C 2 Heater advice

[Chuck S.]

Every time I read about C 2 heaters leaking I wonder how much longer before I experience this problem.
I have a one owner 61,000 miles, 1965, with factory air. Living in Southern California, I never use my heater except to circulate the coolant when I
take it out for a run. I`m thinking of putting an internal plug in the applicable heater hose and blowing out the heater core to remove any residual
coolant so I don`t have to go thru the process of replacing my core whenever it decides to fail.
Does anyone see any problem in my doing the aforementioned??
I sure don`t want to trade a potential problem for one that I might create.

[Mike M.]

Re: C 2 Heater advice

suspect you'll create a problem putting air pressure to the 41 year old heater core, especially since its a calif car where antifreeze wasn't always in the coolant solution. put aside a weekend and replace the heater core before it pukes coolant on your rugs. its not as bad as you imagine. mike

[Chuck S.]

Re: C 2 Heater advice

Mike;
Thanks for your input. I have always used distilled water and antifreeze (50% mixture) changed yearly, since the vehicle was new.

[Jack H.]

In addition to what Mike says...

the most common point for heater cores to develop leaks at is where the inlet/outlet nipples enter the core. Often, the simple removal of heater hoses LONG set in place and 'fried' to the nipples is the trigger mechanism that creates leak(s).

Factory manuals taught mechanics to use a razor blade, cut the hoses and GENTLY peel them off the heater core's inlet/outlet nipples vs. tugging and pulling to free them. So, if you've not done this R&R job before, I STRONGLY agree with Mike in that you can cause damage along the way!

[Chuck S.]

Re: In addition to what Mike says...

Jack;
Thanks for the reply. I`m aware of the potential for damage when removing the hoses. I change them about every 5 years. I apply a thin layer of silicone grease on the nipples when installing the new hoses. I use a fresh blade and cut a semi-circular pattern so as to peel off the old hose rather than pull it off.
I just don`t have the expertiese to replace the core and don`t want my original carpeting damaged should a leak develop. Is there any potential problem in installing an internal (unseen) plug in the in hoses after removing all residual coolant??
Regards,
Chuck

[Ken Edmunds]

Re: In addition to what Mike says...

Chuck, no issue at all. Down here in South Florida we routinely block off heaters by welding up the nipples and/or tee. I would flush the coolant out with clean water so if and when it fail all that will leak onto your carpets is clean water.
Ken