Heater Core source

[Aaron707]

The heater core in my 1985 720 pickup has started leaking. I've been trying to find a replacement heater core for several days without any luck. Is there any place that sells a replacement still? Or is there a similar core that will fit? Or last, should I just try to have this one rebuilt? Any input or direction on this would be appreciated.

Thanks

[datzenmike]

Remove and pressure test it to confirm where it's leaking and solder it up. Rad shop could probably do this or maybe find replacement. Find another in a wreckiong yard and replace it yourself.

 

Could it be...

Loose or split hose?

The stop valve leaking? It's plastic and mounted in line and replaceable.

 

 

 

[Aaron707]

Got the core removed, its leaking only where the plastic ends of the core attach to the copper fingers. The metal is cracked in a few places. I would assume remove the plastic tanks and re-solder the cracked areas? Looked all over for a replacement with no luck so far, I normally just replace these and have never tried to fix one.

[Draker]

Post a wanted ad, you'll find one. Lots of 720's in the PNW. Ted probably has a bucket full of these.

[wayno]

I have a few 720 heater cores, but they are not all the same size, also mine do not have any plastic in them, they are completely made out of metal.

[Charlie69]

I believe the 85 and 86 heater cores have the plastic elbows on them, both my 85 and 86 had the plastic ends.  I do not know what my 84 had as I never pulled the heater all of the 1980 720s I have had had the all metal heater cores.

[Aaron707]

Here are some pics if someone knows if a metal one is same size:

Thanks!

[wayno]

The metal ones have fixed positions for the elbows/heater hose connections, yours looks like the elbows can swivel.

 

OK I looked at Mikes photo with plastic elbows, they both point the same direction, the metal ones I have do not point the same way, one points straight down.

Edited October 21, 2018 by wayno

[Aaron707]

They are in a fixed position exactly like the second post from datzenmike .

They point back towards the firewall and down slightly.

[G8KeaPoR]

Just for s and giggles if it’s the brass part of the core that is leaking you can always silver soldier the hole.  Have done that on quite a few VW and Toyota cores with great success.

[Aaron707]

The metal is cracked in two places where the plastic tank attaches. Here is a closeup of one.