HVAC box has been removed for unrelated work, found a brass heater core that isn't leaking.

I hate to replace it with an aluminum one, but I'd also hate to have to take it apart again in the near future to replace it.

Thoughts, options, offers for a brass heater core to help make up my mind for me?

 

My 2 cents...

1) if that's the original core it's 30 yrs old
2) they are a PITA to replace

3) you're going to get as many folks telling you the Chinese alum ones are okay as you'll get telling you they lasted 2 weeks.
4) who cares if they have a warranty, I don't want to mess with it again.
..so
I have a 2000 . I replaced the leaking OEM brass core with a Mexican brass core 2+ years ago. About $150. It seems fine and when it's zero the heat runs me out of there.
Brass 97+ cores are still available on eBay. Seems Radiator express may have earlier years.
I wonder what the difference between the pre and post 97 cores is. If the actual core is the same and only the tubes are different it would be easy to swap those.

 

Personally, Unless you are trying to keep it all original, I would replace it with a new aluminum core. Brass is nice and nostalgic, but has half of the thermal capability of aluminum. The new aluminum radiators are also better built and welded together with modern laser welding and probably will out last the body of the Jeep.
It would be best to source one made in the USA.
Hope this helps

 

Thanks for the input. Not at all worried about originality, but I will check out those 97+ cores. Other than brass being more nobel, and therefore less likely to corrode than aluminum, I do agree that aluminum provides better performance. Looks like I have some shopping to do. Thanks again.

 

I had the brass heater core inn my 96 repaired by the only true "radiator" shop within 50 miles of me. The cost was $107 if I remember right.
I did not want anything to do with a aluminum heater core and could not find a "reasonable" brass one for sale.

 

I thought about trying to find a shop to rebuild it...

 

I am with Sig220 on this one.
Pretty sure my evap core is shot in the '00.
Since I really don't care about AC and the heat works great thinking no rush to go in there.
But when I do thinking I should probably handle the heater core also.
Occurred to me to go to a real radiator shop and talk to them.
They said most likely that they could "refresh" a brass heater core without to much trouble.

 

just a few options

https://www.radiatorexpress.com/part...e/sport/40L-L6