ANOTHER heater core gone bad.... - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

rocketman 12 · 08-15-2012, 11:40 PM

2010 SS with 28,000 miles on it. I started getting a slight whiff of what smelled like coolant frorm the defroster early this spring, but since I hardly ever drive the car when its cold enough to use the heat/defrost, I didn't really worry about it too much. Sometime in July I started smelling it very faintly when the ac was on, a couple of other people noticed it and told me I'd better get it looked at. I took the car to the dealer on Monday to have a couple of minor things fixed while still under warranty (latch on my center console broke, as did a tab on the left rear marker light....), I told the service manager about the smell and he agreed that it was probably the heater core. As of Wednesday afternoon my fears were confirmed,

and the car will be at the dealer until at least Wednesday because, as everyone else who has had this problem knows, they may have to replace the windshield along with the heater core, so parts take a while to get in. Hopefully my experience is as good as everyone elses seems to have been, knowing that the dasa AND windshield have to be removed from your car can make a guy sick

with thoughts of all kinds of rattles and vibrations, but most seem to be just as good as new. I'm also enjoying the Cruze Eco they gave me for a loaner, it only has 1,900 miles on it, and while its no Camaro, it is a very nice car....Especially when you're cruising down the highway at 65 and look down to see that the car is getting 50mpg, CRAZY!

jaysonstuart · 08-15-2012, 11:45 PM

Holy shit you have to remove the windshield to replace the heater core? That's just insane...

~Stacy~ · 08-16-2012, 04:16 AM

My heater core took a dump last summer when my car only had 14,000 miles. My car left with no scratches and the windshield suffered no cracks or rattles. I would make sure your airbag coil is okay after surgery mine had to get replaced after they tore apart the dash. My car is currently running 26,000 miles but my warranty ends January 25th and I'm scared the heater core is going to go again

AKA · 08-16-2012, 04:30 AM

If its true that you have to remove the windshield and dash to replace the heater core I would consider that an engineering F up.

TheHorse13 · 08-16-2012, 05:56 AM

100% true. There are several threads on here with pictures showing the process. They have to remove everything from the front seats all the way to the windshield.

Chevrolet Customer Svc · 08-16-2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Stacy~

My heater core took a dump last summer when my car only had 14,000 miles. My car left with no scratches and the windshield suffered no cracks or rattles. I would make sure your airbag coil is okay after surgery mine had to get replaced after they tore apart the dash. My car is currently running 26,000 miles but my warranty ends January 25th and I'm scared the heater core is going to go again

You can always get your vehicle diagnosed at the dealership to see if you are having any issues with the heater core. Please let us know if this is an available option to you!

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

cbass · 08-16-2012, 11:10 AM

Is Death Cool rearing its ugly head again?

~Stacy~ · 08-16-2012, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevrolet Customer Svc

You can always get your vehicle diagnosed at the dealership to see if you are having any issues with the heater core. Please let us know if this is an available option to you!

Brandon
Chevrolet Customer Service

THANKS! My car still has a really bad gurgling sound coming from the right dash and it just scares me:(

PAUL SS · 08-16-2012, 11:20 AM

If my heater core goes I will just disconect the hoses and do without it. I can't see tearing up the whole car to replace it.

7thmaro · 08-16-2012, 02:38 PM

I've replaced a few heater cores in my time but good GOD, I never had to remove the freakin windshield... Next they're going to say you have to take of the trunk lid to change one of your breaklights.

TheHorse13 · 08-17-2012, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Stacy~

THANKS! My car still has a really bad gurgling sound coming from the right dash and it just scares me:(

There is a TSB for that. There is a valve behind the glove box that needs to be replaced. There are several threads on it.

DJ_BigC · 08-18-2012, 12:25 AM

I've done three heater cores to date on Camaro's, two SS Camaro's and one base LS.

The only reason the windshield has to come out is because of two bolts at the front of the dash brace/frame, there physically is no way to sneak those bolts out or work around it to get the heater core out, the bolt are like 6 inches long and you have 1 inch or so between the bolt head and the windshield, yes I know total design flaw!! If GM would have made these bolts come out from underneath you wouldn't have to take the windshield out.

You also don't have the take the seats out to get the dash out, who ever did that wasted their time, there plenty of room with the seats in the car to do the job, just slightly tighter to work with them in and you also don't have to take the steering wheel off the column, you can sneak out the entire column assembly, still assembled without damaging anythings.

Oh and "cbass' this has nothing to do with what you call "deathcool" (DEXCOOL). These failing heater cores are just crap, their made cheap with cheap a** materials and they failing. The three cores I did all failed the same way, the welds let go somewhere inside the heater core and the core failed, absolutely nothing to do with DEXCOOL.

Rock-It Man · 08-18-2012, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ_BigC

I've done three heater cores to date on Camaro's, two SS Camaro's and one base LS.

The only reason the windshield has to come out is because of two bolts at the front of the dash brace/frame, there physically is no way to sneak those bolts out or work around it to get the heater core out, the bolt are like 6 inches long and you have 1 inch or so between the bolt head and the windshield, yes I know total design flaw!! If GM would have made these bolts come out from underneath you wouldn't have to take the windshield out.

You also don't have the take the seats out to get the dash out, who ever did that wasted their time, there plenty of room with the seats in the car to do the job, just slightly tighter to work with them in and you also don't have to take the steering wheel off the column, you can sneak out the entire column assembly, still assembled without damaging anythings.

Oh and "cbass' this has nothing to do with what you call "deathcool" (DEXCOOL). These failing heater cores are just crap, their made cheap with cheap a** materials and they failing. The three cores I did all failed the same way, the welds let go somewhere inside the heater core and the core failed, absolutely nothing to do with DEXCOOL.

Tell it like it is, man.

Where are you at, 'cause I would like you to work on my Camaro probs any time.

LimaCharlie · 08-19-2012, 01:19 AM

I've heard electrolysis is a common cause of heater core failures. This applies to all cars in general, not just the Camaro/GM. Bad electric grounds, poorly installed electronics/aftermarket sound systems, and poor cooling system maintenance can all create electrolysis.
For people who've had heater core failures, do you have any aftermarket electronics or sound systems installed?

08-15-2012, 11:40 PM	#1
rocketman 12 SOON......... Drives: 2010 ABM SS/RS Z-281LE Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wolcottville, Indiana Posts: 946	ANOTHER heater core gone bad.... 2010 SS with 28,000 miles on it. I started getting a slight whiff of what smelled like coolant frorm the defroster early this spring, but since I hardly ever drive the car when its cold enough to use the heat/defrost, I didn't really worry about it too much. Sometime in July I started smelling it very faintly when the ac was on, a couple of other people noticed it and told me I'd better get it looked at. I took the car to the dealer on Monday to have a couple of minor things fixed while still under warranty (latch on my center console broke, as did a tab on the left rear marker light....), I told the service manager about the smell and he agreed that it was probably the heater core. As of Wednesday afternoon my fears were confirmed, and the car will be at the dealer until at least Wednesday because, as everyone else who has had this problem knows, they may have to replace the windshield along with the heater core, so parts take a while to get in. Hopefully my experience is as good as everyone elses seems to have been, knowing that the dasa AND windshield have to be removed from your car can make a guy sick with thoughts of all kinds of rattles and vibrations, but most seem to be just as good as new. I'm also enjoying the Cruze Eco they gave me for a loaner, it only has 1,900 miles on it, and while its no Camaro, it is a very nice car....Especially when you're cruising down the highway at 65 and look down to see that the car is getting 50mpg, CRAZY! __________________ No, it's not a real Z/28.....

08-16-2012, 04:16 AM	#3
~Stacy~ Banned Drives: Car Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: None Posts: 5,113	heater core My heater core took a dump last summer when my car only had 14,000 miles. My car left with no scratches and the windshield suffered no cracks or rattles. I would make sure your airbag coil is okay after surgery mine had to get replaced after they tore apart the dash. My car is currently running 26,000 miles but my warranty ends January 25th and I'm scared the heater core is going to go again

08-16-2012, 11:20 AM	#9
PAUL SS The Mark of Excellence Drives: 2010 ABM 1SS RS LS3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Smallest State in the Union Posts: 8,690 View My Garage	If my heater core goes I will just disconect the hoses and do without it. I can't see tearing up the whole car to replace it. __________________ BMR, CAI, DynoMax, Elite Eng., Hurst, Jannetty, Clear Image Headers & Hi Flow cats, Jet Hot, LSR, TSW, VMax, Vredestein

08-18-2012, 12:25 AM	#12
DJ_BigC Rockin' Steady Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Timmins Posts: 216	I've done three heater cores to date on Camaro's, two SS Camaro's and one base LS. The only reason the windshield has to come out is because of two bolts at the front of the dash brace/frame, there physically is no way to sneak those bolts out or work around it to get the heater core out, the bolt are like 6 inches long and you have 1 inch or so between the bolt head and the windshield, yes I know total design flaw!! If GM would have made these bolts come out from underneath you wouldn't have to take the windshield out. You also don't have the take the seats out to get the dash out, who ever did that wasted their time, there plenty of room with the seats in the car to do the job, just slightly tighter to work with them in and you also don't have to take the steering wheel off the column, you can sneak out the entire column assembly, still assembled without damaging anythings. Oh and "cbass' this has nothing to do with what you call "deathcool" (DEXCOOL). These failing heater cores are just crap, their made cheap with cheap a** materials and they failing. The three cores I did all failed the same way, the welds let go somewhere inside the heater core and the core failed, absolutely nothing to do with DEXCOOL. __________________ Eric Carrier, proud GM Technician for over 10yrs. 2010 Camaro 2SS Black, L99, SLP headers, GMPP axle back, complete JRE tune, 22" Boss 337's, Nitto Invos 5% tint, Eforce Supercharger w. 3" pulley, ADM FPCM, ID850's, JRE fuel rail mod, Eforce CAI, Moroso catch can, spark plug insulators.

08-19-2012, 01:19 AM	#14
LimaCharlie Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS - 2004 Silverado Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,989	I've heard electrolysis is a common cause of heater core failures. This applies to all cars in general, not just the Camaro/GM. Bad electric grounds, poorly installed electronics/aftermarket sound systems, and poor cooling system maintenance can all create electrolysis. For people who've had heater core failures, do you have any aftermarket electronics or sound systems installed? __________________ 2011 Summit White Camaro 1SS/RS -6.2 LS3, TR6060, 3.45, G80 2004 Black Silverado 1500 2WD Regular Cab, Short Bed -5.3 LM7, 4L60E, 3.42, G80 2014 White Caprice PPV -6.0 L77, 6L80E, 2.92, G80

08-15-2012, 11:45 PM	#2
jaysonstuart Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albany, OR Posts: 685 View My Garage	Holy shit you have to remove the windshield to replace the heater core? That's just insane...

08-16-2012, 04:30 AM	#4
AKA Go SteeleRS/SS Drives: '11 SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 301	If its true that you have to remove the windshield and dash to replace the heater core I would consider that an engineering F up.

08-16-2012, 05:56 AM	#5
TheHorse13 Drives: 2011 Black SS M6 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Harpers Ferry, WV Posts: 1,116	100% true. There are several threads on here with pictures showing the process. They have to remove everything from the front seats all the way to the windshield.

08-16-2012, 11:10 AM	#7
cbass Drives: . Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,012	Is Death Cool rearing its ugly head again?

08-16-2012, 02:38 PM	#10
7thmaro Drives: 2012 1LTRS Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Georgia Posts: 26 View My Garage	I've replaced a few heater cores in my time but good GOD, I never had to remove the freakin windshield... Next they're going to say you have to take of the trunk lid to change one of your breaklights.