How does a heater core go bad? There are multiple reasons a car's heater core could not be working properly. One reason could be due to clogging, as the coolant could become contaminated if it's not regularly flushed out. Another reason for a bad heater core could be because of a leak somewhere in the system.
Will a coolant flush unclog a heater core?
Flushing a radiator can help reduce the rust that passes through the heater core. The most effective way of unclogging a heater core is by flushing it with a garden hose.
What happens when a heater core gets clogged?
Engine Overheating Even a clogged heater core has the potential to obstruct coolant flow enough to cause overheating. A low coolant level (caused by a leaking heater core) can lead to overheating and possible engine damage.
What causes a water heater to get clogged?
Another cause is corrosion. If you run straight water in your cooling system or your cooling system is full of scale and rust, your heater core can clog up. While the engine is cool, remove the radiator cap and inspect the coolant.
What happens if you have a clogged heater core?
If there is a clogged heater core, it will keep the coolant from flowing through the engine, causing it to overheat. How do you unclog a heater core?
What causes a car heater core to leak?
Besides leaking, a clogged heater core will also cause trouble. Just like the car radiator, it is made out of a combination of aluminum mesh and small diameter tubes through which the coolant flows. Over time, these tubes can get clogged for various reasons (using tap water instead of coolant, the build-up of filth inside the system, etc).
Why is my heater core blowing heat?
Indeed, one of the causes of a clogged heater core or why the heater is sending heat is because you have a defective thermostat. So, when a heater fails to produce the desired amount of heat, the first thing most technicians do is to replace the thermostat before troubleshooting for any other cause.
Below you will find two interesting articles on a similar topic 👇
Do you need to replace the heater core on a car?What happens if your heater core is leaking coolant?
