Replace Heater core?

[m1949]

A question: I'm doing extensive updating to my 06 Esky, including an engine swap with all new "bolt ons." We are also replacing hoses and lines that show signs of wear. My question is would it be prudent to go ahead and replace the heater core? We aren't doing anything to the dash, so replacing the core won't be as convenient as replacing things likes alternator, starter, A/C compressor, etc.. On the other hand we are in rebuild mode. The heater is working fine, so I'm just wondering if I should let it ride or bite the bullet now and replace it.

Your informed opinions are appreciated.

 

[S33k3r]

When will be the most convenient time to replace it? I think that, in consideration of time, money, and piece of mind should provide the answer to for you.

 

[m1949]

When will be the most convenient time to replace it? I think that, in consideration of time, money, and piece of mind should provide the answer to for you.

Thanks. You make a good point. Convenience is an important factor that in part gives rise to my question. It would be more convenient to change it during the build. But, I also don't know anything about the life cycle of GM heater cores. I haven't had to replace one in 50 years, and the one I did replace was in a '50 Ford flathead coupe! When I got my first car back in the day, my Dad cautioned me " don't fix what isn't broke." But that was in a different car era, when parts wore out more quickly and if your car had more than 50K miles on the odometer some form of "service or repair was at least a monthly task.

 

[S33k3r]

I have a 2005 Suburban with almost 200k miles on it, and it has its original heater core. I have a (new-to-me) 2005 Suburban at 165k, that looks to have its original. I have a 2003 Sierra with its original heater core (160k or so on it), and my 2004 Silverado has about 82k on it and its original heater core. Hope that helps.

 

[MassHoe04]

This is just my thinking, but...With a full engine swap, I would have enough on my plate just getting that long list of things done and making sure things are running right.
I would focus on this big project first; and address heater core if/when it starts leaking. Sometimes, replacement cores are not as good as the originals. The old saying of "don't make 'em like they used to..." is often found to be true.
Your choice, of course. But, that is what I would do.

Merry Christmas and have a great holiday with your friends and family!

 

[OR VietVet]

Typically, a heater core problem gives you a warning of failure. Like I told customers when I ran shops, if a/c goes out in the fall or winter, you can put off the repair till you need it in spring and summer and hope you don't have a major breakdown or wreck during the wait time. If major problems happens, you did not waste the a/c repair money on a rig you may not keep. Separate system and I would wait. If you do replace it, do the evaporator at same time along with all the actuators. Do the rear a/c-heater parts and actuators as well.

 

[m1949]

Typically, a heater core problem gives you a warning of failure. Like I told customers when I ran shops, if a/c goes out in the fall or winter, you can put off the repair till you need it in spring and summer and hope you don't have a major breakdown or wreck during the wait time. If major problems happens, you did not waste the a/c repair money on a rig you may not keep. Separate system and I would wait. If you do replace it, do the evaporator at same time along with all the actuators. Do the rear a/c-heater parts and actuators as well.

Thanks for this advice. I have one actuator in the front that's not working. Do you advise replacing them all when I swap out the one that's not working?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I would not change the heater core, if you are not having any issues with it. I WOULD, however, change out ALL hoses that carry antifreeze, including the two plastic Tee's for the heating lines, regardless of how they look, no exceptions.

Regarding actuators, @swathdiver may be able to assist you in identifying and diagnosing actuator issues.

 

[Teamiez]

2001 Tahoe about to flip 200,000 miles where heat gets used a lot in NY winters, still original. I agree with ‘they don’t make them like they used to’ & ‘if it isn’t broke don’t fix it’

 

[OR VietVet]

Thanks for this advice. I have one actuator in the front that's not working. Do you advise replacing them all when I swap out the one that's not working?

Do them all and use Genuine GM parts. You have will dash apart anyway and that is when to do them all.