Heater core: old vs new

[Tooonz]

Something tells me I’m going to be disappointed.

Heater core went , I ordered a new one from NAPA . Pulled it this weekend. And found this copper one. I don’t think that was OEM but it looks much larger than the replacement. Will I be disappointed with the heat? I had good heat last winter.

 

[Chris]

Hard to say, but I look forward to you reporting back on your findings.

 

[mrblaine]

Something tells me I’m going to be disappointed.

Heater core went , I ordered a new one from NAPA . Pulled it this weekend. And found this copper one. I don’t think that was OEM but it looks much larger than the replacement. Will I be disappointed with the heat? I had good heat last winter.View attachment 646962

The early OEM were copper and brass. The only thing I would change on the new one is to have it made with a thicker core. The rest looks pretty good.

 

[JKP]

Yeah, definitely give a report on the heater temps after the install. At least it's all metal.

If you can find an actual radiator repair shop, the old one can be fixed. Probably won't be cheap though.

 

[Tooonz]

I do have heat, it does feel hot but it’s not cold here yet so I guess time will tell soon enough. I am going to assume the heater core was replaced before I did find it online It looks like a thicker core would be better for flow at least anyway and the price wasn’t that bad either. I bought the new one from Napa. Paid around the same price.

 

[lumberjacklloyd]

Napa core has served me well so far...knock on wood. It fit and looked better than the two options I ordered from RockAuto.

 

[macleanflood]

Thread 'What is the current heater core recommendation?'

Oct 3, 2023

Hey guys haven't posted in awhile. Heater core is leaking AGAIN. I repaired my original 3 years ago and it took off leaking again yesterday, very aggrevating as this job sucks. Whats my best shot on buying a new one that will last? Definitely will not be repairing the original again.

• Cornbread
• Replies: 26
• Forum: TJ General Discussion

• 

 

[JKP]

I do have heat, it does feel hot but it’s not cold here yet so I guess time will tell soon enough. I am going to assume the heater core was replaced before I did find it online It looks like a thicker core would be better for flow at least anyway and the price wasn’t that bad either. I bought the new one from Napa. Paid around the same price.

Put a thermometer in the vent and see if it meets the spec:

 

[Moglocker]

Something tells me I’m going to be disappointed.

Heater core went , I ordered a new one from NAPA . Pulled it this weekend. And found this copper one. I don’t think that was OEM but it looks much larger than the replacement. Will I be disappointed with the heat? I had good heat last winter.View attachment 646962

If you can find a shop,take the old one and get it fixed?anxious to hear back from the brassworx guy.

 

[Zorba]

If you can find an actual radiator repair shop, the old one can be fixed. Probably won't be cheap though.

That is exactly what I would do.

 

[Tooonz]

Mid winter update.
The NAPA heater core is working just fine, however from last winter to this winter there is a huge difference in the amount of heat the NAPA heater core produces vs the previous one. If I had known what I had originally I would certainly go with the thicker core for sure. I may even do the job again just to correct the issue. that should speak volumes.

 

[Corky1071]

Having swapped the Heater core in my 97, I really didn't want to do the job again. However, my 98's core is starting to give off coolant aroma, and slight drip trace on the PS floorboard. The original in the 97 was copper/brass if I remember correctly & no replacements of same><same that I could find in a hurry, so it has an aluminum replacement from RockAuto. The idea of Brassworks was cool for a Made in US brass product, but not worth $329 and all of the apparent feedback of very low heat. Doing some online searching this morning, I ran across this replacement.
https://thermalsolutions.mycarparts.net/applications/12268

I guess you have to find a parts dealer to order it specifically, as they do not sell to the public. And they are Made in US (Tennessee). I haven't looked to see any costs, but it may be worth it to look into. As far as heat goes here was his response:

"man that brassworks is expensive! You were only $100 short of buying a Mopar unit! Haha so this Vista Pro/Thermal Solutions that I have is great! Plenty of very hot heat, even the spectra aluminum unit was very hot. I never took any readings to see what the exact temps were but my original wasn’t as hot as these new ones but that might be due to the fact that the old unit could have been clogged too, who knows at this point."

 

[Moglocker]

that brassworks is expensive! You were only $100 short of buying a Mopar unit! Haha so this Vista Pro/Thermal Solutions that I have is great! Plenty of very hot heat, even the spectra aluminum unit was very hot.(who’s response was this?)

 

[Corky1071]

that brassworks is expensive! You were only $100 short of buying a Mopar unit! Haha so this Vista Pro/Thermal Solutions that I have is great! Plenty of very hot heat, even the spectra aluminum unit was very hot.(who’s response was this?)

It was from the original poster on this video in the comments section.

 

[macleanflood]

I believe Brassworks redesigning their heater core and resolved their issues.

If my Four Seasons goes out or if I have my dash apart I will replace mine. Heat is pretty anemic.

-Mac

 

[Roger Dunning]

Something tells me I’m going to be disappointed.

Heater core went , I ordered a new one from NAPA . Pulled it this weekend. And found this copper one. I don’t think that was OEM but it looks much larger than the replacement. Will I be disappointed with the heat? I had good heat last winter.View attachment 646962

I replaced mine and it was considerably smaller. The originals were awesome but replacing them, especially as a right hooker, was tough. Still works ok. Not quite as toasty as it was but not cold. UK