Heat Core

[alc2285]

My 96 grand prix has been leaking radiator fluid. The temp gets up to 210. The other day it started to have steam rise up. The temp then was above 210. I had my boyfriends dad look at it. He said I have a leak in my heat core. What I was woundering is what is a heat core and how does that make my car leak radiator fluid and is it a big problem? I sure hope whatever it is I need to fix doesn't cost alot of $.

[Toureman]

What he might have said is you have a leaking core plug.

This is a metal disc which plugs a hole in your engine block, There are usually a few on all engines, if it is accessible a garage could do it quickly and not to expensive.

Needs to be done as it could pop out and you would lose all your coolant.

[gsr600]

Hi
what he also may have said is HEATER CORE -
is the culprit if it was to steam up inside the vehicle,
you could probably bypass the heater system to see if that stops the temp problem, if it works then thats your answer change the heater rad - i am not familiar with the car at all as to if it could be done by a novice rather than a ����� garage $$$$$$
good luck
GSR600
see here http://www.car-stuff.com/heatercore.htm

[alc2285]

Well on the passenger side the floor is wet. I am trying to dry it up but whats the point. It will just keep getting wet until I get it fixed. I wounder if I have to replace the whole heat core or just a plug or maybe there is just a small leak(but I don't think it is small know) that I could put something in it to stop it. I have no idea what to do. I can't afford the take it to get it fixed. I just want to find out whats wrong so I can get the part I need so my step brother or my boyfriends dad can fix it. Thanks for the help. :)

[gsr600]

Hi alc2285
you could always try a radiator sealant from a
Car accessory shop to see if that would cure it temporarily of coarse.
GSR600

[alc2285]

grs600
I thought about that. Maybe until I can get the $ to fix it I can just get the sealant. Thanks everyone :)

[JonD]

For a cheap fix to a radiator leak (heater core being a small radiator to transfer heat into the car) try cracking an egg into the coolant once it is hot (so that the valve has opened to transfer coolant around the full system. I kid you not this works BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY!