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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6 |
hey guys...when the heater core leaks.. antifreeze is leaking out under the engine compartment in my 57. there is a haze on the windshield which I read was toxic. I have to drive my car to the shop an hour away...would leaving windows open be alright and is this a big job to replace the heater core?
Heater core in there is only 10 months old but the other shop must have pierced a tube when installing it.
Johnny 57
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
Leaving the back windows down should make it safe for a short trip. Obviously the heater core must be removed so it can be tested. As we say in the trade, 'it's just an exercise in knuckle drill' to remove the core.  
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
Ethylene glycol is toxic primarily by ingestion. The vapor pressure is relatively low which makes inhalation of toxic levels highly unlikely. Given that you will be in a ventilated area the risk is negligible or less.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149 Likes: 42
ChatMaster - 6,000
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ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149 Likes: 42 |
Keep a close eye on the coolant level in the radiator until it gets fixed though.
Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6 |
thanks for the info...what a great info chat room! one more thing....its gonna be a cold ride with temps in the 30s what would having the heater on do?...leak more antifreeze...btw...checked it and still full and passenger side carpet underneath not wet so leak must be small (leaks a little puddle on garage floor.
Johnny 57
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
Running the heater will not dramatically increase the leak. Since the leak appears to be outside the passenger compartment, I would check the hoses to be sure the clamps are tight and there is not a crack leading to the leak. Since it is often tough to get to the hose ends, try twisting the hose a bit. If it rotates it is definitely loose. If the leak gets worse then check to see if it is a hole or split in the hose or inlet pipe to heater core.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,866
ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Jan 2002
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A little hint on tightning the hoses. I see you have a cold spell where you are at so run the engine to warm and soften the hoses before tightning. They will seal a lot better. My boy lives in Martinsville and see you live way North and East of him. Was out to visit him and sure liked the country and people.
I think I'm a fairly wise person because I'm smart enough to realise I'm not too bright.
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