heater core

First off, I am female. I am trying to understand the difference between a leak and a clog in a heater core. Mine is leaking into the floorboard. (96 Jimmy) Does it just leak because it is clogged? I have read how horrible it is to change one, the dash thing and all. I just wondered if it was clogged, could I does something to flush it or does it have to be replaced. Thanks

Being a girl means nothing, we're all here to help. As to it leaking, it's caused by corrosion. You may well have a clog, but that's secondary at this point, it needs to be replaced.

If it's not too cold for you right now, you can pull both hoses at the firewall and simply use a plastic connector to connect them together to temporarily bypass the heater core until you can fix it.

Yeah, it's a pain in the ass to change, but if you go slow you can do it.

Thanks for clearing up the difference about the clog vs. leak and for the bypass info. I will definitely give that a go for now. After getting some estimates, I will attempt to do this project. Can't succeed if I don't try. Thanks again!

Thanks for clearing up the difference about the clog vs. leak and for the bypass info. I will definitely give that a go for now. After getting some estimates, I will attempt to do this project. Can't succeed if I don't try. Thanks again!

No prob... :)

You go girl!! I changed out the heater core in my '96 last fall. Hell yeah it's cheaper to do it yourself. And I've decided that mechanics & tattoos have one thing in common: They're both addictive. Fair warning!
So to the point... First thing I'd do if I were you is go get yourself a Chiltons manual. It's very helpful in how to go about it. And the "dash thing" isn't near as bad as everybody makes it sound.
Helpful hints: No matter what I'm taking apart I always do one thing for sure. When I take out screws, bolts, etc... I either put them back into the hole they came out of once the part is removed or put each bunch into a baggie with a note as to where they go. Unplugging wires & the like, put a piece of tape with a number or letter on each end so you know what hooks to what when you're putting it back together. Take your time & read the manual before you start so you know what to expect.
And I love this place. Without help from these people I would probably be walking! Remember: the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask.
Good luck & let me know how it turned out!

The Chiltons manual is the first thing I plan to get. I helped my brother with dismanteling the top half of a motor and I took digital pictures of EVERYTHING and marked and taped them with info. Thanks for you support. It is scarey but I know I can do it. Now that summer is almost gone with less yard work, this will be a nice cool weather garage project. I know I took my Jimmy in for a fuel pump (I had replaced for $400) and they ended up saying I needed a new motor. Somehow one of my cylinders went bad. :confused: God, I am so gullable. I need to stay away from mechanics and give this one a try. An honest mechanic is hard to come by, at least for me. Anyone in Indy? Thanks again for your support.