VT and heater core

[apier]

Hi
I had the engine of my VT recondtioned in Feb 2008 and had to have the heater core replaced about 20 months later. The heater core has just been replaced again on warranty just recently (about the 20 months after the first replacement).
Any thoughts on why this is happening?
Thanks
apier

[Brett_jjj]

The first thing Id suggest is to look at coolant are you using.You need to use a good quality coolant like nulon long life coolant etc to protect the vehicles cooling system,which includes the cars heater system as well.Also some types of heater core in these cars had the water pipes either pressed into, or screwed into the actual core,and the seals they use at the pipe joins fail, and then leak.You can buy replacement heater cores that have the pipes welded to the core,so cant fail where they join.Id look at getting one of these type of heater core.And lastly,its always a good idea to use the heater on full hot once a week for 15 minutes,even during the summertime,this keeps fresh coolant circulating through the heater core,which helps protect it from corrosion.It also helps to stop the core from becoming blocked from lack of use etc.Its the same with the A/C system,it should also be run for 15 minutes once a week,even in the winter time,to keep the system in good working order.

[gunk81]

Yeah I had the same thing. The original pipes just screwed in and had a crappy gasket where as the new core was welded. I did mine myself, took me a week after work each night but was worth it as I completely cleaned the inside of the HVAC unit (scrub, hot wash, disinfect, hot rinse, let dry) and now there are no a/c or heating smells. I also put brand connecting hoses on and used T-Clamps.

The only other possibility I can think of with this kind of thing is electrolysis issues but from memory the HVAC unit completely insulated the core so I don't think that should be a problem.

I've only ever used the Tectaloy 100 Plus in mine and never had a problem apart from the original heater core.

[Full Spectrum]

Lucky it's warranty. it's a nasty $900+ bill replacing those cores.