Heater Core Bypass

[leojeeper]

I believe my heater core has a pinhole leak in it. I'm not seeing any coolant, but I do smell coolant when first starting out, but then it dissipates.

I'd like to install a bypass setup where I could bypass the heater core when I don't need heat. I'm thinking something similar to what my water heater in the camper has on it. It uses two of these valves like I've attached below. Does anyone know whether these could handle the task? I know the pressure will be significantly less than the camper system, but I wasn't sure about the temp.

Thoughts? Seems like it'd work in theory.

 

[Zorba]

There's a solenoid valve made specifically for the purpose.

 

[leojeeper]

There's a solenoid valve made specifically for the purpose.

The ones I saw were pretty pricey for what it does. I'd be fine with something manual.

 

[leojeeper]

Just found what I was looking for, designed specifically for a vehicle. Guess I stopped "googling" too soon. LOL

 

[Akitadog]

Just found what I was looking for, designed specifically for a vehicle. Guess I stopped "googling" too soon. LOL



View attachment 406858

What one is that?

 

[leojeeper]

What one is that?

There is a pic on that reply.

 

[Deputy Dodge]

There is a pic on that reply.

I Googled the pic and still can't find it. Do you have a link?

 

[leojeeper]

I Googled the pic and still can't find it. Do you have a link?

Here you go:

Joywayus All Solid Brass Body Automobile Integrated 4-Way Heating Water Manual Control Valve 5/8” (16mm) OD Barb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0989DJLXJ/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Deputy Dodge]

Outstanding! That's only a few bucks more than the plastic Explorer one.

 

[joniki]

I believe my heater core has a pinhole leak in it. I'm not seeing any coolant, but I do smell coolant when first starting out, but then it dissipates.

I'd like to install a bypass setup where I could bypass the heater core when I don't need heat. I'm thinking something similar to what my water heater in the camper has on it. It uses two of these valves like I've attached below. Does anyone know whether these could handle the task? I know the pressure will be significantly less than the camper system, but I wasn't sure about the temp.

Thoughts? Seems like it'd work in theory.



View attachment 406852

I had the same issue, sweet smell at start up and foggy windows at times. I replaced the heater core on my TJ and it was an all day job for me.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

My heater core has been bypassed for two winters now. Very rarely miss it. Usually the the only thing I wish I could do is calm down the air conditioning on mild days. Full cold or nothing.

 

[hear]

My heater core has been bypassed for two winters now. Very rarely miss it. Usually the the only thing I wish I could do is calm down the air conditioning on mild days. Full cold or nothing.

Been debating this, but since I rarely need the heat in TX it's been deprioritized. But there are times when I would like the A/C to chill, so to speak. Hadn't considered that the heater core would be needed for that.

 

[Zorba]

My heater core has been bypassed for two winters now. Very rarely miss it. Usually the the only thing I wish I could do is calm down the air conditioning on mild days. Full cold or nothing.

Same here. I've noticed that if you crank the heater control all the way over to hot, it *does* mitigate the A/C slightly - guess its heat conduction from the engine compartment.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

Been debating this, but since I rarely need the heat in TX it's been deprioritized. But there are times when I would like the A/C to chill, so to speak. Hadn't considered that the heater core would be needed for that.

Without the heater core the A/C works fine but it will only blow full cold so on mild days the A/C can be too cold. Not a big deal.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Here you go:

Joywayus All Solid Brass Body Automobile Integrated 4-Way Heating Water Manual Control Valve 5/8” (16mm) OD Barb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0989DJLXJ/?tag=wranglerorg-20

aren't the TJs heater core hoses two different sizes?

 

[Viking Jeeper]

aren't the TJs heater core hoses two different sizes?

Yes. This is what I used.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G3HT7CJ/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[leojeeper]

aren't the TJs heater core hoses two different sizes?

Correct. I read somewhere the difference wasn't enough to make it a big deal. I haven't put it on yet, so I can't say for sure. The adapter linked above is a good option as well.

 

[leojeeper]

Thought I'd come back and update this in case someone stumbles across it. I started to see coolant draining out of the AC condensate drain so I knew it was time to get the bypass installed. I did not use the barbed adapter, instead I chose to just try using the 11/16" heater hose on the 5/8" barb on the bypass valve. I've driven it for a couple days now and there has been no leaks so I think I can confidently say the brass bypass valve I got is working with no leaks even though the one hose is actually 11/16" not 5/8".