Salvage OEM Heater Core?

[Rust Buster]

I removed the original heater core out of my 88 V30 and although it looks in great shape from the outside, it is very restricted in the inside. I figured I'd just buy a new one since the price was right (about $30). Well the new one is a piece of crap aluminum that looks completely shoddy and weighs like a feather. The original is brass/copper and I can't find any aftermarket ones made of that and I cannot locate an original GM one. The old one easily weighs 5 times as much as the new one, although much of that could be due to whatever is gummed up in there.

I'm now tempted to clean out the original one with either vinegar or CLR. Since this is out of the vehicle already, I can submerge it in a solution and let it soak as well as hose it out. Anyone have advice/experience?
Thanks,
-Tim

 

[MadOgre]

I would take it to, or check with a rad shop about how to clean it. They can rebuild it and pressure test it.

 

[marks86]

I removed the original heater core out of my 88 V30 and although it looks in great shape from the outside, it is very restricted in the inside. I figured I'd just buy a new one since the price was right (about $30). Well the new one is a piece of crap aluminum that looks completely shoddy and weighs like a feather. The original is brass/copper and I can't find any aftermarket ones made of that and I cannot locate an original GM one. The old one easily weighs 5 times as much as the new one, although much of that could be due to whatever is gummed up in there.

I'm now tempted to clean out the original one with either vinegar or CLR. Since this is out of the vehicle already, I can submerge it in a solution and let it soak as well as hose it out. Anyone have advice/experience?
Thanks,
-Tim

I thought the exact same thing, until 1. talked to a few guys and they told me the small alum. one is just as efficient as brass 2. I ran it and I have no issue with it, its light, cheaper, easier to install.

for the price your going to pay to have a brass/ copper one built, buy the 30 dollar alum.

 

[cbrodine]

It weighs so much less because as you stated the old one is brass/copper and the new one is aluminum, which is much lighter than the original. The new aluminum heater core will work just fine, aluminum dissipates heat much better anyway which is what you want it to do. I bought a new one also, and its aluminum...you'll be fine.

 

[Rust Buster]

It weighs so much less because as you stated the old one is brass/copper and the new one is aluminum, which is much lighter than the original. The new aluminum heater core will work just fine, aluminum dissipates heat much better anyway which is what you want it to do. I bought a new one also, and its aluminum...you'll be fine.

Ha ha, yes, the weight difference in the materials is what made me want to try and salvage the original. I just want to replace it once and have it last a long time before doing it again since it is rather invasive. The aluminum one I got is Spectra brand.

 

[datto62073]

i have an aluminum Murry (Oriellys since i work there) in my 76. at first it sucked but i guess i had an air bubble in it. now it heats like a champ. works overtime if ya ask me.

 

[89Suburban]

I'll have to look into those alum ones.

 

[mtnmankev]

I'm in the process of installing an aluminum one in my 83 and at 5300 ft elevation, I DO need a heater.
I will post a report how it does.