How to correct heater core leak for 1994 Pontiac Grand AM?

Question

The Anti-freeze leaks from the bottom of the car and upon initial investigation, I found out it leaks from a side vent (the one with a small rubber tube).

Will somebody help in understanding how to replace a heater core with a new one in my 1994 Pontiac GrandAM GT ? Sharing the Pictures also will really help me in understanding ?

Answer 1

Of course replacing the core is the correct fix and are only about twenty dollars but sometimes twenty and the time it takes just don't happen. With GM you usually need torx bits ....

The couple GM heater cores i have repaired were all cracked near the nipple on the nylon tubes that lead into the core were the hoses attach at the firewall. I believe what happens is you are short antifreeze and there is some freezing going on.
The Nylon tube going in to the core cracks because it expands at a different rate then the metal insert that reinforces the nylon tube. You then leak under the car from the at the hose connection and it usually follows the hoses into the passenger compartment. I filled the crack with a silicone form a gasket and found this worked till I got rid of the car a year or two later. It actually was easier than bypassing the heater core.

Answer 2

First go to your local auto parts store and pick up a couple of cans of radiator Stop Leak. Follow the instructions on the can(bottle). It may buy you some time but most likely the heater core will have to be replaced.

Answer 3

i've replaced the heater cores in 3 autos and its a real pain in the pa-toot. 1st) double check to make the leak is coming from the core and not a loose or damaged hose. 2nd) try a radiator anti-leak additive (get it at autozone,checker,wal-mart). 3rd) do you have air conditioning? if you do, the work just got way worse because you have to deal with the air conditioning core also. GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 4

I don't understand all these "quick fixes" suggested here (pepper , bars-leaks , etc.). You can get a new core for a 94' grand am at autozone for around $20.00 like i did. Sure the change out is kind of a pain , but once it's fixed - IT'S FIXED.

Answer 5

no matter if that's out of the tube previous the firewall it will be leaking from the position the rubber hose clamps on to it. you would attempt only replacing this rubber hose. that's less expensive and once you may interchange the heater middle you'll maximum in all probability opt to regulate the connecting hoses also when you consider that they're in all likelihood 13 years previous.

Answer 6

Replace the heater core.

Answer 7

Try some pepper in the rad. JB Weld works well also. That may buy you some time until you can find out what you need to properly fix the rad.

Answer 8

put bars-leak in it or replace it.i think you have to drop the heater box to replace it.