it really clears the lines fast. We use it to clear copper and aluminum heat exchangers on industrial equipment. We put the CLR in the bucket then dump the boiling water in. Works great.

[@stazeII]

Or throw a cheap Sous vide or aquarium heater in the bucket. :)

[@christianheidt5733]

Thx 4 the tip! 😊

[@craigversheck7835]

That's cool you guys use them on heat exchangers. You a fitter or hvac service guy?

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

@@stazeII That's actually a good idea!

[@kennethc8182]

Swamp Bucket is 5gl special bucket with heating element to boil seafood. Amazon$127 normal price $80

[@bearing_aficionado]

"Plant based, woman owned" "I'm surprised it still works?" Oh man that had me rollin'!!!

[@bengineering3d]

I said out loud, “Drink it then, asshole.” 😂

[@elken2000]

Cleaning products, woman owned. Ofcourse it works. 👍💪

[@bearing_aficionado]

@@elken2000 is that what he said?

[@msclecarcrzy]

Me too I was rolling on that one! Then when the hose blew out of the bucket Iost it again🤣

[@bengineering3d]

@@elken2000 it’s also made in the USA!

[@jhar1827]

Tried this yesterday on my wife's 2012 Avenger and we went from no heat to hotter than hell heat. Thanks for posting this video and helping us save a killing in cash.

[@ethanskinner8611]

I also have a dodge avenger, a 2013 and am flushing the heater core now!

[@freetolook3727]

@0:11 "You join a gang?" It's the responsibility of every father to embarrass their daughters... at any age.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

It gets easier to do as they get older😁

[@gregorythomas333]

As I "remind" my 29 year old...often :D

[@Devo1987]

Makes them grow up faster

[@MikesSoftLemonade]

@Mad Anthony Wayne I have one. Scared to death of her

[@jimmydcricket5893]

Wouldn't put the kids on camera if the don't want to.

[@jbrhel]

Vehicle came from a Chrysler shop. At 1:15 "What I'm gonna do is find out what's really wrong with it." Love it. Thanks SMA!

[@marksmith6104]

I used to watch MacGyver on TV. Now I watch SMA... the dude can fix anything.

[@hansgruber7680]

I can see the resemblance!

[@hansgruber7680]

Loved that show

[@327JohnnySS]

He definitely MacGyvered it better than new.

[@onascout]

Eric, usually, at the end of your videos when you say, "if I can do it - you can do it," I l laugh and say, "you're so very wrong Eric O. I can't do that." But this time, being out of better ideas to try to remedy my wife's no passenger-side heat in her 09 Highlander Hybrid, I said, "I think I might be able to do that." And it freakin worked. Now, it was a pain in the backside to get TO those hoses on this car. But I got there. I also didn't have the pump. So I ended up flushing thoroughly with water (disposing of the coolant responsibly); then with a funnel to one of my hoses, I filled the core with CLR, set a timer, came back and flushed it out. Repeated that probably like 4 or 5 times (I wasn't seeing big clunks of evil coming out). Also changed the direction of the flushing each time. After running out of CLR, I flushed again with water, put everything back together, said a weak prayer, and took 'er for a shake down the road. 100% success! Passenger side heat went from ice-cold to nice-and-hot. I can do it, Eric. I can do it. Tyler

[@jayammons3834]

Fixing instead of replacing is a lost art and truly a joy to watch, Thank you.

[@johnh8546]

Chrysler Stealership: "you need a heater core" Eric O: "Hold my CLR (Not a Sponsor)"

[@scottkhansen]

The stealership ripped off another customer , Eric , you could have charged her a boatload putting in a core and she would have been a one time customer , you fixed her car at a price she could afford and won a customer for life as well as everyone she tells about the awesome family at SMA !

[@orionwarren4244]

Haha, 'stealership'. I'm gonna have to remember that one! LoL

[@OldManBadly]

Now she has saved so much, maybe it's time to do those wheel bearings! :)

[@markbrickey8418]

Well, to be honest we're only getting one side of the story. Customers sometimes remember or understand things wrong. The dealer could have recommended a flush to try and owner declined, or dealer did a total cooling system flush. Which would be at the radiator or degass bottle. Regardless, the problem was diagnosed correctly.

[@lifeofgold]

BENEFIT of the DOUBT. If you go to timestamp 6:46 - 6:50, you will see that the spring clamps have been moved, by someone, recently. But the evidence would be difficult to catch with the naked eye, it can only been seen on the "enhanced" video.

[@richardbambenek2601]

They tried to run up a bill on me at Firestone once and they lost my business for life and were then signed up for my totally free advertising service to everyone I told my experience to. They ended up losing more than just my business. IDIOTS!!!

[@robertlaux7180]

How can ANYONE dislike this guy's skill and work ethic?? Eric O, you define mechanic!

[@jasonlyijnen84]

just the auto shop in the area

[@MrSpartanicus]

“What I think I’m gonna do is find out what’s really wrong with it.” Love it, lol

[@katemcleod7640]

Haha, couldn’t help but chuckle when Eric O said that .Because we all knew he would ! Automotive Yoda !!!!

[@BS-km9oe]

A fix is a fix and the customer will be back. You will make more money in the long run. Great job! Keep up the good work.

[@BangBangBang.]

Trinity is the leader of the SMA early notification gang

[@michaelblacktree]

LOL

[@electroevolution5777]

Lmfao

[@miguelare3]

This should be pinned 🤣

[@Mrcaffinebean]

I followed this exact procedure last weekend and it worked PERFECTLY! I now have full heat again! Thanks for posting this excellent video!

[@richardvastine7486]

What is needed is the ability to clone Mr. O so we have scores of honest, reliable and skilled professional mechanics scattered about for all of us to access.

[@mmi16]

They already exist - the problem is finding them.

[@williamsquires3070]

Don’t forget to clone the shop, too. 🤠

[@ferndog1461]

They work in ugly parts of town with cheaper rents. It costs money to work honest. Peace.

[@weldingjunkie]

She’s a saint that Mrs O

[@michael931]

Clone Mrs O while you are at it....

[@johngerraughty]

I love the fact that you are a mechanic and not a parts replacer. Smart, common sense solutions that benefit your customers will create loyal customers and a steady stream of work. Good on you.

[@terrancegrant1664]

Hahahahaha..."you joinin' gang?" That look was priceless...made my morning!!!!

[@billrook6165]

I've dealt with clogged heater cores before. Here in MO, ground water has a very high lime content. Many people add tap water along the way, and never flush and replace the coolant. If you don't have a circulation pump, tie both heater hose extensions above the heater core level. Then, pour CLR (straight from the bottle) into one hose, until it comes out the other, letting it sit and boil for awhile. Doing this, I never had to replace a heater core for lime clogging. CLR is the berries!!!

[@thomasjohnson3895]

I've done the same literally dozens of times and never had a leak afterwards.

[@kellismith4329]

Or easier yet is just use distilled water in the first place and it won’t plug up

[@thomasjohnson3895]

@@kellismith4329 As a repair shop I have no control over what the customer puts in his or her cooling system but if they use just distilled water the will have a huge repair bill as the radiator and heater core will become plugged with rust among other mire extensive engine and waterpump damage.

[@dafirnz]

I remember that service from when I worked at Honda. It paid an hour and you were expected to run the CLR through the heater core for an hour, then just volunteer the rest of the time to complete the job.

[@dustintunis9347]

Could you start it and then work on another car or was it one at a time?

[@ProleDaddy]

Sounds like capitalism

[@Kevin-zo6nz]

@@dustintunis9347 each mechanic usually only gets assigned one lift/bay , so they are stuck completing the service order they are working on.

[@dustintunis9347]

@@Kevin-zo6nz - Gotcha. That makes sense due to space, but it's far from ideal for jobs like that one.

[@robertheinkel6225]

Honda had to remove my heater box in my new Odyssey, due to water leaking onto the floor. Instead of pulling the dash, they cut the glove box supports fir access, then put a plate back in where they cut the supports.

[@CedarAshCanvas]

Many thanks! Been driving 3 winters with no heat, dreading pulling dash to swap in new core. 2 hours in the driveway this afternoon, I've got good flow and heat! Northern Ontario, '94 Dodge Ram 4x4, 318 cu in. Used an old pond pump to circulate CLR.

[@kellismith4329]

You’ll be disappointed then when a puddle forms on your floor now after the chemical eats a hole through the heater core

[@CedarAshCanvas]

@@kellismith4329 It's been 2 yrs (you did notice that?) and I have good heat and no puddles. Hope you are not disappointed. I have since used same technique on '90 Volks with similar problem, no puddles there either.

[@aarontracy5160]

Love that Dodge 318. As near bulletproof as any engine made.

[@MAGA_Trump_Warrior]

I don't know what else to say other than that is genius. There's no need to change a heater core if it's just plugged and you just saved the customer lots of money. That's called honest work.

[@jasonmorgan3709]

It’s nice to see someone who is willing to help out a customer instead of just charging them as much as possible. It’s nice to know there are still honest people!

[@johnholmes2808]

The rough streets of Avoca have influenced your daughter, it looks like.

[@danr1920]

Pottholes!

[@arcadeuk]

My wife was watching a TV program about serial killers, and they showed the documentary guy driving down some random street in 'Murica, to show where one of the murders happened, and I am like "Hey this road looks familiar............. Oh wow they just drove past South Main Auto" 🤣😂

[@petewitcosky1821]

Go Tigers!!

[@Pragmatist1st]

This is why I DIY. I don't trust most repair shops; even dealers. Thank god for YT. Thanks S. Main for the CLR recommendation.

[@1995jug]

Really great when you have to put the car back together to start working on it.

[@lvsqcsl]

My Grand Marquis has 400,000 miles on it and I have never touched it except to add rust inhibitor. I guess I should flush the cooling system. Great video!

[@davidstart1748]

A CLR flush vs. heater core replacement win for you AND the customer! OUTSTANDING

[@thefoureyedfabricator217]

I just used your method on my wife's '08 MKZ heater core. The heat comes out hot enough to melt your face now! CLR and SMA for the win!!!

[@Momo33-n8g]

Jeez, Trinity grows up so fast!!!

[@nopenottalib4366]

Yeah ... ALL kids grow up so fast. The older I get, the faster they seem to grow up. I've worked in IT at a school for 10 years now, and it really makes me feel old when I start closing out student accounts that graduate from 8th grade that I created when they came in as Kindergartners.

[@cclngthr]

Yes she does

[@CalSticks]

We’re all circling the drain!

[@brianbridges1844]

Many years ago I did something similar. It wasn’t a heater core rather a radiator. There wasn’t any thing like CLR those days (early 70’s) but I did have access to an acid based product used to descale refinery cooling towers. Did the same flushing with a drill powered pump. Problem fixed. No more overheating and the car and radiator functioned fine for years afterward. Great video!

[@Capt.Morgan]

Your good man and honest mechanic, not too many around anymore. keep up the great work

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

That Chrysler dealer shows why you should never go to the dealer. Break the actuator. Say they flushed the system, did not do it. That is malpractice in the service industry. Unfortunately, too many dealers do exactly this and that is why they have the reputation they do. Thanks for pointing out checking anything a dealer claims to do. It is why living in CT I do some things myself, and if I don't, I go to an independent mechanic who knows what he is doing who is honest just like you. Thank you for sharing with us! CLR is great as I use it around the home to fix fixtures with minerals (usually green) on them.

[@ourkid2000]

Vanessa running her side of the shop and teaching the kids! She's an impressive lady!

[@generichards6497]

I keep saying you're an honest man, and word of mouth will make you or break you. After being in that business for many years, that's the best advertisement you can get.

[@silva862006]

"Did you join a gang? The Homeschooling Locos?" 😂😂😂 I lost it!! Almost sounded like Miklo from Blood In Blood Out.

[@Scrapla1]

Vatos Locos

[@nschaad1982]

Grounding the data line with a test light is the best diagnostic test I’ve seen in a while. 20+ years in automotive electrical and drivability and still learn little tricks from those with more experience! Well done Mr. O! 👏👏

[@dorightal4965]

Love the cameos of the Mrs. O and your offspring! You are (and I'm sure you know it) one very blessed gent! Thanks for tips and the entertaining part of the day.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

A lot less expensive than replacing the heater unit. Job well done sir.

[@time1800]

I did the CLR flush on my first gen cummins radiator the tubes were almost closed off with Calcium, ! Looked like new after the old CLR ran thru it.

[@Aleasysn]

What all did you do for the flush im thinking my second gen cummins core is clogged heat is pretty weak and already replaced tstat

[@rorickeulavea512]

Your awesome. I wish I was there when you made this video!! I thought it was hilarious!! But the CLR worked for cleaning my heater core!! Thanks for video!!!

[@wisemjk9813]

I really love the honesty from Eric a real mechanic and human being thank God for people like him wish there were more ❤

[@danfalley9296]

New SMA video to start the morning. Thanks Eric O. and family.

[@ImpalaSS08]

I’ve been flushing heater cores on Saturn’s for years with CLR. Works great!!! Thanks Dex-cool!!! Lol!!!

[@GaryDelgado]

I remember EricTheCarGuy did the exact same thing with CLR a very long time ago. Glad to know Hondoo now approves :)

[@benv1752]

Good tip. If my wife's high mileage Volvo's heater doesn't blow heat, I might give the CLR flush a try.

[@58Tommy]

So nice to see an honest car repair shop who considers the age of the car and adjusts the repair method accordingly and does not put his own profit first.

[@bobbofly]

Did this to my 86 tercel a few years back before it got stolen. Pulled both hoses, drained the core, filled it with CLR & just let it eat overnight The oogy-googh that spewd into the 5GAL bucket on the backflush was mind blowing. Night & day improvement.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Man......they clog all the time on all the Chryslers.....that antifreeze is breaking down to fast. Im thinking I need to start recommending to flush the coolant around the 4-5 year interval....doesnt matter if its a10 year/150k mileage coolant.

[@cheesecurd100s]

Yeah just replaced a leaky heater core on a caravan. Of course it's rotted out the radiator and water pump, bypass pipe etc.

[@jamram9924]

Even if distilled water is being used?

[@hightttech]

@@jamram9924: FACTORY FILL. 10 years is INSANE. OEM needs cars to die, otherwise new car salesmen get lonely.

[@jamram9924]

@@hightttech: the shop I worked at was 5-6 years. Full flush with chemical additive and refill using concentrated coolant with distilled or soft water. We have very hard water out here in the SW part of the US.

[@Blazer02LS]

Well, to be fair the thermostat on the 3.6 will likely fail sooner than that so it gets a flush and fill then... LOL

[@automotivetv9861]

I did this to my 2005 camry using just water at high pressure from a sink and holding it to the heater hoses for 30 seconds and then reversing it, worked great!

[@drsethsr]

CLR is good stuff. Used it on a gasoline pressure washer that was not making good pressure due to hard water deposits. Soaked pump overnight, worked like new once put back together.

[@tyree9055]

...until someone buys out the company / product and decides to "thin it out" for increased profit, then all of a sudden everyone's complaining about how it's not as good as it used to be and it's reputation is destroyed. Then some "new" company's selling a great product at the premium pricing plan... 🙄🤌

[@ProleDaddy]

@@tyree9055 sounds like capitalism

[@nothanks2994]

@@ProleDaddy sounds like communism🤡

[@ProleDaddy]

@@nothanks2994 Profit does not exist under communism. Neither does money, government, or borders. Get educated, buddy.

[@alex10294]

@@ProleDaddy Actually, in every non-capitalist system ever tried, there would be only one place making this type of product, no competition or incentive to improve it or invent another type, it would cost a weeks labor, it would barely work, and there would be a 6 month waiting list after you get the permit stamp in person from three federal agencies to use it. I think we can solve the problem of diluted CLR without all of that.

[@jeffthejinjer]

We used to do the same thing with the old Ford Vulcan 3.0L taurus/sables/Rangers when I worked at a Ford dealership. So much rust and Iron buildup in those engines!!! I think we used the BG Radiator flush. I would bypass the heater core to flush the motor, then I would work on flushing the heater core after using a hose and a little pump, then air blow it dry...back and forth and eventually they would flow back to normal.

[@joshcrocker4596]

Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life. You seem to have nailed it. Even have the family there with you. Keep up the great work 👍

[@brandonb5818]

This is like the most extreme ultimate heater core flush that I've ever seen. Well done!

[@harold6863]

You sir shall never be short of customers. Good honest service which is very rare nowadays. Respect to you👍

[@darkwing4475]

I replaced the heater core in my '04 Ranger 4 x 4 last year,,, I was able to just put the dash panel on the seat, instead of totallay removing it,,, Saved several hours of disassemby/reassenbly time,,, :-)

[@yvesdesrosiers2396]

I did the same with but I filled it up and let it sit for a few hours. It worked great. CLR is an environmentally safe product. Thanks for sharing.

[@noddy508]

And that ladies & Gentleman is the difference between a Mechanic & a fitter right there, just wish we had more like Mr O over here in Blighty :)

[@kenchilton]

CLR is great stuff. I have used it for years anytime I need to deal with something where water was involved in corroding it. As far as I know, Jelmar, the company that owns CLR and TarnX, has always been family owned and the current owner is the granddaughter of the founder. CLR has been environmentally friendly for a long time - maybe always has been - but now it helps with the sales to advertise such things as “woman owned” and “green”. Key thing is that it works, so all due credit to the owner for providing it. Also, thanks Eric for showing us again that a good businessman is one that works for his customers, not takes from his customers. Your integrity is exemplary.

[@darrelfuhrman8217]

Eric, I had 6 Dodge, Plymouth Caravans. I use to just flush and back flush the heater cores with water. I was getting out a black sand. A local guy that worked in an engine foundry, saw it and told me that it was engine casting sand. So then in the summer I would then reflush the heater core, remove the thermostat, block drain plug, lower radiator hose, back flush the motor and the radiator. I would get out more black sand. After doing this I would no longer have any lack of heat problems. Sometimes in the middle of -20°f weather, I would just swap the heater hoses. Hello from north east Montana. 10 miles from the Canadian border. By the way, your pump is a circulator or pump for a hot water baseboard heat system. Some pump have a speed adjustment in the area of the tag.

[@chucktx5957]

Taking good care of your customer is why your lot is always overflowing with work. Nice. If I was back in your area, you’d get all my jobs for certain. Happy almost April!!!

[@thomasturner9215]

With hard water, I use clr on my plastic aerators for my faucets. It's good stuff. Thanks to you when the need arises, I'll flush my vehicles with it.

[@seithlovelace1482]

I can say that the method used here does work. I discovered a non functioning heater core when the weather changed My jeep is in AZ, it's rare to use the heat at all. Went to a not so cold 42 degrees a couple of nights ago and I turned on the heater so I could drive with the windows down. We have hard water here, so I was reluctant to use any hose method. I used this method with 2 bottles of CLR and distilled water. Worked like a charm. Heater is not only working, but perhaps too hot for my liking lol.

[@Joe_Not_A_Fed]

I have done the CLR thing a bunch of time. Never had a problem with coolant leaks. Thumbs up, baby.

[@stevedavis2751]

A classic SMA vid. Always appreciate the humor.

[@JasonHalversonjaydog]

wish more had that attitude, not always about making the most money, it's about making the customer happy by still fixing it economically

[@freetolook3727]

CLR works really well on the black mildew/mold on the caulk in the shower between the tub and tiles.

[@airborne63]

works well on showerheads, rusty tools, etc. as well, which is what is was originally intended for. I also use it on coffee makers, my Keurig, and a host of other things!! Good product, used it for years.

[@joeramirez1872]

CLR great idea , back flushing helps remove particles that may have clogged the heater core.

[@montestu5502]

The Draino story was awesome!

[@machintelligence]

A strong lye (Sodium hydroxide) solution will do that. I have seen it eat through galvanized steel pipes.

[@richardbambenek2601]

My uncle used Draino on a clogged kitchen sink. It ate a hole in his trap. He was happy when the sink started draining until he looked down at the floor. LOLOL

[@lustfulvengance]

@@machintelligence Yeah lye is no joke! You should see all the warning labels on a bottle of that stuff!!! I've gotten it on my skin before! People think it's bad to get battery acid on your skin, try getting something like lye on your skin and see what happens!!

[@markh.6687]

@@lustfulvengance "DANGER!! Do not open bottle! Do not touch bottle! Don't even THINK about using this product!"

[@jamest2101]

Thanks . I find it amusing that when the other shops can't fix it after trying and charging for it, they send them to you! It is sad that there are not very many mechanics around like you, just part changers. Thanks again.

[@frederickburns1739]

As a retired marine and heavy diesel mechanic I enjoy your videos. You are very accomplished mechanic. CLR was a interesting video. And brought to mind what we use to do . A 15 to 20% solution of muriatic acid in water . I've used this in about every imaginable condition, heat exchangers,oilcoolers,radiators, heater core ( car&truck), cast copper,aluminum and even in swimming pools. Never had any problems but cured some problems. Almost forgot always flush the system with baking soda water mix.

[@bozste1813]

Is the baking soda water mix a post flush to muriatic acid?

[@andrewhigdon8346]

@@bozste1813the baking soda will neutralize the acid. I once had a battery tray, unbeknownst to me, rust and allowed the battery hold down bracket come loose, which later allowed the battery to slip out of the gray and graze the alternator fan. Ouch! The result was battery acid thrown literally all over the engine compartment on my beloved 1968 Country Squire. I ALMOST cried. BUT, I grabbed the biggest bag of Arm&Hammer I could get and sprinkled it EVERYWHERE and even made wet patties to place on vertical an inverted surfaces. It stopped the corrosion it its tracks. Rinse, repeat. It was an excuse to pull some things apart and give the entire engine bay a “concourse” restoration. Thank god I had original assembly line paint markers and the code book to get the right colors in the right places. Whew! That was a close one. Tray was a bolt in, from I think Eastwood. One of those resto jobbers. To bad the tray on my ML320 MercB is bonded in. Damnation and ungodliness be to thou who would make irreplaceable a part so crucial and with high potential for mishap and circumstance. Eternal hell shall be thine abode.

[@aaronkoivu]

Battery acid 20% and 80% water mix it up, add to heater core….Canadian north bush mechanic, works every time, everybody has a old used non maintenance free battery hang around, just drain a little bit, mix with lake water and wait four hours flush out any plugged heater core…no dealership in the North lol

[@Ariccio123]

N.b. to all: might not want to dispose of the neutralized battery acid anywhere normal, probably still contains tons of lead

[@butterfinger1171]

I used muratic acid in a aluminum cup spray gun many years ago. ..ate the bottom right out of the cup lickitty split.

[@killerguitars52]

We do the same thing at Audi. 98-01 A4s were notorious for this problem as well as the Passat and even later models. Dash coming out on a 20 year old car is a no go, you'll break everything.

[@RJ-vb7gh]

I worked with CLR in a business I ran several years ago. It dissolves lime and calcium like gangbusters. It also erodes aluminum... trust me on that. But it works on aluminum rather slowly, depending on the concentration you use. It will damage aluminum finishes if it isn't properly rinsed off and can make shower doors look awful in just a few applications. From my experience, you probably removed one to a few thousands of an inch off the inside of the aluminum core. If the core was in good shape, that will cause absolutely no damage and you might be able to even repeat the procedure a couple of times... But if the core was just about to leak anyway or already had a pinhole, things are going to go south faster than they would have otherwise. One last note... CLR, (is or was phosphoric acid) and it keeps working until it is rinsed off or out with lots of water. If you leave it in the system it will keep going until it causes damage to aluminum somewhere in the system, not necessarily in the heater core. And by the way, there are cheaper products that will do the job, but they are both dangerous and can do a whole lot of damage if you do it wrong and no toilet bowl cleaner isn't one of them...

[@bartmassi8309]

Great vide!, very informative, we will be doing a Honda CRV heater core flush tomorrow, thanks for the insight.

[@tedwilliams8766]

wish all new techs had a mentor such as yourself. the world would be a better place not having to worry if youre getting taken for a ride by your local mechanic. been wathcing eric for 4yrs and learned alot. saved alot too. thank you eric. youre making the world a better place. God bless you and your family.

[@padraicmcguire108]

CLR is primarily lactic acid, the same stuff that gives spoiled milk that soyr smell. Lactic acid is a weak acid wrt metals. It has very good compatibility with aluminum and brass. As an acid, it has little to no effect on organic materials like plastics. But will disolve basic materials like calcium carbonate easily. Your buddy that used drano was using pure lye, a very strong base that will destroy plastics and does little or nothing to calcium deposits. Your vehicle owner likely screwed up their cooling system by using tap/well water some years ago on a coolant replacement.. Undistilled water is typically loaded with calcium carbonate, otherwise known as limestone! You can typically buy close to pure lactic acid by the gallon at most farm supply stores. It's used to clean milk handling equipment. Love your channel!

[@christianr9168]

I would kill to have you diagnose my car with how thorough and methodical you are! None of the shops around here can figure it out :(

[@ericrohloff]

I used a product called Strip-it to clean the heater core on my 2000 Tarus. Worked fast!

[@josedejesus6134]

This channel is like Mrs. O, getting better every day! Came for the work, stayed for the laughs! I love your work and your channel!

[@MrTrb6010]

I have to say thank you for this video! I have a 2018 Ram 2500 and was only getting heat on the passenger side. Driver side was blowing cold air. Took it to a dealer and they said the water pump was going bad that’s why I wasn’t get heat. They wanted 2500 dollars to replace it. I don’t agree and came across this video. Followed it step by step. Long story short you saved me 2500 dollars! Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@joeydrumstix]

I used CLR recently on my coolant overflow tank which was completely crusted with rust and hard water deposits from someone just putting tap water in the cooling system for 10 years of my Chevy van. I had to let it soak for 3 days but it worked extremely well

[@kunu98]

Car will prob last another year or 2 with those miles. Nice to see a quality and honest job

[@Mac4Willy]

Your a good honest guy/mechanic that does great work and puts the customer first. Thank you.

[@crownline5555]

Eric, I'm a fair to middlin backyard mechanic who refuses to trust dealerships and most repair shops BUT I respect your professionalism and wouldn't hesitate for a moment to allow you to repair my vehicles. You are "Da-Man" in my opinion and I love watching and learning from your content. Sad I'm in Oklahoma and your in Avoca N Y would love to stop in and say hello.

[@martinzeddy]

Eric, you already know that viewers love the cameos with Mrs. O but today with "I got a cousin Bob?" - that was classic!!

[@arthurhardy]

Mrs. O not playing his games....

[@jimmccormick6091]

Oh, I think she knew what he was saying, I think she just has her own methods to get at EO....

[@DeanWilson-bk5ok]

I had a quote $2400 to replace the heater core in my 2015 ram due to overuse of ‘stop leak.’ I put $400 into a pump, hoses clamps, CLR and anti-freeze . It’s working like a charm now. Thank you

[@lynnmiller5183]

Another fine job Eric. You saved the customer quite a bit of money. That is what I like to do. Simple measures works good some times. 👍

[@robertsistrunk6631]

I said it once before years ago (yes I've been subbed that long) The only honest mechanic in NY

[@davidbaldwin2729]

nice job, we use it on faucets, shower heads etc works great. CLR now makes a "special brew" just for flushing heater cores and radiators , so they must have read the Honda service bulletin as well. $31.00 for 3 gallons at the old amazon. thanks a lot

[@tunkhannock_autotech]

Too many shops "Flush" = drain & refill radiator maybe some sort of additive dumped in the radiator. Always enjoy watching ya take care of your customers.

[@CubasAutomotive]

I absolutely LOVE that gun! It works so well! Thanks to you, I purchased one maybe 3 or 4 yrs back. It's fixed and cleared quite a few coolant systems.

[@SouthMainAuto]

I like spraying employees with it 😂

[@CubasAutomotive]

@@SouthMainAuto summer time. .. yes! best time to use that thing. I almost always end up soaked. 🤣🤣

[@SouthMainAuto]

@@CubasAutomotive Yeah it is usually pretty extreme lol

[@Blazer02LS]

@@SouthMainAuto Sorry Eric, but I think Cuba in a wet T shirt might get much more attention.... LOL

[@CubasAutomotive]

@@Blazer02LS lol!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂

[@brado52]

I've been using CLR for a few years cleaning heater core's and it works well....

[@assessor1276]

You are indeed an honourable Man Eric - I hope that the people of Avoca know what they have in you and your shop in their town.

[@crankyyankee2475]

I have saved quite a few jeep liberty heater cores using the same method. A real time and money saver, when it works. I did try using muriatic acid twice, the second time it ate through the core. Good times.

[@sjdemark]

CLR is magic! I’ve used it to clean rust off tools, parts, boat props and even surface rust from body panels. I’ve never seen it damage anything, just simply removes scale and rust.

[@didja3403]

Ive Used CLR For Years. I Like to Blow out all the Coolant and Junk from the Heater Core. Then Fill The Core With Straight CLR Let it Sit Then Flush In Both Directions. Always Works. I Have Had To Do it Twice on the Real bad Ones.