M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: Carter on August 11, 2011, 10:58:00 AM

Title: Heater Core Delete: Cap or Loop?
Post by: Carter on August 11, 2011, 10:58:00 AM

Ok guys, I know this is a dead horse and I have searched, but my situation is a little different.  I bought the car with a leaky heater core that the PO had looped.  I have rebuilt the engine and would like to get it running/driving and then worry about the heater core later. I already know I can cap the bypass hose from the middle of the head nipple to the black plastic pipe.  What about capping the rear outlet from the head?  It would go to the heater core inlet, and then the heater core return would go back to the rear of the plastic pipe.

Should I run a line from the outlet on the head to the heater pipe or cap them both?  Eventually, I'll replace the core but for now I'd like to get it running and make sure I'm going to keep this motor.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/6032098865_02ec6d2cfe_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6032127243_e4c166a6f3_z.jpg)

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/6032124423_3c9780cabd_z.jpg)

Title: Heater Core Delete: Cap or Loop?
Post by: dude8383 on August 11, 2011, 12:24:48 PM

Do the last option. Should be easy to loop that coolant line.

Title: Heater Core Delete: Cap or Loop?
Post by: Carter on August 11, 2011, 01:44:24 PM

Yeah, that's what I've decided too. Nice and clean, and leaves nothing to chance with blocking flow.  Last thing I want is ANY extra heat in the head.

Title: Heater Core Delete: Cap or Loop?
Post by: monty23psk on August 11, 2011, 05:47:49 PM

Loop is better than a cap. Caps will go bad over time with the heat unless you get an expensive silicone one.