Saved myself ~$1200 this weekend on a Heater Core...
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Saved myself ~$1200 this weekend on a Heater Core...
Well...
The shops told me that my Heater Core was clogged (98 Accord V6 sedan), and they were correct. However, instead of replacing it I took off the hoses that connect to the core at the firewall and attached equal diameter vinyl hoses. I then flushed the core with CLR several times, followed by hot water several times until there were no more sooty brown deposits coming out.
I drained the system prior to all of this- and also removed the radiator and soaked it in CLR overnight just in case. I also replaced the upper/ lower radiator hoses and the thermostat (the old one was working fine, but since I was already there...).
I now have heat in my car again for the first time in 20 months- and I'm only out a fraction of the cost to replace the core entirely. I feel that I did it right also, I took my time and did a thorough job. I don't feel that I cut any corners.
Hope I'm not posting old news, but I didn't find much on this by searching the forums and hope this will save someone else aggravation as I heard from the dealer that the 6th gen accords have this problem (they've done 10 or more in the last year.
The shops told me that my Heater Core was clogged (98 Accord V6 sedan), and they were correct. However, instead of replacing it I took off the hoses that connect to the core at the firewall and attached equal diameter vinyl hoses. I then flushed the core with CLR several times, followed by hot water several times until there were no more sooty brown deposits coming out.
I drained the system prior to all of this- and also removed the radiator and soaked it in CLR overnight just in case. I also replaced the upper/ lower radiator hoses and the thermostat (the old one was working fine, but since I was already there...).
I now have heat in my car again for the first time in 20 months- and I'm only out a fraction of the cost to replace the core entirely. I feel that I did it right also, I took my time and did a thorough job. I don't feel that I cut any corners.
Hope I'm not posting old news, but I didn't find much on this by searching the forums and hope this will save someone else aggravation as I heard from the dealer that the 6th gen accords have this problem (they've done 10 or more in the last year.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2
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From: Lodi,NJ
Heater Core Flushout
Where did you get CLR? I'm having this same problem,and already replaced upper and lower hoses,radiator is 1 year old,heater control valve is in good working condition,new thermostat,new timing belt and water pump,as there was poor flow.Still nearly no heat!
slow lane cruiser
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 110
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From: NC
You should find CLR-calcium, lime, and rust remover at wal-mart or k-mart. Maaaaybee in an auto parts store, but I would check in the household cleaning products section of wal-mart or K-mart. CLR isn't too hard to find.
Not trying to knock the original poster, I've never tried this so it may be the miracle fix, but I'm just a little wary of trying stuff like this. But I am anal about my cars. If this works good with no negative side effects then I'd have to say:goodjob: Good Job Sir.
Not trying to knock the original poster, I've never tried this so it may be the miracle fix, but I'm just a little wary of trying stuff like this. But I am anal about my cars. If this works good with no negative side effects then I'd have to say:goodjob: Good Job Sir.