Radiator cap / heater core

[Coadster32]

Bypassed my heater core today. Easy work, and no issues.

I did get to thinking though...I smelt anti-freeze when I first turned the heat on after the engine got to temperature. This lasts for about 5-10 seconds or so, and then the smell goes away, (after windows are opened of course). No leaks at all in the cab area, and not much if any anti-freeze goes missing. The leak that I have can't be that big, and was thinking perhaps if I switch the radiator cap to a lower pressure, maybe my leaking heater core wouldn't be much of an issue. (yes, I know it's going south). How might this effect the jeep overall though? I know that a lower pressure cap will lower the boiling point, so I could leave the 18lb cap and bypass in for the summer.

Looking for thoughts on running this 4.0L with a lower cap for the winter.

 

[Steel City 06]

You could try Bar's Leaks tablets. Crush them up and drop them in the radiator cap. Basically, it works like the pepper trick, and eventually the debris clogs up any leaks. It's a hack solution but it may work.

 

[Coadster32]

Update to this:

Swapped to a 10lb cap, reconnected the heater core, put in some GM tablets, and have been running all summer in high temps. Jeep doesn't overheat. The A/C works perfectly, but when I switch it to heat, I can still smell the antifreeze.

 

[macleanflood]

Probably have a pinhole leak in your heater core. Might want to pull your dash now before it gets cold.

-Mac