Heater Core Pipe Straighten

[bravekozak]

The true purpose of the swage is to expand the end of one copper tube so that another piece of tubing can slide into it and be soldered without a union. You would have to be very gentle in tapping such thin tubing that is used on the heater core.
I always cut the hoses off the heater core and never try twisting them off. It saves a lot of grief. Rubber is cheaper than copper.

[1990new]

The true purpose of the swage is to expand the end of one copper tube so that another piece of tubing can slide into it and be soldered without a union. You would have to be very gentle in tapping such thin tubing that is used on the heater core.
I always cut the hoses off the heater core and never try twisting them off. It saves a lot of grief. Rubber is cheaper than copper.

Yes.. I did have to tap gently also because I was afraid I might break the brazing where the tube attached to the core. That's why I was holding the heater box up by the pipes while I tapped on the swage. I tested the connection with heater hoses attached to both tubes.
I used a flush kit tee to put house water pressure on one hose and then clamped of the exit hose as the water was running. I hope that was sufficient. I would hate to find a leak when I get the engine connected and have to take the heater box back out again...it is a job I would not enjoy doing again.
If I wasn't retired and my time was worth more, I would definitely have just bought a new heater core.

[1990new]

Adding a note about a modification I did to make sure I had no leak at the firewall heater pipes.
I cut two 1 1/2 inch pices of 1/2 copper plumbing pipe and stuck them inside the pipes.
By doing this I was able to use the stainless steel screw type bands to attach the heater hoses and
not worry about crushing the heater pipes. It worked great.. no leaks.

[drddan]

And for cleaning the cooling system, by far the best thing to use is Cascade.


Yes ... the stuff for dishwashers! FB71 suggests it highly, and since he was a Ford engineer, I believe what he says. I used it, and it was fantastic

Hi Jess!!!

[1990new]

And for cleaning the cooling system, by far the best thing to use is Cascade.


Yes ... the stuff for dishwashers! FB71 suggests it highly, and since he was a Ford engineer, I believe what he says. I used it, and it was fantastic

Hi Jess!!!

Yes... I've used that.
Hey Dan... I have plan to be in St. Louis June 17th thru 20th.

[sc72]

I smell a mini meet coming up.

[1990new]

I smell a mini meet coming up.

Could be.. wonder if I could get a Festiva rental while I'm in St. Louis?