How to Flush a Heater Core (Fast)

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  • Опубліковано 25 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 3,8 тис.

  • @adolfomonrreal8985
    @adolfomonrreal8985 Рік тому +586

    This video was made 7 years ago and Chris is still responding to messages. legend

    • @Brighter-Shores
      @Brighter-Shores 10 місяців тому +8

      Every comment gives them money so that part don't hurt.

    • @0JKLim
      @0JKLim 9 місяців тому +3

      Goat, legend, savior of house mechanic 👍🏼

    • @justinritter7925
      @justinritter7925 9 місяців тому +2

      ​@UploaderPaul so what, he deserves it because he works for it! Lol. He single handedly, from his home, brings us lots of great help with home auto mechanical jobs that need done. His videos make things very easy to understand, he keeps them short, and he covers a lot of topics! Very informative at the same time!! Better than a lot of channels put on by big companies even!

    • @Brighter-Shores
      @Brighter-Shores 9 місяців тому +1

      @justinritter7925 what's your point? No one said he didnt deserve it.

    • @monstershayne
      @monstershayne 8 місяців тому +2

      @@Brighter-Shoreslol thats not how it works

  • @exhale.
    @exhale. 2 роки тому +249

    Can't imagine you'll see this comment, but followed this guidance over the weekend and brought my 20 year old heater from nonfunctional to hot as an oven. Took about 30 gallons and a lot of sediment that looked like pebbles of concrete. The weather is below freezing most mornings now and I'm super appreciative- you've changed my quality of life significantly.

    • @handbananaistherapist642
      @handbananaistherapist642 2 роки тому +12

      Hard water!

    • @Akotski-ys9rr
      @Akotski-ys9rr Рік тому +7

      Sounds like you ran straight water in your car or never changed the coolant

    • @exhale.
      @exhale. Рік тому +8

      @@Akotski-ys9rr I think previous owner ran 50/50 coolant and tap water and never changed it. I changed the coolant (and radiator, which I now realize I probably could have also flushed) but by the time I got there a drain and fill just wasnt enough.

  • @kristopherdrolet8548
    @kristopherdrolet8548 3 роки тому +25

    ChrisFix has been saving me thousands of dollars, this guy should get a nobel prize. I have a 2013 dodge Ram 1500 and I had no more heat on driver's side. I went at the dealer and they told me it could be multiple problems and would cost around 2000$ to fix. Decided to try this first and it worked like a charm, simple steps and only cost me 35$. Thank you so much Chris!

    • @christinehammond1870
      @christinehammond1870 День тому

      Hello! I also have a 2013 ram 1500 with no heat on the driver's side! Your comment made me sure I was going to try this, so thank you! I just got the supplies and am starting now :) fingers crossed!!

  • @kimberly4891
    @kimberly4891 6 років тому +1108

    Thank you, Chris. Since my Husband has passed I have to do this by myself. Because of you and your detailed instructions, I got the job done all by myself! Actually, it was pretty simple. P.S.: I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota w/V-8 MAGNUM.

    • @elephantgrass631
      @elephantgrass631 3 роки тому +77

      God bless you and your husband. May he Rest In Peace.

    • @bryancastanon989
      @bryancastanon989 3 роки тому +16

      May Your Husband Rest In Paradise 🙏❤️🙏❤️ God Bless You 🙏🙏❤️

    • @ramumukiya1756
      @ramumukiya1756 3 роки тому +3

      Yes

    • @jeffgood6441
      @jeffgood6441 2 роки тому +3

      Sorry to hear that life's rough

    • @corso4547
      @corso4547 2 роки тому +2

      Condolences

  • @StevesRealWorld
    @StevesRealWorld 8 років тому +770

    Chris you are a Genius!! My vent temps went from 88'f to 148'f after doing the heater core flush!!! Can't believe what a difference this made!!

    • @TheS1PikesPeak
      @TheS1PikesPeak 8 років тому +30

      What.. ? 88f is quite low....

    • @kevlarmenace
      @kevlarmenace 7 років тому +11

      My TJ probably puts that much out. Junk in the system doesn't do much for cab heating.

    • @rosssmith9941
      @rosssmith9941 7 років тому +9

      Steve's World chris is a boss

    • @n5yiz
      @n5yiz 7 років тому +4

      If you had that much deviation, there was a stuck valve or some other blockage.

    • @StevesRetroGaming
      @StevesRetroGaming 7 років тому +45

      Maybe, BUT this FIXED it and that's all that maters!

  • @steverogers8329
    @steverogers8329 2 роки тому +28

    This was a great walkthrough video! I was able to flush out my 2002 Taurus in about 2 hours. My heater core is farther down behind the engine so it was a bit tougher. My heat wasn’t working at all and after flushing the brown sludge for about ten 5gal buckets, the water was finally clear. I found that running the water both directions got more crap out than just the one direction. In any case, now the heat works 100% and I didn’t have to pull my dashboard out to replace the heater core! Your videos are hands down the best walkthroughs I’ve seen on UA-cam so keep up the great work!

  • @Tom-wq2mz
    @Tom-wq2mz 5 років тому +166

    I've been working on automobiles for over 35 long year's and I love watching your videos. Your a very smart kid

    • @abubekernurahmed8263
      @abubekernurahmed8263 3 роки тому

      Hi Sir,
      why i hear sound like running water (like Sloshing sound)under my car steering wheel when the car is on?
      Do u have any idea plz😅

    • @Tom-wq2mz
      @Tom-wq2mz 3 роки тому

      @@abubekernurahmed8263 Check your Steering Wheel fluid

    • @abubekernurahmed8263
      @abubekernurahmed8263 3 роки тому

      @@Tom-wq2mz Yep i checked it is full

    • @Tom-wq2mz
      @Tom-wq2mz 3 роки тому +1

      @@abubekernurahmed8263 Be careful when checking it. The fluid can leak out of the valve core

    • @pinpoint0
      @pinpoint0 3 роки тому +2

      He really is. He's taught me a lot! Too many things I haven't done, but maybe someday!

  • @Motley-Croo
    @Motley-Croo Рік тому +15

    Thank you for teaching me that working on cars doesn’t have to be scary, I started watching before I could drive and now I’m pursuing mechanical engineering. I’ve come a long way thanks to you! ❤

  • @KGemini
    @KGemini Рік тому +3

    7 years later and your video is still helping people. SS Monte Carlo 3.8L started blowing cold and having erratic temperatures. Found this video today and got a $5 flush kit from autozone and now my car has heat/normal temperature. Thank you homie

  • @mikecamann2139
    @mikecamann2139 5 років тому +11

    Just did this to my 2011 Jeep Liberty, and it worked great! Air vent temp went from 80 F before the flush to 135 F after! Incredible, thank you Chris!

  • @planetrob555
    @planetrob555 5 років тому +11

    I did this several years ago following the instructions on a package for a radiator flush kit. Same method as yours and it really works. However, I used a chemical to break up the crud inside the core. It worked much better than just rinsing the core out. Glad you are promoting this!

  • @ODog-
    @ODog- Рік тому +34

    Chris you’re a life saver, this was my first time doing maintenance on my own and thanks to you I have nice hot heat in my car again 😁

  • @planetrob555
    @planetrob555 5 років тому +436

    2014 "hey guys..."
    2019 "HEY GUYS!!!..."

    • @davecrupel2817
      @davecrupel2817 4 роки тому +8

      2020: "...guys?"

    • @deeznuts2541
      @deeznuts2541 4 роки тому +5

      2020 HEYYYYY GUUUUUUYYYYYSSSSS CHRIS FIX HERE

    • @maskedredstonerproz
      @maskedredstonerproz 4 роки тому

      @Reality Analyst no ,no it's not , trust me , I'm also a UA-camr so I know what's up

    • @wompwompwomps
      @wompwompwomps 4 роки тому +1

      Masked Redstoner Pro Z kid u and chrisfix are not on the same level u can’t know what’s up when he has millions of subscribers and you have 38.

    • @spyrosbellos2522
      @spyrosbellos2522 4 роки тому +1

      @Reality Analyst he deserves it, his videos have helped countless of people

  • @rcnitroguy9317
    @rcnitroguy9317 Рік тому +5

    Almost 8 years and chris is still making content n hes still going strong yu go chris fixit love yur video ive learned alot from u my guy n ive been working on vehicals since i was like 10 years old and that right there shows that a mechanic doesnt know everything and can still learn more tricks n tips thank you chris.

  • @MichelleSleeper
    @MichelleSleeper Рік тому +4

    Great video, just fixed the heat in my 30 year old truck. Found your channel a few weeks ago (looking at 24 Hours of Lemons inspiration), but then YT recommended this video to me. I said why not, let's give it a try. You would not believe the SOLIDS that came out of my heater core. Now it's blasting out hot air. Thanks!

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  Рік тому +3

      Awesome! Glad to hear the video was helpful!

  • @josephmantooth7852
    @josephmantooth7852 11 місяців тому +3

    I’ve watched 4 UA-cam videos on how to do this and yours is by far the best one and only one I feel like fully showed how to the complete process. Thanks

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  11 місяців тому

      Thanks a lot!

  • @MARTYMEINEKE53
    @MARTYMEINEKE53 6 років тому +968

    Pro tip never disconnect the heater hose from the heater core itself. Disconnect them from the engine. Reason being the hoses may have to be twisted loose for removal and if you snap the neck of the heater core you are in for a big repair. So remove them on the engine or coolant feed instead

    • @Patrick94GSR
      @Patrick94GSR 5 років тому +86

      yep, I removed the heater pipes from my core when I did an engine-out service a decade ago, and ended up crushing the brass heater core pipes. Ooops. I drove the car with the core bypassed (no heat) for several months before getting a replacement core, and then I had to pull my entire dashboard to replace the core. It was a HUGE PITA!

    • @travissmith6210
      @travissmith6210 5 років тому +12

      Absolutely true

    • @loweredexpectations8568
      @loweredexpectations8568 5 років тому +2

      What if you've got a bypass hose? Will it still flush out?

    • @DJPacoRamirez
      @DJPacoRamirez 5 років тому +2

      Lowered Expectations if you have it bypass, typically your heater cores pipes are exposed, which basically your skipping the first couple of steps. Like mine

    • @OcRefrig
      @OcRefrig 5 років тому +7

      very good advice !

  • @Z_Train_80
    @Z_Train_80 23 дні тому +1

    Brother, I watch a decent amount of car UA-cam and you are far and away the best at what you do. 9 yr. old video just saved me from buying a new car. NOT TO MENTION your head gasket sealer review video which has the car still running in the first place 8 months after taking your advice. Heater core was completely plugged, screwing with my whole coolant system (Granted, head sealer prob contributed but no heat even before I used it) . No more overheating + have working heat again! And from a 6 minute video!

  • @phantomshtter
    @phantomshtter 8 років тому +35

    Just wanted to say you're awesome for these how to vids. I just bought my first 4x4 ever, I need to build this XJ up but first put some good tlc maintenance into it via everything you can teach me. I've always paid for vehicle maintenance and repairs but I'm older now, I wanna learn this stuff myself and it feels good to take care of the work myself. Hell, plus I just need all my left over dough to build this rig up. Thanks again, great vids really. Not many people understand how to present good instruction, directions and training in a straight forward, clear, precise and user friendly manner like this.

    • @123456bmx
      @123456bmx 6 років тому

      phantomshTTer I feel like nobody who reads this will know what an xj is...
      I loved mine,it was a 1990 renix operating system lol

  • @nuggetfinder63
    @nuggetfinder63 5 років тому +18

    One of the best videos on how to properly flush out a heater core. I especially liked how you re primed the system with antifreeze and showed when it was primed. Good job!

  • @dr.s.p.
    @dr.s.p. 2 роки тому +12

    Interesting video and as always, clear and concise instruction. That great little flush kit you Americans get for 5 bucks costs nearly $20 in the UK. When I lived in the US for 10 years I didn’t realise how lucky I was to have absolutely everything at one’s finger tips at very cheap costs (as compared to many places like the UK). Without Amazon and Ebay we wouldn’t have half the stuff available that the States have but we pay twice as much also.

    • @mjremy2605
      @mjremy2605 Рік тому +3

      Maybe. But you have free health care and ours kills us from the cost.

    • @cabourn81
      @cabourn81 Рік тому +4

      @@mjremy2605 we do pay for it though every month in our taxes, it just doesn’t come as one huge bill at the point of needing it. Either way, I much prefer our system.

    • @Mark-gg6iy
      @Mark-gg6iy Рік тому +4

      Excellent points. I am American lived in America for many years. I have returned to living in Brazil and the frustration is great. Reminds me why I left in the first place. Trying to buy anything here is a pain in the neck. I can easily spend 5 hours trying to buy a simple, generic item that could be purchased from any US auto parts store and at the end of the 5 hours here have nothing for my trouble and can't even buy it in the country online.

    • @richardcranium3579
      @richardcranium3579 Рік тому +3

      @@mjremy2605 it’s not free. Nothing nothing is ever free. Check out their tax rates for all that “free” healthcare. Denmark pays 55.9%, France 55.4%, etc etc
      Nothing is ever free. Somebody pays, always.
      Also look into quality of healthcare.

  • @averylefor7122
    @averylefor7122 7 років тому +1019

    I bet Chris's vehicles will run forever. He replaces thing that people don't even know exist.

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  7 років тому +141

      lol

    • @averylefor7122
      @averylefor7122 7 років тому +9

      ChrisFix what would you recommend as far as advanced maintenance to keep my truck running longer?

    • @rcuevas76
      @rcuevas76 6 років тому +29

      Avery LeFor for example blinker fluid lol😂😂😂😂

    • @Zero_Ninety
      @Zero_Ninety 6 років тому +13

      Avery LeFor Replace every single component..

    • @MrT1-b5f
      @MrT1-b5f 6 років тому +10

      never have sex in your car.

  • @findnwanderer2156
    @findnwanderer2156 3 роки тому +26

    Thank you for being so thrououly easy to follow. As a girl just starting to dive into the mechanic world, your videos out of the million on youtube, have been the easiest to learn from and i apreciate it tremendously!
    Thank you.

    • @dr.s.p.
      @dr.s.p. 2 роки тому +3

      I fully agree with you and your comments. His videos are so clear and concise with such easy to follow instructions, photography and editing that even outshines most major documentary corporations and instructional courses. His many videos also gave me the confidence to dive in and do mechanical jobs I never would’ve dreamed I’d be able to accomplish before. This young fellow deserves the ten million subscribers (and more) and all its rewards! He’s done a truly remarkable job and it’s absolutely turned my life around in actually enjoying working on my car now and trying stuff for myself.

    • @Rosie257.
      @Rosie257. Рік тому +1

      me

    • @mjremy2605
      @mjremy2605 Рік тому +2

      You are a woman not girl, unless you are under 18. Please do not disrespect yourself and your gender by making yourself into a little girl. We don't call men 'boys'. This would be disrespectful. Ditto for women.

  • @deanomutch6175
    @deanomutch6175 4 роки тому +2

    I just want to give a massive thank you to you Chrisfix. I've managed to do so much with my 2 Fiesta's on my own and this has made me a very competent D.I.Y mechanic I am today. I'm 18 and have managed to fix both of my old Ford Fiesta's which had heaps of issues and am now able to whiz through the restoration of my 1995 GMC Vandura with ease thanks to you. Wish you all the best and again I can't thank you enough for all your time in these video's 😁.

  • @christopherrandolph2151
    @christopherrandolph2151 5 років тому +7

    Chris, thanks for the video! With your guidance, and a couple of other videos on the subject, I was able to flush my heater core. It had become completely clogged. Now is putting out the heat! Thanks again!

  • @joehorstthemechanic-lagran3339
    @joehorstthemechanic-lagran3339 Рік тому +62

    Pretty good video but just a couple of cautions. You want to be very careful when removing the heater hoses from the heater core, if you have an older heater core and you twist the hoses to remove them, it can damage the heater core and then you have no choice but to replace it. Most often we put a short slice at the end of the hose and work it off carefully then cut the slice off the end of the hose and reinstall it after flushing. When those spring clamps are removed they lose spring tension, I have seen them leak when reused. We always install new screw style clamps. Otherwise the video was very informative and flushing does help heater output most of the time.

    • @CMGDMovies
      @CMGDMovies Рік тому +4

      Learned this the hard way, bent up the tip of my heater core on my 3000gt the other day. Going to just get new clamps and make sure they are very secure.

    • @Asphaltaperider
      @Asphaltaperider Рік тому +2

      Thanks for that info!!

    • @CantonBn
      @CantonBn 8 місяців тому +2

      @joehorstthemechanic-lagran3339
      John, you make some good points. But spring type clamps are not used on these systems because they are cheaper. But because they continue to tighten as the material of the hose compresses slightly over time. So you get new clamps -- but not screw type, you do want fresh spring type. But you are absolutely correct about treating the rubber to alloy connection carefully and not yanking around. if you dame the heater core you could be looking at up to $2k repair in replacing a heater core which on a modern car an be a full day expert labor removing entire dash

  • @advent128
    @advent128 Рік тому +1

    Awesome video. I have the same vehicle and this problem. Chris has saved me so much money and help determine so many problems. One note, the hose adapter Amazon link takes me to a 3/8" instead of 5/8", so if you want to replicate the vid, make sure to grab the correct size

  • @creatorsservant7226
    @creatorsservant7226 7 років тому +11

    You're providing a wonderful informational maintenance service! I really appreciate it. People can save a lot of money doing some of their car maintenance themselves. Again, thanks!

  • @hypurnova
    @hypurnova 7 років тому +59

    If your vehicle has one, check the heater control valve while your at it. If there is a lot of buildup in your heater core, your control valve could very easily be blocked/damaged which could cause a lack of/no heat as well. 👍Also, be extra careful not to accidentally bend or pinch your heater cores inlet and outlet tubes as they can be made of brass or aluminum and can be damaged easily which could result in a wicked coolant leak. Hope I helped 😊

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  7 років тому +13

      +Xeno Phobya thanks for the tips

  • @carlosvazquez2710
    @carlosvazquez2710 9 місяців тому +2

    I don't know why Chris Fix videos suddenly were not sugested to me by youtube. I like this videos

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  9 місяців тому

      Thanks a lot!

  • @kjamison5951
    @kjamison5951 6 років тому +33

    Thanks for adding the comment about pets and the sweet smelling liquid.
    Also, for everyone else, if you find it difficult to push the hose over the inlet and outlet connectors on the firewall/bulkhead (UK), use a beaker if boiling water to slightly soften the ends of the clear hose.

  • @GregoryAsher
    @GregoryAsher 9 років тому +13

    I subscribed because the quality of your videos is good, you are very informative and appear to do your research/know your stuff. Keep making good videos so that people can continue to keep their cars in good, running condition! And thank you!

  • @SMC_69Productions
    @SMC_69Productions 4 роки тому +22

    Gotta say thanks Chris, showed me the ground work for doing this on my vehicle and it worked. Had to search for something else vehicle specific but I honestly felt that I was going to screw it up. Gotta say thanks again because I wouldn’t have pulled it off without this. Great content as always

  • @huntergman8338
    @huntergman8338 3 роки тому +88

    "it tastes sweet and will kill them."
    Peta, "write the down, write that down!"

    • @jonas699
      @jonas699 3 роки тому +1

      Sadly it is true. Two years ago both of our cats turned out poisoned by antifreeze probably some neighbour trying to kill rats or whatever (hopefully not the cats). Luckily one survived but since then it's sound is very different and weak.

    • @kodhii3091
      @kodhii3091 3 роки тому

      @@jonas699 :(

    • @jordanparker8359
      @jordanparker8359 3 роки тому

      😂🤣

    • @guycha0s380
      @guycha0s380 2 роки тому

      @@jonas699 :(

    • @NYG5
      @NYG5 Місяць тому

      yeah it's sweet, sometimes working under the car if you get blasted in the face by it a little can get in your mouth

  • @aliennotion2876
    @aliennotion2876 5 років тому +139

    Chris costs me a fortune fixing stuff I didn't even know needed fixing.

  • @83alpinab9
    @83alpinab9 3 роки тому +1

    We saw quite a few plugged heater cores in the 1998 to 2005 VW Passat. We reversed flushed using a pond pump (Harbor Freight) in a bucket of CLR. Let it run overnight and you would not believe the amount of debris, rust, and crud in the bottom of the bucket. It did not take too long before we ruined the first pond pump so we attached a sump screen to the replacement pump inlet to keep the pumps from getting fouled. It was about a $1000.00 job to replace the heater core and I think we sold the "cleaning/backflush" for $250.00 including the gallon of CLR. Always got good results and was amazed at how much crud came out of the heater core. We of course would not recommend this unless there was clean antifreeze in the coolant system to begin with (already had the standard coolant flush done).

  • @chrisc6874
    @chrisc6874 8 років тому +5

    Guys like you making vids save people hundreds even thousands of dollars! Keep up the good work!

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  8 років тому +2

      +Chris C thanks a lot Chris!

  • @jessielee1369
    @jessielee1369 2 роки тому +5

    That was an excellent video. Well articulated, great pointers along the way, good lighting, nice volume and camera work. Just an excellent video.

  • @rhensonsr
    @rhensonsr 9 місяців тому

    9 years later this helped me do an 07 PT Cruiser. The inlet is the bottom and the exit is the top on PTs. Thank you Chris! Awesome job.

  • @lukekirkby5304
    @lukekirkby5304 3 роки тому +4

    Good instructional video as always Chris. I normally will flush it both ways multiple times to help dislodge anything that may be trapped.

  • @mikemyers5972
    @mikemyers5972 4 роки тому +3

    Thank you...thank you...thank you!! Saved a ton of money by being able to flush my 2012 Ford Focus heater core using your video. Heat was only blowing out of driver's side vents and I thought my entire heater core was shot. Took my time using your video and heat is back to pumping on both sides . Again...thanks!!

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  4 роки тому

      I'm glad the video was helpful! That's awesome!

  • @MaximumHyperdrive
    @MaximumHyperdrive 21 день тому +1

    9 years later, I need this video. No heat, Winter is coming. I noticed a reduction of temperature, gradually, until no heat at all. Will try this exact method first.

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  21 день тому

      Let me know how this goes!

  • @BigGuyReview
    @BigGuyReview 9 років тому +8

    Hey awesome video. I have a 2007 econoline with 450 000 miles on it. The heat is a little low and I will try this. Up north here in Canada the winter can be cruel and cold! We need all the heat we can get out of these heater cores.

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  9 років тому +1

      Big Guy Review Wow 450k miles is a lot! Nice job keeping her going! Let me know how the flush goes!

    • @BigGuyReview
      @BigGuyReview 9 років тому +3

      ya will do.

    • @JustyzzG
      @JustyzzG 9 років тому +3

      What a fucking tank. My Step-Mother has the same van for daycare children.. and it has 380k.

    • @BigGuyReview
      @BigGuyReview 9 років тому +3

      ya if you take of most any vehicle it will take care of you.

    • @papa54321
      @papa54321 9 років тому +1

      FarrukGlo CR7 Neechious Teen answer Lol And if you're not a kid it,s even worse Hahaha good luck in life with an attitude as yours!

  • @timberray9572
    @timberray9572 7 років тому +126

    After watching this video I flushed the core on my truck and now I got some proper heat in my truck once again, thanks Chris.

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  7 років тому +20

      Awesome! Glad you wont be cold this winter!

    • @kickthejamz
      @kickthejamz 6 років тому +1

      Ray Duerksen do you know what might be the problem with my truck? When I do the heater core flush it will only work good for a couple hours then starts blowing cold again

    • @johnlewis503
      @johnlewis503 6 років тому +1

      Check out this video to flush the rest of your coolant, you've probably got debris in the rest of your cooling system. If that fails look into replacing your mixing valve, could be barely working or easily clogged up stopping flow.
      ua-cam.com/video/s--5ft5YiHg/v-deo.html

    • @kickthejamz
      @kickthejamz 6 років тому +1

      John Lewis my coolant doesn't have any debris in it surprisingly. But it was an easy fix to just reverse the hoses to the firewall and keep it in reverse flow all the time, so far it's been good thanks

    • @gregorykusiak5424
      @gregorykusiak5424 6 років тому +1

      Roy Glass your thermostat sounds like it is stuck open. You might also have a coolant leak - which hopefully isn’t at the head gasket - so try filling/burping the system first.

  • @robowen11
    @robowen11 3 роки тому +1

    I know it's an old video but I followed Chris's advice and tried this. Boy did I get some shit out of the radiator. It was like brown treacle at first and took around 10 or 11 buckets before it started to run somewhat clear. At first there was barely any flow it was that bunged up. Thanks to Chris, I now have great heating, perfect for those summer days here in Australia. lol

  • @marclaw4511
    @marclaw4511 8 років тому +10

    Nicely explained.I had a blocked heater core which would not flush.A chap told me to put dishwasher detergent in the reservoir and run it for a couple of days.It worked a treat when i flushed it and then changed the coolant.

    • @necroodin
      @necroodin 8 років тому +1

      had a old timer tell me the same thing just the other day when working on a coolant leak

    • @MrTheHillfolk
      @MrTheHillfolk 7 років тому +2

      GroovemasterOdin yea use some cascade if you ever get oil in your cooling system from a blown head gasket, works great for that too

    • @patsgarage8593
      @patsgarage8593 7 років тому

      GroovemasterOdin where was your coolant leak happening when u did this??

    • @marclaw4511
      @marclaw4511 7 років тому

      No coolant leak just trying to get heater matrix to work.

    • @danieljackson1272
      @danieljackson1272 6 років тому +3

      Marc Law I used vinegar once. I poured a 16oz bottle of vinegar into the reservoir along with distilled water and ran it like that for a couple days. Clean things out really good. Drained it and replaced with coolant, of course.

  • @TrueBlueEG8
    @TrueBlueEG8 7 років тому +318

    Word to the wise, if you try removing the hoses from your 20 year old heater rad, you will run into serious trouble. My advice is to buy new hose before you attempt this, and cut the old hoses off with a sharp stanley knife, dont pry or twist them off, because you will distort the metal pipes on the heater core, or break the welds/braising inside the car and fill your interior with delicious coolant, I have seen this happen several times on older cars.

    • @goclunker
      @goclunker 5 років тому +7

      TrueBlueEG8 yup. Always cut old hardened hoses

    • @iibadsportii690
      @iibadsportii690 5 років тому +12

      I feel like that happened to you lol

    • @tonycrossley2869
      @tonycrossley2869 5 років тому +4

      God almighty, how I've learnt this THE HARD WAY !...

    • @billtusing2728
      @billtusing2728 4 роки тому +2

      just cut as much as you need to cut and peel back like an orange then you can still reuse the same hose in most cases.

    • @davecrupel2817
      @davecrupel2817 4 роки тому +2

      @@iibadsportii690 well he said he's seen it happen....
      So yeah...quite the feeling there, God.

  • @richandersen6980
    @richandersen6980 3 місяці тому +1

    Thanks so much for your video. It totally helped me ID and fix the problem. HOWEVER, All I did was disconnect the hoses at the firewall and feed my garden hose into the inlet valve then turn the hose on just under medium, then I flushed it through the outlet. I reconnected the heater hoses and just topped up the radiator. Job done. No need for the additional adapters, etc. The tools I used were long-nose plyers, large flat head, garden hose. Again, thanks for your video, just thought I'd share my experience to help others. I was working on an 02 Nissan Xtrail.

  • @MrGremple
    @MrGremple 6 років тому +18

    Haha, ist funny how Chris sounds bored in the old videos. Today he has way more energy in his voice. Love the videos!

    • @tygill7401
      @tygill7401 2 роки тому

      It’s probably because jobs were a lot more tedious without his crazy collection now lol love this guy, literally taught me everything I know about car maintenance since I was in high school. So many emotions I get thinking bout him

  • @Vacublaster1
    @Vacublaster1 3 роки тому +16

    A good idea is to have the end of the clear hose in a cup of hot water before pushing it onto the firewall fitting. That will make it much easier to fit as the plastic becomes softer.

    • @waltermessines5181
      @waltermessines5181 Рік тому +1

      And much harder to remove once it's cold.

    • @401Impala
      @401Impala 8 місяців тому

      @@waltermessines5181 not if you pour a cup of hot water on it. Derp.

  • @timwitter7686
    @timwitter7686 4 роки тому

    I bought a Orbit 5/8 in. Metal Female Mender for $4.28 which is used to repair a broken home water hose. Don’t go to the plumbing parts area. You need to go to the Home water hose area to find it. It’s half of the cost of the smaller connectors found in the plumbing section. It works great to connect the home water hose to the car water hose for flushing.
    Thanks Chris, you made my first time flushing my heater core easy and clean.

  • @1keykneedeep
    @1keykneedeep 6 років тому +825

    When putting your hose back in - always push it to the base. ALWAYS GENTLEMEN

    • @briancorrea524
      @briancorrea524 5 років тому +93

      Yes balls deep

    • @OcRefrig
      @OcRefrig 5 років тому +10

      😂

    • @VictoryConyers
      @VictoryConyers 5 років тому +5

      1keykneedeep great minds think alike 🤪

    • @dannac_8888
      @dannac_8888 5 років тому +19

      Gross, not cool, this is a G-rated show. My children are watching...

    • @dateraped.1323
      @dateraped.1323 5 років тому +6

      Lol make sure there's no air

  • @eathanrichards6363
    @eathanrichards6363 3 роки тому +60

    Have i watched this 2 times. YUP! Do i need to do this. NOPE!

  • @mkp3824
    @mkp3824 3 роки тому

    I don't know how I got so lucky finding this channel! I have a 1998 Ranger, 3.0L with a manual transmission. I have learned so much on this channel. I just had my radiator flushed and filled. It was good before, being that the radiator was only about 25,000 miles old, but after the flush, it gets hot, QUICK! I wonder if that helped the heater core? Anyway, having this channel is great! I found it researching how to change the dash lights, which I did.

  • @ak540i2
    @ak540i2 6 років тому +40

    I also give my spigot a love tap when I'm done with it.

  • @lilmomma4891
    @lilmomma4891 Рік тому +6

    This worked on my Pontiac Torrent and I finally have heat. Thank god

  • @procdaddy12
    @procdaddy12 8 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for this video Chris, it helped me to realize I had my hoses backwards after I did my last flush. Dumb mistake I made and you helped me fix it and return heat to my 92 ranger custom 2.3L. Thank you Chris❤

  • @elit3401
    @elit3401 2 роки тому +4

    Nice , clear and simple instructions 👌.
    Thanks , Chris.

  • @kens97sto171
    @kens97sto171 9 років тому +12

    Nice video, good information. Be careful with some cars.... Some heater cores are brass... 90~97 Miata are for sure. If you try to pull the hoses off like you did, you will bend the input / output lines. once the output lines are no longer round they will often leak. Very difficult to get them perfectly round again the only way to fix it is to get a new heater core which requires removing the entire dashboard. If the car has a brass heater core I would suggest leaving it alone and doing a entire cooling system flush draining the fluid from the radiator at the bottom. And then refilling with fresh. Coolant

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  9 років тому +6

      kens97sto171 Thanks and thanks for the tips!

    • @clangun
      @clangun 9 років тому +6

      kens97sto171Just remove the opposite end of the hose & connect the fitting there that way you leave the heater core alone.

    • @kens97sto171
      @kens97sto171 9 років тому +2

      clangun On a Miata one of the hoses goess to the back of the head, right up against the firewall.. Major pain in the butt to get to. The other runs down the side of the engine too.. I can't remeber where. Also not easy to get too. Unless the hoses need to be replaced, I leave them alone.. Again this is Miata specific. The core is brass.. And does not tend to corrode. Also it is a constant flow system.. There is no valve in the core to shut off water flow... So debris does not tend to collect in the core. More radiator. Defiantly recommend just doing a drain and flush. I've had Miata with 230,000 miles and never had a heat issue...,besides the shitty heat it came with from the factory.

    • @بدوناسم-ث1ل5ص
      @بدوناسم-ث1ل5ص 9 років тому

      الخسيلاحي

  • @funkyprepper
    @funkyprepper 8 місяців тому +1

    Cool video as always Chris. My truck had head gasket seal fluid in the head. My heater core is clogged. Highly possible it will need replacing as its hard to flush out by the sound of it

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  8 місяців тому

      Thanks a lot! And I would try this method first even if it seems hard to flush, definitely beats having to go in to replace the heater core

    • @Slideitallthewayin
      @Slideitallthewayin 4 місяці тому

      I don't know if you will see this or not.but does your heater blow hot air.i used head gasket fluid also wish I didn't now ill never use it again

  • @zedman442
    @zedman442 8 років тому +8

    Great stuff, these old motors are so much easier to work on. Trying to find the equivalent on a modern car can be a nightmare. Great tips as usual Chris.

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  8 років тому +2

      +Zed Man Thanks man!

  • @18spd4Life
    @18spd4Life 3 роки тому +3

    Good thorough rundown of the process, well explained and demonstrated 👌🏻

  • @JacobPeterson2014
    @JacobPeterson2014 Рік тому +1

    I can't wait to try this out on my 2005 ram 2500. The heat has been only luke warm for a while now. Thanks Chris! You're videos are the best!

  • @geopars9396
    @geopars9396 3 роки тому +11

    Flush it both directions. Always. And flushing the whole coolant system is highly recommended. Flushing the heater core and not the block, radiator is pointless

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for sharing!

  • @chetkosciolek
    @chetkosciolek Рік тому +1

    Duuude I bought a 05 silverado 1 year ago. last winter was brutal heat barely worked but I got by. Last summer did a complete coolant flush easy peezy I figured this winter I would be good to go but nope still had horrible heat issues and last week driving home from work in Illinois btw the heat completely stopped. turned cold 🥶 ugh and with finding your video I did step by step and bam 126° F thanks for your very thorough video 📹 👍👍

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  Рік тому +1

      Awesome! Glad the video is keeping you warm this winter!

  • @hellcatredeye-g6582
    @hellcatredeye-g6582 7 років тому +18

    Just by the discoloration of the anti-freeze you should've flushed the radiator and engine at the same time otherwise just going to get contaminated all over again using the same old anti-freeze in the radiator when I do this at my shop it's just best to change all the any freeze flush everything otherwise just half the job . You Gotta know the radiator water pump heater is all connected same system

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  7 років тому +5

      +Ken Cook thanks for sharing. Watch my "superflush your cooling system" video.

    • @williamjenkins871
      @williamjenkins871 6 років тому +1

      I took notice when the video started how "discolored" the coolant was. At the end he is concerned about proper 50/50 mix and not flushing radiator.

    • @dufus2273
      @dufus2273 6 років тому

      yeah , I just said this very thing.

    • @OcRefrig
      @OcRefrig 5 років тому

      fact !

  • @dsent31078hooyah
    @dsent31078hooyah 5 років тому +5

    Hey man, thanks for the video. Really helped out with my 2010 jeep liberty. Took a couple tries to get the clog out but now I have awesome heat. Thanks again keep making good videos like this for DIY people like myself.

  • @GreyGhost-r4z
    @GreyGhost-r4z 5 років тому +1

    Today I rinsed out my heater core on my 2006 Scion XB. Your video made it look like the guy from This Old House, where everything works perfectly. 😆. Lol. You apparently cut out all of the F Bombs. Finally got it done. My heat is HOT now. Thanks 🙏🏼

  • @davidhur09
    @davidhur09 7 років тому +1482

    my relationship so broken not even chris can fix it =(

    • @highlyunlikely2349
      @highlyunlikely2349 7 років тому +12

      Use the Force

    • @seungjoon2037
      @seungjoon2037 7 років тому +14

      Koalafications4Dayz sorry to hear that. Ih the person is good, go get her or him back. If not, flush ur mind with a fresh mind to meet a better person😁

    • @Aaron-qr3tg
      @Aaron-qr3tg 7 років тому +64

      have you tried unplugging and plugging it back in?

    • @bas12345654321
      @bas12345654321 7 років тому +38

      Just flush her old blood out and replace with fresh antifreeze.

    • @anujbhatt2842
      @anujbhatt2842 7 років тому +2

      Rip

  • @p3l1k44n1
    @p3l1k44n1 7 років тому +413

    I did this to my old dodge aspen and the water was clear.. But then i reversed the order and pumped the exhaust port with water and inlet as an exhaust and more brown sludge came out.. then i reversed the order again and even more brown sludge.. After that it was clean tho.

    • @Dee-hi5zj
      @Dee-hi5zj 7 років тому +129

      EXACTLY my experience with a Volare (same type system) I had a 5 gallon bucket of ultra-sludge... And afterward, the heater cooked everybody in the car to a nice lobster-red!

    • @moby271
      @moby271 6 років тому +29

      You did it the right way. Chris could learn from you.

    • @ajg2040
      @ajg2040 6 років тому +18

      Donny B.. Lobster red... Lmao

    • @evolutionj
      @evolutionj 6 років тому +17

      passengers cooked af

    • @ThomasFarquhar2
      @ThomasFarquhar2 6 років тому +6

      Ford M Garage you don't have to end every sentence with tho tho! You don't have to end every sentence with tho tho

  • @CLOWEN2010
    @CLOWEN2010 2 роки тому +1

    TY for the video, i flushed my heater core yest because i had no heat at all, after flushing i didn’t think it worked because not much came out of it, well i was wrong, heat works now and it’s bumping at a hot 130 degrees. Keep up the good work!!

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  2 роки тому

      I'm glad you got your heat back! Thanks a lot!

  • @JosephLucas
    @JosephLucas 3 роки тому +3

    Great instructions step by step. no extra talking just straight to the point so good.

  • @philipfm
    @philipfm 6 років тому +12

    one recommendation, if the hoses require to much effort to remove from the heater core, use a razor and slice into the hose where it goes on the core nipples. Pulling on them could damage the heater core especially on a older vehicle. Antifreeze stinks up your car.

    • @tonycrossley2869
      @tonycrossley2869 5 років тому +1

      I use new Heater and Radiator Hoses and put tons of Silicon Grease on the fittings, making future removal much easier.

    • @christophervanzetta
      @christophervanzetta 4 роки тому +1

      @@tonycrossley2869 Silicon grease doesn't mix well with coolant. Only use sparingly on the connector

  • @kellycrouch9576
    @kellycrouch9576 3 роки тому

    So much good and simple info coming our way with your vids. Voice is easy to listen to as well unlike so many others. Thanks for making auto self-help doable

  • @dreamsmith19
    @dreamsmith19 7 років тому +8

    Hey, just so you know, your link to the hose adapter is for a 3/8" I.D. hose, not 5/8".

  • @FloridaMan7337
    @FloridaMan7337 5 років тому +21

    "you're mixing thing's up, you're flushing things out" lmao

  • @chekpoh
    @chekpoh 3 роки тому

    Great video and very educational, followed your recommendation, it fixed my heater problem in about 5min job. I took my 2004 Nissan Frontier to the dealer for diagnostic, they wanted $2700 to replace the radiator, thermostat and they were kind enough to tell me no guarantee it will fix the issue. What!!!!...thanks Chris, thanks for sharing.

  • @Cristi10077
    @Cristi10077 2 роки тому +5

    That engine is so easy to work on...

  • @scottfirman
    @scottfirman 8 років тому +8

    its best to reverse flush your core to remove any accumulated crap in the core. Most flush kits available use the heater core line to flush your whole system. It comes with a T fitting and your hose fittings. you leave the T fitting in and cap it after you are done so you can use it again in 5 years.

  • @prestoneditz5973
    @prestoneditz5973 2 роки тому

    Thank God for Chris Fix.....very clear easy to see videos, well spoken easy to understand when explaining

  • @Clearanceman2
    @Clearanceman2 8 років тому +4

    Wow, never even heard of this. Both cars still good heat at 256,000 and 300,000 miles. But I do change radiator fluid before it gets dirty.

  • @ian22222
    @ian22222 5 років тому +3

    So I watched this late last night. Apparently, I had a dream that I tried to flush my heater core, but the water was already clean! 😂

  • @sqwjt5085
    @sqwjt5085 2 роки тому +1

    Good job. Quick and to the point explanations while you're doing the job good for you and nice camera work

  • @sglenn6
    @sglenn6 5 років тому +3

    Thanks Chris! Another Great Video!

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  5 років тому +1

      Glad the video was helpful!

  • @Wok_Agenda
    @Wok_Agenda 7 років тому +61

    Guys be carefull with the flush . Dont use high pressure, i did this to mine cause i had no heating but it didnt do any good so ive changed the heater core and when ive opened the old one i saw that it had some plastic spiral structure inside the copper tubing which collapsed inside from pressure and no water was circulating no matter what i did to it.So carefull guys use low pressure and patience if nothing replace core

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  7 років тому +16

      +Dimitri Andreou thanks for sharing

    • @Wok_Agenda
      @Wok_Agenda 7 років тому +7

      My pleasure Chris

    • @nothingsurprisesmeanymore
      @nothingsurprisesmeanymore 6 років тому

      I used a diesel powered jet wash bit only on around 25% and it did the job lots of brown sludge but a hose is better I kept thinking that suddenly the cars interior would explode with steamy jet wash water, but it didn't.

    • @tonyanaya4085
      @tonyanaya4085 6 років тому

      Need a video on heater core replacement.. Come on chrisfix

  • @sbmatt
    @sbmatt 5 років тому +1

    Thanks. It worked. I applied your method to my 07 uplander and I now got heat.

  • @380stroker
    @380stroker 8 років тому +37

    Damn playa...did you go to heater core school?

    • @johnsarnecki8078
      @johnsarnecki8078 8 років тому +3

      +380stroker Mad funny...

    • @roblogs7168
      @roblogs7168 8 років тому +3

      😐😑

    • @BigBand1942
      @BigBand1942 6 років тому

      I attended but failed to graduate, Forgot to monitor those Hoes!

  • @cameronpapple7655
    @cameronpapple7655 3 роки тому +1

    Just flushed the heater and What a simple and easy way to fix the it.
    Thanks Chris

  • @Trainmaster1907
    @Trainmaster1907 8 років тому +73

    The clock was at 3:59 I wish it flipped over to 4

  • @Peterjohn32
    @Peterjohn32 9 років тому +8

    possible the best location of a heater iv seen lol

  • @MrMe-qu4gw
    @MrMe-qu4gw 7 років тому +24

    When he goes through a drive thru-"one small ice wooder"

    • @kevinflashspear
      @kevinflashspear 5 років тому

      I think this one went over most people's heads 🤣🤣🤣
      Much love ChrisFix

  • @craze1701
    @craze1701 9 років тому +17

    If you buy the 50/50 antifreeze, you're throwing money away. That stuff is 12 bucks. So, you're basically paying 6 bucks for a half gallon of distilled water, which costs about a buck a gallon alone. If you buy a gallon of straight antifreeze at 16 bucks, and a gallon of distilled, you get two gallons of 50/50 for 17 dollars.

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  9 років тому +8

      craze1701 That is true, but 50/50 is way more convienent and already premixed. When it is 10 degrees outside I dont want to play with mixing distilled water and for backup antifreeze it is premixed and ready to go. But you are right that 50/50 is more expensive.

    • @Linkys_Adventure
      @Linkys_Adventure 6 років тому +1

      That's crazy here in Mississippi its $9 a gallon for shell full strength antifreeze I never use distilled water always use it straight out the tap I have never had any problems been doing it for 20 plus years I have a mechanic business Boleware's Auto Repair and never have I ever had any of my six vehicles with and without aluminum heads have pits in them or any defects caused by antifreeze as long as you change your antifreeze at least once a year you're in the good and to all mine I use one gallon of antifreeze to the rest water and in my dodge ram diesel I use 2 gals antifreeze rest water it's about 5 gallon capacity but which Mississippi doesn't get below 10° in the winter and I can take my endoscope and look down in the cooling systems and there is no rust No pitting it's all how you take care of your vehicle whether you change the oil every 4000 miles change the trans fluid at least once a year and flush and with the cooling system flush it and change it brakes flush it and change it and I also do a power steering flush and change at least once a year as long as you take care of your vehicle you will have it forever timing belt I believe in doing it every 60,000 miles or less and if the timing belt or chain runs the water pump I also change the water pump and all other gaskets and seals I have a 95 Toyota Camry it only has 742,698 miles on it can provide proof of needed

    • @443DM
      @443DM 5 років тому +2

      @@Linkys_Adventure Depends how soft your water is. If you have well water with a lot of minerals, it'll lime up pipes a bit, like water does in a kettle. But if you change it every year, I don't think you'll have a problem.

  • @Trials-and-Tribulations
    @Trials-and-Tribulations 7 днів тому

    @ChrixFix. Thankyou man.
    Parts are very cheap to do this.
    I paused wrote down part numbers.
    Blue adapter is 4.99 at parts store.
    Am going post pics parts I used tag you also.
    One thing I bought is TWO way shutoff adapter valve.
    So I run garden hose into my garage.
    Without running back an forth to the house👍

  • @ELECTROMARINEMANIA
    @ELECTROMARINEMANIA 7 років тому +4

    im from india your vedios more help full
    thank you buddy

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  7 років тому

      Im glad the videos are helpful!

  • @hugoloza9
    @hugoloza9 6 років тому +5

    Awesome! Thank you bro. I did it with my dodge journe 2010, it was really bad. Thanks!

    • @chrisfix
      @chrisfix  6 років тому +2

      Nice!!! Glad the video was helpful!

    • @manij1078
      @manij1078 5 років тому

      My journey 2009 has luke warm heat driver side and cold passenger side think this will work for me? Thanks

    • @AussieNexus7408
      @AussieNexus7408 3 роки тому

      @@manij1078 yeah buddy should help just be careful to not break the barbs off the heater core 👍

  • @munozinni
    @munozinni 4 роки тому +1

    I did it to my 1988 Chevy 1500 cause not heater at all after that I got better results but I didn’t knew about the way you did it on this video and is an excellent information to know about...gracias!! 😄I already subscribed thank you!!😃

  • @zippocrow
    @zippocrow 5 років тому +12

    Im supposed to work on the house , im gonna try this instead.

  • @MusangLaut2
    @MusangLaut2 5 років тому +102

    I live near the equator, why am i watching this

    • @midas8877
      @midas8877 4 роки тому +8

      Aiman Razak it’s spelled Ecuador

    • @jokumukamikalie
      @jokumukamikalie 4 роки тому +37

      @@midas8877 You might want to check again. Ecuador is a country, equator is a line dividing southern and northern hemispheres.

    • @Pilzi02
      @Pilzi02 4 роки тому +12

      @@midas8877 stupit

    • @midas8877
      @midas8877 4 роки тому +4

      r/wooosh

    • @makern5304
      @makern5304 4 роки тому +13

      @@midas8877 that's not how it works

  • @Milosz_Ostrow
    @Milosz_Ostrow 8 місяців тому +1

    Ranger and Mazda trucks without air conditioning do not have a heater control valve. The coolant circulates through the heater core constantly and whether or not there is heat in the cab is controlled by air flaps.
    I recently back-flushed the heater core in a 1997 Ford Ranger. It took longer to purchase and assemble the hoses and fittings than to perform the flush. I also had a water pressure gauge rigged to the water supply on a plastic garden hose "Y" fitting with individual valves, just before the heater core outlet, to make sure it didn't apply damaging pressure to the core, but the gauge barely registered as a flood of mud and rust flakes came out of the heater core inlet. Having that "Y" fitting also allowed me to control the flow of water at the engine bay so I could shut it off quickly if something were to go wrong. Instead of filling the core with coolant, I blew out the remaining water in the core with compressed air, reconnected the heater hoses and refilled the coolant system as normal.