PLEASE HELP

[danielson631]

hello i just replaced my heater core no more then three days ago. i bought the cheap copper one from autozone (BIG MISTAKE).

i was driving and all of a sudden i felt antifreeze burn the s**t out of my foot and i get out and check to see what happened. the copper inlet for the heater core BROKE OFF where it meets the heater core ( on the inside of the firewall), and i was able to pull it out through the fire wall. i did a quick bypass which didnt work very well ( lack of tools/ supplies). anways i had to get the car home about 10 miles or and i drove it and it started to over heat so i stopped and let it sit for a while. i made it home eventually . heres my big problem. now when i start it, it makes a pretty solid ticking noise and idles a little rough for a few seconds. Sometimes when it starts it doesn't jump right off it starts and comes up to an idle slowly.

well guys any advice will do, i didnt get a chance to look at it tonight bc its late and dark but tomorrow i need to find out the problem.

bring the bad news my way...... :confused1:

 

[AaRoN]

The first thing to go (usually) when you overheat is the head gasket. Check that first.

 

[Tbuck07]

The first thing to go (usually) when you overheat is the head gasket. Check that first.

+1.

Check your oil for any difference in viscosity, or if it smells like coolant. If the car cooked good enough/long enough, chances are your head gasket went.

 

[Willis_98GT]

what color is the oil on the dipstick?

 

[danielson631]

alright first of all thanks for the quick replies you guys.

i went outside this morning, and the car started right up without hesitation, NO NOISE, no wierd feeling when starting it, and it idles normal.

the oil on the dipstick seems normal to me. doesnt smell like antifreeze or feel different.

im just going to make sure it stays cool and i think it should be fine.

i just dont understand why it was making that harsh noise when it was being started. but it seems to not happen anymore.

i will keep an eye on it and keep everyone updated. thanks

 

[danielson631]

i dont hear any noises coming from the engine, and it still runs strong, but the temp goes way up even for a quick three minute ride.

 

[Willis_98GT]

i dont hear any noises coming from the engine, and it still runs strong, but the temp goes way up even for a quick three minute ride.

its suposto go up kinda fast, depending on if you ride your gears or not..

to be safe i'd change the oil and monitor the coolant levels constantally

 

[danielson631]

alright well it finally stopped over heating now it stays at normal operating temp. still performs well and doesnt make any noises.

now i need to replace the heater core AGAIN. im going to return the copper 'core that i got from autozone for 60 bucks and purchase an aluminum one instead, from what i hear they are a lot more reliable.

it was my fault it broke though, bc when i changed it the first time, i used the same inlet hose which was cut ( only a couple inches) but it must have been to tight, and the momentum of the car stopping and going kept yanking the hose. which led to breaking the inlet tube from the heater core, hot coolant pouring out of my vent onto my feet, shooting it out of the hose while it burns away in the engine bay. it was a very unpleasant experience. the burnout that was performed before hand was awsome though