Heater core - Ok to drive if broken?

Vegas-S4 · 05-21-2009, 10:08 AM

I think my heater core is out. Is there any problem with driving the car with a bad heater core? I live in Las Vegas and its summer, so I don't need heat right now.

I tried flushing and bleeding it, but no luck.

donromani · 05-21-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegas-S4

I think my heater core is out. Is there any problem with driving the car with a bad heater core? I live in Las Vegas and its summer, so I don't need heat right now.

I tried flushing and bleeding it, but no luck.

broken how? Is it leaking or just fried? Either way I think you're fine to drive it as long as you don't run the heater.

Vegas-S4 · 05-21-2009, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donromani

broken how? Is it leaking or just fried? Either way I think you're fine to drive it as long as you don't run the heater.

It is fried.

r1de23 · 05-22-2009, 03:57 AM

are you not getting any heat inside the car? i wouldnt think it would matter, unless coolant is leaking..

dr13 · 05-28-2009, 05:28 PM

I've had cars where the heater cores started leaking.If thats the case you can bypass it by taking the hoses off and connecting them together.not sure if will work on the s4,but it has worked for me in the past.at least untill you can fix it correctly

jumpnofear · 05-29-2009, 10:15 AM

Is it leaking? If so I am not sure how you can run AC w/o picking up some of the mist. I could taste it when I licked my lips while driving my car w/ a leaking heater core. I wonder if it effects the ability of the cooling system to be ender full pressure as well - I always thought that was part of the reason for bypassing - per the previous response. It is such a pain they should make them out of something indestructible imo. When the AC evaporator went on the S4 I had them replace the heater core while in there just to never have to go through it again.

dr13 · 05-29-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumpnofear

Is it leaking? If so I am not sure how you can run AC w/o picking up some of the mist. I could taste it when I licked my lips while driving my car w/ a leaking heater core. I wonder if it effects the ability of the cooling system to be ender full pressure as well - I always thought that was part of the reason for bypassing - per the previous response. It is such a pain they should make them out of something indestructible imo. When the AC evaporator went on the S4 I had them replace the heater core while in there just to never have to go through it again.

Thats a good question,I never had any problems with the pressure increase affecting the cooling system.I guess it could be problem if any of the hoses or seals were already weak.But I have only done this as temp fix to a daily driver and on a weekender that was setup more towards light to light racing.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Welcome to AudiWorld!
		Welcome to AudiWorld.com. You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join AudiWorld.com today!

05-22-2009, 03:57 AM	#4
r1de23 AudiWorld Member 2001 Audi S4 Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 188	are you not getting any heat inside the car? i wouldnt think it would matter, unless coolant is leaking..

05-28-2009, 05:28 PM	#5
dr13 Audiworld Junior Member 2004 Audi A4 Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 53	I've had cars where the heater cores started leaking.If thats the case you can bypass it by taking the hoses off and connecting them together.not sure if will work on the s4,but it has worked for me in the past.at least untill you can fix it correctly

05-29-2009, 10:15 AM	#6
jumpnofear Audiworld Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 53	Is it leaking? If so I am not sure how you can run AC w/o picking up some of the mist. I could taste it when I licked my lips while driving my car w/ a leaking heater core. I wonder if it effects the ability of the cooling system to be ender full pressure as well - I always thought that was part of the reason for bypassing - per the previous response. It is such a pain they should make them out of something indestructible imo. When the AC evaporator went on the S4 I had them replace the heater core while in there just to never have to go through it again.

05-29-2009, 12:39 PM
AudiWorld Audi R8 Paid Advertisement