The Most Frustrating Fix on ANY CAR

[@WorthlessWhips]

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[@pgtmr2713]

Having owned several GM cars, 2 3rd gen F-bodies, I have fully sworn them off. It's all of the work that only gets you to the next BS nightmare job. With all the screws, with different size heads, delicate plastic, hidden screws, clips that fall off behind. Even just changing light bulbs can sometimes be a nightmare. Every part of every system is junk, designed to fail. For one of your future projects pick up a Ford. A Fox Mustang if you can, Thunderbird works too. It doesn't have to be your "forever car." It will most likely be slower, (a little bit, comparable year to year,) it may not even look as good to you, but there's just so much less bullshit to deal with all around, you can actually get to the mods and fun stuff quicker. Almost 0 mechanical sympathy and the Ford will just do it again and again and again. Whereas the GM, you'll be fixing that same shit again when the part times out, or if you didn't curtsy and bow repeatedly while backing away from the garage. To sum it up, the work was easier, the results lasted longer, much more enjoyable experience over all with Ford. Generally better paint and rust protection as well. The only exception to that "easier" rule is engine timing on the later 4.6 mod motor vs. say a 305/350. So what, that's a once in a very long while procedure.

[@fixt100]

get a $30 wet dry shop vac and a spray bottle full of hot water+ laundry detergent (instant carpet shampooer) Cheers.

[@lunsy9420]

To have a car that nice im sure you paid a premium. Im all for doing my own repairs but you obviously have the money to have a shop do this. Also, being in California the southern part anyway no need for antifreeze to begin with use water.

[@lunsy9420]

@@DaedalusHelios Im 57 years old and worked as a mechanic for 30 and I haven t used anti freeze in 25 years. De-ionized water has always worked fine for me. I hope he spent a little more and got a good part not a GM replacement.

[@federicomuratalla360]

Where did you buy the heater core from and part number

[@allusernamesistaken]

When a car is assembled they always start with the heater core and then build the rest of the car around it..

[@scottbain1383]

😂

[@FWDSUXARSE]

The minute I saw the thumbnail Pic, I could already feel my body tensing up and had flashbacks about the pain in the arse I've gone through having to remove an entire dash.

[@juststeve5542]

Sometimes pulling the whole dash is actually the easy route, but by the time you realise this you're already half a day in and rather committed!

[@Philip_Taylor]

Don't blame the heater core for not finding a bathroom quick enough!

[@juststeve5542]

Turning on the heater to cool the engine because the thermostatic fan switch has failed and electric radiator fan won't turn on... I hear you buddy! Been there, done that! Sweated buckets, but got home! \o/

[@jeffzekas]

In our old air-cooled Volkswagen, we solved the heater problem with an an after market kerosene heater

[@Mrbfgray]

We just installed a wood stove.

[@ihave35cents95]

I had a gas heater in my Volkswagen 40 years ago

[@SilverBullet93GT]

aah, air cooled, that is the life

[@kerutc]

Next time, consider pulling the passenger seat out first.

[@buffdelcampo]

I started pulling seats to replace heater cores about ten years ago. It makes a huge difference but many new cars have sensors in the seat that need to be reset at a dealer. That's another expense.

[@HarpersInfiniteSystems]

"I want to do this right" ...so I'm going to JB Weld it. LOL. I feel your pain.

[@robertfrancis6967]

Jesus to JB weld it means you have already taken it out, that's some hardcore hack job repair. Heatercores are pretty cheap $50 is a super expensive one generally. So to do all the work of removing it just to JB n hope she holds when pressurized is dedicated. What I would normally do is put system sealer in and just keep putting em in till it either plugs the hole or clogs the system

[@Rezzinage]

@@robertfrancis6967 untrue lol, one for my Subaru was 250$.. there was no aftermarket ones

[@moors710]

When I designed aircraft at Boeing, I always looked at repairing whatever I was working on, as well as fixing the other systems that fitted around the systems I was working on. So few of engineers had ever actually worked as mechanics that little concern seemed to be given to fixing the machine. Any Machine needs not only to be assembled, but also needs to be fixed.

[@supergeek1418]

As a guy who works on boats, I can totally agree. One of the best lines of boats to work on are the Sea Ray Sundancer series - except for one totally bone-headed design flaw: On their 36 foot model, the aft deck raises on hydraulics to give access to the engine room area. However, if you hold the deck control switch in the "down" position *after* the deck is down, it hydraulically locks, and trips the breaker. Guess where the breaker is? On the main breaker panel *in* the engine room! That's in spite of having a secondary breaker panel in the main cabin (the *logical* place to put that breaker)! Definitely an apprentice engineer!

[@Hongisking]

Here’s a tip if you have to deal with any more old hoses Winston. Heat them up with a heat gun. They’ll pop off like they’re brand new. No damage, no swearing. Cheers!

[@billhartnett6413]

A bit of grease or petroleum jelly on the fittings also helps big time.

[@drakes4625]

ill be using this, thx u guys

[@_Junkers]

Own an Alfa Romeo - can confirm, sitting in idle traffic on a hot day with the heater on is sheer bliss

[@inthezone4123]

You have such a nice voice, and a great way of describing things. I hope you gave yourself a pat on the back for this one.

[@supergeek1418]

Patting his own back should be *easy* after the contortions he's just been through!

[@kennethosborne8359]

Lol i saw the thumbnail and I knew there would be cursing and anger.

[@MrSiestaFiesta]

HAHAHA!!! I know your frustration. I attempted this on my 2001 Jeep. I was probably 5 hours in, until I gave up. I put the dash back together and found a shop that would do it for $600 cash. That was by far the cheapest quote. Other shops wanted $1100 or more. At the time, that was a lot of money for me. I was just out of college. The Jeep was maybe worth 4k, even with all of the modifications.

[@siamiam]

i have to use my heater for most of the year , it was -30f / -34c earlier today with a high of -10f /-23c this afternoon. i see heaters go out all the time in any vehicle regardless of make or model and not too old too. it really sucks not to have heat in my area . what really sucks is changing the heater core outside in the cold when you dont have a nice heated garage

[@rockzalt]

During a job that takes multiple hours, it's not uncommon in collision work to remove a seat if it improves access under the dash. Most employers understand that contorting your torso may lead to a back injury eventually.

[@barrymorton4268]

I'm glad that you spent the time fixing it - it is a pretty car.

[@radiolabworks]

My first car was a 1971 Plymouth Valiant (Straight 6). Heater core was super easy to access and replace! Loved that car....

[@willthix3822]

yeah, taking the seat out would have been on my agenda before tackling this. I had a similar experience and... 1.cut the heater core pipes short, 2. put the short cut pieces through the firewall, 3. connected the shortened the pipes on the heater core by using the same gauge rubber tube as the engine side with hose clamps, 4. then connected the engine tubes side last best thing to clean your carpet... the washing power for your clothes, mix up a slurry and brush into the carpet, leave it soak for a little bit then wet dry vacuum it out(If you have one, or a shitload of towels and water....)

[@CPMest81]

Done it before on my 3rd gen and tbh honest man, taking the whole dash out, despite the extra time, makes it so much easier. Glad you didn't bypass it. Make sure you use a proper extraction carpet vac to get all that coolant out of your carpet. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MultiKwolf]

im not a car guy or a gear head or know anything about building a car but man i could watch this Vlog for hours, it just felt smooth and informative....

[@user-zo6xg8bx4l]

Good job!! Someday you'll get up north and it'll be a cold evening and you'll be double glad you finished this project. Thanks for the video!!

[@rafalkowalski5062]

I did heater core replacement on my 88 gta. I remember it was not so bad. In my new car i had to remove ALLL DASHBOARD!! You are right about heater core replacements. They are bend the wrong way! Keep up the good work. Warm Greetings from Poland!

[@Sn0wdawgz]

I love your attitude of doing it right the first time and not cutting corners. Cheers.

[@MeatballGarage]

Ah Winston I feel your pain! I have redone my heater box and recently restored my dash and gauges in my 70s Aussie Ford - can confirm under dash work SUCKS (I didn't cut the swearing in my videos lol)! If you ever have to do it again, remove the front seats, this gives you so much more wiggle room! Also once you are contorted in position it, helps to have a mate hand you tools so you don't have to keep getting up and down (Come on C-Milk, help the man out!). Cheers from Australia 👍

[@askannav2094]

never seen anyone replace the heater core, with the heater box still in place. I would have removed the seats. removed the heater box. then replace the heater core!! Amazing Winston was able to replace the core , with the heater box still attached!!

[@NewEdgeDesigns]

Definitely made the right choice replacing it...Ur engine bay looks nice by the way..U must have cleaned it up some...

[@serpentza]

Thanks, yeah I gave it a good clean!

[@mikemcgown6362]

I know most heater cores are a real pain to replace. But the easiest one I ever run across was in an '80 Chevy Monza. I had one (1 of 6 ) that I had to replace the heater core in. I was working at a body shop as an assistant manager at the time. I pulled my car into an empty bay at lunch time and started working on it. The shop owner saw I had my car in the shop and almost blew a gasket. I told him I'd be done before lunch time was over. He didn't believe me, but I kept working on it. About half way through lunch break I was backing my car out of the shop finished. I blew his mind! Everything is done from the engine compartment. I love how simple those cars were. That's why I had so many of them. Hard to find a good one anymore. I always found them when the old owners couldn't fix them and was ready to throw them away. I miss those cars! Good luck with your projects!

[@SharpieEasternn]

I had a heater core leak in my 1994 Lexus LS400. I couldn't even find a replacement part for the heater core!! A little stop leak through a 12v water pump actually fixed my heater core leak right up thought, obviously replace is better than fix in a can but it can be done. Glad you got your issues fixed! Now for an interior detail

[@agalah408]

I feel your pain. I had a heater core burst in my Hillman station wagon back in '83 - on my way out from my own wedding reception. The footwell expanded with boiled rice. Thought I was going to have to re-label the dashboard from FAN to MI-FAN. Never a pair of chopsticks handy when they're needed most!

[@styles2980]

I see your pain. I have a 3rd Gen Iroc and opted to delete. Texas is hot except for 3 months in a year, and rarely freezes in Houston, with exception of this year. Watching what you went through, I think I made the correct decision. I commend your extra effort.

[@DarrenWS6]

Glad to see you did it right and kept it factory functioning. Dreading the day I have this come my way with any vehicle lol.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

It's an issue on all older cars, not just American. Had one fail on my 93 VW Passat and it was a VERY expensive repair. No issues on my C5 Corvette Z06, and no other C5 owners are reporting this as a common issue.

[@Jupiter__001_]

15:30 Winston becomes convinced that his camera is a dog

[@macscotsman51]

I appreciate your struggles. Really. My 88 Firebird (nearly a twin to yours) has dripped a few coolant drops onto the passenger carpet in the past. Now I know why and exactly how to fix it or bypass it. Thank you.

[@2tooful]

Been hooked on your videos since you were in china and also me being a car enthusiast and also like working on my cars, loving this new channel 😎

[@garyhoffman503]

We'll look at the distinguished gentleman! Great Tutorial 👍 I am very happy with the calm storm you talked yourself through. Excellent! I truly am a sharp judge and no one else would A to Z What was That? Heat Coil, I had.a 1981 Firebird Esprite in Wisconsin Winters and I never had that problem but many others after she hit about 7 years. Your dash look great with 4 circles. And the exterior lines match the interior! I'm talking Depeche Mode 80's FM! That ride is priceless. A great 👍 car!

[@lonewolftransam]

I'm getting flashbacks to when the heater core failed in my 1988 trans am GTA notchback. The antifreeze created a ring of rust in the carpet... lovely. Unlike heater cores, stay awesome!

[@gkrieger6824]

Could have been worse..Foxbody! And nice job with the Redrocker / VanHagar 🤘

[@Christ-1]

Appreciate the video. Way to persevere! I have decided that when I do my LS swap and the dash is pulled apart and engine bay is gutted I will be replacing my heater core. I may also wrap the inlets with JB weld in advance on the new heater core! Sadly as you have already noted, new parts are not made as good as the original parts that came with the car.

[@mxyz6888]

If i would have opened the door on my car just to find that puddle of coolant in the fabric, i would just sell it the next day. Props to you for putting up with this crap.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

wow...........

[@chevalsauer]

Far I feel for you guys, my 1969 Kingswood had it under the bonnet against the firewall up top, rolled up to the shop, together we took it out in about 5 minutes, re routed the hoses, I drove off and picked it up later once he replaced the core, sweet as, easy, simple design ....

[@edmcwilliams6524]

Winston Thank You For The Great Video.

[@Mishael23s]

I like how clean and proper you guys keep your videos.

[@jefferysmith3930]

I’ve done 3 heater cores, all on VW’s: Cabriolet, B3 Passat, A3 Jetta. Required pulling the entire dash. Not quick or easy. VW’s of a certain age also have the added excitement of all of the foam on the vent flaps and ducts disintegrating, showering the occupants with sticky black chunks of foam.....so that’s fun to deal with. Your best bet with the carpet is to remove it, hang it vertically, pressure wash the hell out of it! All of the padding attached to the back of the carpet is soaked with coolant at well. It will keep wicking back up to the surface.

[@Roborebonzo]

Having worked for two large dealerships in detail and body shop I've cleaned alot of antifreeze and worse out of vehicles. If you don't want to buy an extracter, you can use a wet vac. Get a good detail degreaser or engine degreaser with sodium metabisufate, that may be sulfite, sodium or potassium hydroxide in it. My favorites are from Malco, Blue Ribbon and Meguiers also makes a decent one. Some citrus based work well too, but not all. Stay away from Turtle wax and Armourall crap. Wear gloves especially with BR's Red Rage. Dilute appropriately, soak carpet or whatever fabric, let it work then vac up. Sometimes with oil, gasoline or antifreeze you may have to do several times. A good scrubbing with a detail brush can help alot. I worked for the body shop's vintage and classical restore department and worked on barn finds that were 30 40 50 years stored. BTW the Ram dealership got trucks in over and over the same trucks spewing AF onto the passenger floor. Something about wrong millivolts in the fluid.

[@Flastew]

Oh man, when I saw this it really brought back bad memories. I have had to change two of these in my cars. Both required the whole dash being pulled just to access the heater section. I think engineers should be required to spend two years working on the item they are going to design before they can go to the drawing board. Perhaps they would make things slightly easier to work on.

[@wraithsrath7310]

I have 5 of the Camaro version, swearing is part of the heater core ritual, that and condemning the engineer who designed it to hell. It is not a well thought out design, but pulling the computer out gives you a little more space not much just enough. Love the content.

[@gustavbabic5004]

The worst heater core I ever dealt with was on a 1982 Ford Fairmont. The thing was engineered so badly that you had to discharge the AC and completely remove the evaporator from behind the glove box, just to get at the little cover hiding the heater core. Also, the 3/4" hose running from your water pump to the firewall is your supply, and then I think there is a smaller 5/8" hose running from the outlet of the heater core, and I think that goes to a fitting on your car's radiator to return the fluid coming out of heather core. Also, if you take a razor blade knife and carefully slice heater hose where it plugs onto the heater core, not a very long slice, maybe just a half an inch from the end of the hose back, then that is usually enough to release the pressure upon the heater core fitting, and then you can usually take the hose off by carefully twisting it back and forth with your hand. If you didn't slice the hose too much, then usually you can just trim a little bit off the end, and stick it back on. Be careful you don't poke a hole in your hose with that removal tool.

[@y38]

I admire your tenacity

[@stevec9669]

Happy to see your persistence paid off.

[@LycanWitch]

Hey Guys! ̶C̶h̶r̶i̶s̶F̶i̶x̶ Worthless Whips here.. maybe investing in a Hoover portable carpet spot cleaner can be good. They aren't all that expensive and comes in very handy to remove spills/stains and deep clean your car's carpet :P Chris fix has a video about super cleaning your car's interior where it's featured.

[@bcarss1970]

2:40 coming from Wildwood to Philadelphia in July, in my youth, my 84 Z28 had a massive coolant leak. Stopped 3 times to fill the radiator with beer and wine coolers. Drove the whole way with the heat on. Took like 4 hours but kept her coll enough that I did not damage the engine. Had the system flushed and got a new radiator and drove it quite a while after.

[@supergeek1418]

Agreed. One of the jobs (if not *THE* worst job) for a do it yourselfer on most cars. Hopefully, that J. B. Weld will last.

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

1990 we purchased a used '88 Plymouth Voyager mini-van from a Chrysler dealer, 1 week later the Air conditioner stopped working, dug into it & found the evaporator had a leak, it had been sold as is, hey it drove nice and all worked then. I raised a fuss, they agreed to supply the evaporator free but not the labor. I was capable of that kind of repair, just never done one this type of van. If I had knew then what I know now I may have traded the thing in for a loss.

[@jdman141]

Always interesting. Not being a car guy, I am enjoying the learing experience.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

Try oxygen cleaner and a cheap handheld steam cleaner from craigslist on that carpet.

[@Anathriel]

Hang in there mate, I am really enjoying your Formula to happiness series! really looking forward to see the end result of the car!

[@cetilly]

@serpentza Rug Doctor. Rent them at any supermarket for $30. Great scrubbing and suction so you get all the water and shampoo and dirt sucked out of the carpet.

[@Ian-of9oi]

Changed the one in my 57 buick last year. Made 63 years. Might have had a slow leak for I while. No puddle. Slight smell sometimes.

[@fupabox]

agree completely ..sold off a few rather than tear out the whole dash . the newer the car , the worse the job

[@wojtekdobrowolski8084]

I got the same problem on my newly bought 1989 audi 80 b3, the part is cheap but the whole dashboard is going to have to come off, but I knew what I was getting myself into.

[@michaelv3340]

Extra fun on a thirty year old car with brittle plastics.

[@1337penguinman]

You think that's fun? Wait until you have to do a fuel pump on one of those F bodies. And you will have to do it at some point.

[@SKIDOOSH]

UGH!! ...hate that! Growing up in Florida I used to just hook the hoses together and bypass them if they failed. Haha!

[@Mrbfgray]

JB Weld is definitely DOING IT RIGHT. Hahaha Seriously good on you for following thru I'd have done the same, gotta make damn thing WORK.

[@CR-vu1rt]

I would also spray a whole can of scented disinfectant into the cowl with the car idling, windows closed and the fan/blower motor on high to get rid of the moldy smell associated with older vehicles every time you turn on either side of the HVAC system. I’ve done this a few times with different vehicles and the results were great ! The whole interior smells almost newer and cleaner.

[@DDB168]

That was worse than trench warfare ! All credit to you for persisting and installing it.

[@Clawback2X]

If the heater core is not leaking and the problem is that it's not throwing heat. Just remove the inlet and outlet hoses under the hood and pour in a bottle of CLR (Calcium Lime Rust remover). Let it sit for a hour and flush it all out with water. First from the inlet side, then the outlet side. I've had to do this three times on my 1993 Ford F150 and still using the 28 year old original heater core. The last time was this past January 2021. It is a common problem on older vehicles.

[@TamasKalman]

i had a 1976 and two 1979 2nd gen camaros, an 1985 corvette, many 353 wartburgs(!), and a ford sierra, but never had any heater cores failed! i must be the luckiest man on earth. :P

[@sebastienbolduc5654]

I remember helping my dad change the heater core in his 87 Camaro. Let's just say there was a lot of foul language going on when we did that job. Damn, I miss that car! As for your carpet stain, any kind of household carpet stain remover should work as well.

[@jacobw3652]

Wow, you did it without removing the entire dash. I just pulled the whole dash which, is a lot of work and sucks but it makes the part of lining up the heater core aluminum lines quite easy. I did it on a 93 Riviera which I'm sure has some minor differences, but it was in the same stupid spot, and the hoses under the hood were as well. My car had the heater core bypassed as well. I love GM in many ways, they made some great cars, but sometimes I gotta question their build quality, as you're right, those heater cores always fail.

[@mschrar]

I think the biggest reason heater cores fail is lack of coolant maintenance. It should be changed every 3-5 years depending on type, but nobody does it until a water pump or radiator goes out.

[@emmettturner9452]

“Free convertible?!” I’m listening! ...I didn’t listen. D:

[@almostsapien]

When I bought my first truck, it had a bypassed heater core. I went through one winter without heat and the next summer I ripped out the whole dash out just to replace that one part. It was a 2000 Silverado yes you have to take the whole dash out at least on one side! But I never got cold ever again in that truck!

[@jeffhooper2977]

Dude you inspire me. Keep up the good work .

[@gimmefuel7268]

Kudos to you for deciding to keep your car “complete“ and reinstall your heater core. I am OCD about my car and I would have done the same. 😁👍🏻

[@garylanzarone5842]

Had to bypass the GTO core but didn't need the heat. I may still have the replacement that i didn't use. Don't feel bad it was a 67. Nightmare of a job was glad to have winter vehicle as well.

[@HiroNguy]

I had a '90 Chevy Lumina and was absolutely surprised that the heater core was only $200 to replace!

[@JohnLupulioMrLuper]

Very well explained excellent 👏👌well worth doing! 🤘

[@TiukkaToveri]

Doing this fix was really annoying even on '88 1.3l Volkswagen Golf that doesn't really have much anything anywhere, just empty space. That heater core notified about it's existence by blowing a little mist of coolant to the inside of the windshield and not heating the cabin properly anymore. Fun stuff. In Finland you just simply cannot go without one.

[@jordanwiley4582]

Take the carpet out and dump your favorite laundry detergent on and power wash it.

[@Leib33]

Wait! "Don't drive under a bridge which is too low for your car" Ummm, Winston, might you have a story to tell us about that in an upcoming video?

[@Mr2greys]

Saw the thumbnail and went "ooooh" Edit: I laugh at your shenanigans, a Jeep TJ you need to pull the whole dash off which usually implies pulling the steering wheel as well. Oh and i had a 1983 Toyota Tercel have to have the heater core replaced around 1992. EDIT AGAIN: Heater cores are a dumb idea until you basically are out in your car in -30*C. I wouldn't have even bothered with JB Weld the piercing was at the nipple point the clamping strap would have sealed it. Granted you would want to remove any loose debris so it doesnt end up in your engine. I think they gave you a aftermarket heater core or a different year.

[@LyndseyMacPherson]

You shoulda beeped the expletives, not that we'd laugh or anything. :D Seriously, though--that you finished this project is a credit to your character. I know what beaches those can be. You should definitely invest in a really good carpet shampooing machine--saving grace for old car carpets.

[@randybrock2610]

I had to scrape frost from the inside of the windshield while driving due to the heater core failing in the winter and steaming up the inside of the car. I feel for you brother. Some cars, shop manual says, Step 1- remove right front fender

[@mikewoodman2872]

Can vouch for your "North American cars' heater cores always fail" theory. Years ago I had a Ford whose heater core failed most spectacularly and at a very inopportune time - namely as I was driving down the highway at speed. Billows of white smoke pouring out my (quickly opened) windows, obscuring my vision almost completely. Since then, have owned 3 Japanese cars and although they have had their issues, heater core was never one of them.

[@rafael123loek]

really good content serpentza:) keep up the good work and the views will come! a few more viral vids like the c4 one

[@hoimarvonditfuth-siefken6933]

Changing a heater core on most 1960s vehicles is a 10 min. funjob. unfortunately, I ran into the same issues with my newer vehicles. ;-)

[@markbaker6623]

Our 1987 T/A's heater core failed when the car was still under warranty. The worst heater core I have replaced was on a e23 BMW . Shop manual says 12 hours. I did in 6 without the manual.

[@PiezPiedPy]

Totally agree, radiator cores are definitely near the top of the list of pain in the ass jobs. 😫 I need to do mine, it's blocked and it can stay blocked lol.

[@Rannyie007]

you've arrived at the bargaining stage but you didn't give in. props to you winston!

[@tony_25or6to4]

I just bypassed mine...and I lived in Chicago. Winters were brutal, but it's too much work to replace the core.

[@ryanwilliams3369]

I'm a big guy so getting under the dash is a non option. So I've done this in my firebird and I found it easier to pull the entire dash.

[@hunterellis8986]

True, but man is that a hassle. Some dashes have so many screws and clips... You're just looking at the diagram like: Jesus Christ. 😄

[@charleslalonde2324]

when bob lutz was at gm he found that their engineers had no training in drafting or drawing , he ordered classes for them , 3 years after gm sold opel , it became profitable

[@CodyStrijbosch]

I just fixed my heater core in my olds delta 88 from 1973. 2 people working on it made it a lot more fun and easier. But none the less not a fun job. I fixed the part it had a crack at the neck. I soldered it and it is all fixed now. Never had heat in my car 😂. Btw i just temoved the whole platic thing the core sits in including flaps and vacuum pump things

[@daDonn]

Yep - I learned to take it to a mechanic if I need a heater-core replaced.

[@gregmuon]

For the carpet, consider renting or buying a steam cleaner, which is really just a wet vacuum cleaner. Very useful for old car upholstery and carpets.

[@ToolsOutsideTheBox]

Tech tips n tricks: don’t blame the heater core, blame the antifreeze. Japanese use OAT or HOAT antifreeze. GMs failed attempt to copy it was called DEXCOOL.. They actually make hose pliers, check Harbor Freight. Make sure those hose clamps are TIGHT! It’s okay to have a bit of rubber bulging through the little slits. Otherwise the heating, expansion/contraction will result in a leak. Blow compressed air through the heater core to completely empty before removal. A “Little Green” carpet cleaner machine is invaluable. Also, a solution of Dawn and water works great. A trucker tip/trick: cheap, fresh coffee grounds remove odors. Sprinkle out, let sit for hours and vacuum up. Dispose. Keep them dry unless you want your carpet stained that color.

[@ToolsOutsideTheBox]

Also, a little steam out of the defroster or the smell of warm, sweet almonds can be an early warning sign

[@ToolsOutsideTheBox]

Finally, later model years sealed the heater box and featured a drainpipe in the firewall

[@jooei2810]

Love your channels Winston.

[@hunter2473]

oh god I feel your pain... I had to replace my evaporator core on an American car last summer... It's truly painful...

[@TrangleC]

Wow. You talking about having to cool your engine with the cabin air heater really gave me PTSD flashbacks. I had blocked the memories of one of my first cars from my consciousness and now they came back.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

ptsd from a heatercore............fuck