Bad Heater Core, 97 Rodeo

[eric147]

Overheated on the way into work this morning. Heat dissipated, windows fogged up, engine overheated.
OK, NOW I have to replace my heater core. From the misty deposits on the passenger side window, I assume the heater core is on the passenger side, under the dash. My repair manual is 50 miles away, and it looks like I'm noit going home until I replace the heater core.

How hard is it to get to?

[amigo-2k]

Well I know I have recently read (I searched a bunch of boards but I can't find the post) that it is a B*tch to get the heater core out and an isuzu dealer wanted 700 bucks to replace it.

The only thing I can think of, short of taking it in to have it replaced, is to can a can of Bars Stop leak. I really don't like adding things to stop a leak since they will also constrict other things to that are not leaking. But it might be worth a shot to keep you going for the next few weeks before you get it replaced. When you do get it replaced, make sure the get a real good flush done to get the stop leak junk out of the engine.

http://www.barsproducts.com/origin.html

PLT11 is what a lot of the old school guys recommend.

[eric147]

Doesn't sound like something I'll be doing tonight before I drive it home.

Can I bypass the heater core to keep the motor from overheating?

[eric147]

Yes. Yes I can. 2' of 3/4" heater hose looped across the in/out heater lines at the rear of the motor.

No heat for a while, but with the temps hitting the 40's here in Michigan, I'd have had the windows down anyway.