2002 SC2 Saturn Heater Core

Hello. I am having problems with the heater in my car. I get lukewarm heat when the heater is on and I was experiencing an odor. I brought it to a mechanic and they told me that I needed a new heater core. They tried to do a temporary fix, but this did not work. Is this definitly the heater core and do I need a new one? I was reading about this and found that sometimes it just needs to be flushed. I need to do the work myself, so if it is the heater core could someone tell me how to install a new one. Thanks so much for any help!!

Is it leaking?

If it is than yes replace it. If it is not leaking than you can try backflushing the heater core. If backflushing doesn't help than you will need to replace.

The other thought is what does your temp gauge read?

What specifically did they try to do?

Since you have an odor I would guess that it is leaking.

It doesn't seem to be leaking. They said they tried to blow through the, I'm thinking, hose, to get some of the build up out. I'm not exactly sure. This worked for about a day, the heat was hotter but not even close to how it was when it was working. Thank you so much for your help.

The temp gauge reads closer to cold, never really getting into the mid or hot section.

Did you say the heater core is not leaking ? Has it been back flushed to make sure it isn't partially clogged ? Has any one checked the thermostat to see if it's defective ? If you don't have a leak and the core isn't clogged , It's probably the thermostat ! Good Luck !

The temp gauge should get to just past the quarter mark. For some reason there all like this. If its lower than 1/4 mark than the t-stat is a possibility but if they flushed the heater core and it helped for a little bit I would try having that done again. If the temp gauge is reading where it should and the second flush didn't help than it might be worth while to invest in a heater core.

The thermostat is a mechanical device. When its broken it is designed to stay open, thus allowing the engine to run much cooler than it should.

Normal operating temperature should be 1-2mm above 1/4 as per the gauge.

You already have the brass ECTS from the factory as you have a '02. So that means that if the temp is lower than 1/4, the thermostat is the issue, or your radiator is clogged. I highly doubt its your radiator.

Replace the thermostat with a 195F from autozone/advanced auto.

Do it yourself following these videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrCSJpbDCiI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEoLFrg8IUI