heater question re '96 VR6

[vjr]

Just thought I'd pull this question out of my previous post re the VR6 I'm looking at.

People suggested that if the heater doesn't work then the heater core is stuffed (sorry for being simplistic!). But how about if the heater 'works', i.e. blows hot air, but the air is damp and smells of radiator fluid, as per my other thread?

If there's a thread that covers this, please let me know.

Thanks in advance!!

[Pullstarter]

I would definitely take it to a VW specialist to get it checked out. Make a point of asking him to thoroughly check the heater/core situation. Some of the Melbourne peeps may be able to help you with a local specialist.

[vjr]

I would definitely take it to a VW specialist to get it checked out. Make a point of asking him to thoroughly check the heater/core situation. Some of the Melbourne peeps may be able to help you with a local specialist.

Thanks. I've just found South Yarra VW who do services, I'm guessing they could check it out. And it's 2 min (literally) from where the car lives. The South Yarra bit worries me re $$$

Anyone have an opinion on these guys, just for a pre-purchase check?

[Pullstarter]

Are they a dealer or specialist repairer? Probably worth the extra (if it is any extra) just for convenience sake, you'll probably find most (specialist repairers rather than dealers) are about the same charge wise anyways.

[vjr]

Are they a dealer or specialist repairer? Probably worth the extra (if it is any extra) just for convenience sake, you'll probably find most (specialist repairers rather than dealers) are about the same charge wise anyways.

Already called them. Pre-purchase check is $140. Good insurance against major expense I'd say.

Also for a 'minor' service they quoted me $380?? Is that about right?

This is them: http://www.southyarravw.com.au/servi..._a_service.htm

[Pullstarter]

I'd be more inclined to find a specialist rather than a dealer. They have more experience with older dubs and you most likely won't get a first year apprentice working on it $380 is probably a little more than I'd expect to pay for a minor service. Check the recommended repairers thread;

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/forumdisplay.php?f=12

[malteser]

With my car when I first bought it, it was fine for about a month, then the coolant light came on one day. From then on, I had to keep topping the reservoir up. If I left my car outside, the front windscreen would fog up with a green mist (it was running green coolant at the time).

Coolant was also leaking into the cabin. I'm not sure if it's really something you can see until the heater core is about to go. Even when the heater core was leaking a lot, the heater still worked perfectly. That is until I had to connect the two heater hoses together as a temporary solution.

The heater cores in these cars typically last about ten years or so, so unless the car has already had it replaced, it could go at anytime.

But don't let that put you off buying a VR6, the sound it worth it.

Mark

[vjr]

I'd be more inclined to find a specialist rather than a dealer. They have more experience with older dubs and you most likely won't get a first year apprentice working on it $380 is probably a little more than I'd expect to pay for a minor service. Check the recommended repairers thread;

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...splay.php?f=12

Thanks, I checked it out. Not a lot of Melb guys mentioned..

Anyway I've just called Volks Affair South Melbourne:
$200 for pre-purchase check (claim they will spend 2 hours on it). Steep?

[vjr]

With my car when I first bought it, it was fine for about a month, then the coolant light came on one day. From then on, I had to keep topping the reservoir up. If I left my car outside, the front windscreen would fog up with a green mist (it was running green coolant at the time).

Coolant was also leaking into the cabin. I'm not sure if it's really something you can see until the heater core is about to go. Even when the heater core was leaking a lot, the heater still worked perfectly. That is until I had to connect the two heater hoses together as a temporary solution.

The heater cores in these cars typically last about ten years or so, so unless the car has already had it replaced, it could go at anytime.

But don't let that put you off buying a VR6, the sound it worth it.

Mark

Thanks for the info

You say the heater was working perfectly, but did it have a dampness about it? And I guess you would've had a coolant smell in the car if it was leaking into the cabin. I don't notice such a smell with the one I'm looking at, and apparently it doesn't lose coolant. But with the heater up high, it's pretty bad.

[Pullstarter]

I think $200 is quite reasonable, especially if they spend 2 hours on it. I'd have a lot more confidence in them rather than a dealer. Just ensure that you point out your concerns about the heater core.

[Golf Loon]

Expect to pay $1000 to get the heater core changed. Its at least a full days work for a skilled mechanic, more if you get a monkey to do it.

[vjr]

Expect to pay $1000 to get the heater core changed. Its at least a full days work for a skilled mechanic, more if you get a monkey to do it.

Thanks. I have booked in at Volks Affair Thursday for a check..