So I bought a PVC pipe today to bypass the heater core so my antifreeze will stop leaking in the interior which eventually causes me to run warm. But the hoses are different sizes so it wasn't as easy as I thought. Anyone ever done this to bypass heater core for another day prior to winter to repair? I am assuming I may need a coupling to reduce it but the more parts I add to the PVC the more i'm afraid of a leak. Tips ideas?

 

or you could just replace the heatercore

 

Sounds like it's time for a complete cooling system overhaul.

 

Most parts stores have a 5/8" X 3/4" hose barbed PVC 90 degree part just for emergency. We keep one one in the glove box just in case.

 

If its that bad it needs to be replaced and the engine flushed quite a few times. Then you buy a new radiator and water pump, thermostat, BAM no more heating problems.

If one thing is that bad its a good indicator the whole cooling system was really neglected for a very long time and ran without antifreeze to stop rust.

 

Ya I have a lot of other areas that need to be fixed mechanically prior to spending a day to replace the heater core. Was trying to just look for a quick bypass fix and then repair it in another month or two.

 

djb that is what I was looking for, even having a bend would be better. Did you find that at an auto parts store? I went to auto zone prior to lowes and they said they did not have anything like that.

 

IIrc, got ours at Advance Auto Parts. It's just a 90 degree dark gray PVC nipple....5/8" one end and 3/4" the other end.

 

Oreillys will carry a Gates version behind the counter for sure... its a stupid common part that I sell almost weekly to someone doing some hose mending..

Every time I hear a story of someone going to an auto parts store for the most common part known to mankind and being told that "they dont have it", my blood starts to boil...

 

Gates® Plastic Hose Connector - 5/8" - 3/4" part number - 28611



i know its a straight, but maybe you can print this picture and show the *** clown what your talking about

 

I was disappointed when auto zone told me that. The guy looked at me like I was crazy and like I was about to do something that would create a phenomenon. I will stop at oreilleys on my way home to see if they have it. I have ripped the dash out on a prior Jeep and it really takes a good part of the day to do. With my grocery list of issues that require immediate action, and its summer, I need to focus on those first! Priorities!

 

well good luck! I havent tackled the heater core swap yet, but I have flushed mine many times

 

Do yourself a favor. If you don't plan on replacing the heater core in the near future. Don't get the plastic fittings. Go to any hardware store and get the brass fittings instead. I made the mistake of using plastic fitting on another vehicle that I had to bypass the heater core and the plastic fitting snapped. I ended having to replace it with the brass fitting and it lasted until I decided to sale the car and it was on there for almost 2 years.

 

Thanks for the tip! I did get the plastic one from oreilleys for 3 bucks tonight. Took me 5 minutes to put it on and then added some coolant and went for a drive. So far no leaks and it is running well under the 210 halfway temp. I also managed to set it up a certain way to where there is no tension on the hoses and the plastic fitting. If it snaps I will get a brass fitting for sure! I just need this fitting to last a couple to few months after i've fixed all of the mechanical and exterior parts.

 

your plastic fittings snapped? those things are built pretty solid! the gates ones are in my experience