How to test a heater core

[sparkybr74mr]

Just bought a 68 Charger, well, the weather just got cold in southern NM and I feel the need for the heater to work. The hoses have been detached from the heater core inlets and I presume the heater core must be bad for that to have been done. I know you can test by blowing on one end of the inlet while holding your thumb on the other to see if it holds pressure. My question: is the test the same with an original A/C car. The heater core's are different and I don't know if the test is the same.

[GL0169]

Hi im from Las Cruces Nm glad to see you here on Dodge Charger .com Maybe you have seen my friend Johnny there in Carlsbad Nm with his blue 68 charger

[XS29L]

If you have a hand vacuum pump you could loop a hose from the inlet to outlet add a  T (for the pump ) and pull down say 20 in. of vacuum and see if it holds . Might test ok but but if the core is weak you could still end up with a mess. I think I'd just install a new one, thats just my 2 cents.  By the way you could do the same test with LOW preasure air (14-16psi MAX) but if it leaks it could make a mess in your car, vacuum wouldn't.

[sparkybr74mr]

Hi im from Las Cruces Nm glad to see you here on Dodge Charger .com Maybe you have seen my friend Johnny there in Carlsbad Nm with his blue 68 charger

Meet Johnny the other day, seems like a nice guy.

[GL0169]

just let me know if i can answer any questions- i try and help johnny the best i can -i have been daily driving my 1969 charger for 25 years now -so i pretty much have had every problem a person can have- good luck

[bajaherbie]

i just installed a new heater core in my 73, i swear i could bake a potato in the car now..... i got it at o'reillys, fit like crap but it works good. i kept the old one but i don't know if it could be repaired by a rad shop or not...

[doctor4766]

Just bought a 68 Charger, well, the weather just got cold in southern NM and I feel the need for the heater to work. The hoses have been detached from the heater core inlets and I presume the heater core must be bad for that to have been done. I know you can test by blowing on one end of the inlet while holding your thumb on the other to see if it holds pressure. My question: is the test the same with an original A/C car. The heater core's are different and I don't know if the test is the same.

I'd drop a heap of shop towels on the floor of your car in case the core leaks.
Then hook up the garden hose to one side of the heater core, block off the other end with either a plug or your thumb and get someone to turn on the garden hose, but not too much pressure. You'll soon hear a hiss or see water drip from under the dash if it's leaking.

[RGA]

Is that orange 70 in the pic the one with a 4 speed that was just for sale on craigslist like a month ago ? I am in albuquerque and saw one just like that on  craigs list.

[sparkybr74mr]

Is that orange 70 in the pic the one with a 4 speed that was just for sale on craigslist like a month ago ? I am in albuquerque and saw one just like that on  craigs list.

Been a few months back, took it out of advertising and since that time I repaired the rear quarter, re-wired the underdash wiring harness, so far all gauges work, heater now works, wipers headlight motor, etc, etc. things that have not worked in years due to cutting, bypassisng and half-ass rewiring. New carpet, custom headliner and bucket seats with leather inlay, and new package tray. I have been working on the instrument cluster, installed a temp and oil gauge as the old ones were burned up. just re-built the tach with an upgrade board  and now looking at the quartz clock upgrade for both my chargers, but yeah that was the Charger

[RGA]

Cool, I was looking at it. I was in the market for one. I think you were asking $20,000. Great price for the car but out of my price range. I found a 69 rt 6 pack in sante fe for $12,000. Came with a bunch of  extra parts, Including 2 clusters if you need something for yours. The motor was knocking, so I swapped it out and painted the engine bay in process. Still working out some kinks but home to be cruizing before new years.
Wish it was a 4 speed though.