Bypassing Heater Core - Pros & Cons

[V®6]

Hi Y'all

After finding a bit of coolant residue under the dash of my VR6, I have looked up numerous thread regarding heater core replacement and have found the possibility of instead bypassing it completely as a cheaper and easier for the moment until I can afford to get it fixed properly.

For those who have bypassed their heater core entirely I was wondering if there are any draw backs at all apart from not being able to use the heater?

Any info is much appreciated.

[McCosker]

I have bypassed the heater core in a few of my cars and have never even thought about it.

If you were thinking oneday you may want to use the heater or some such thing you could just install an under bonnet inline tap. off when its hot, But if it gets very cold you just have to pop the bonnet and turn the tap on.

[dom123]

my heater core has been bypassed and has never given me any further trouble.personally i think the australian winters are easily bearable and u can even buy one of those small heaters which plug into your cigarette lighter.its something id like to get fixed eventually but hasnt really bothered enough so far.

[Mrk_Mickey]

Again, I haven't bothered with mine...smells funky if you turn it on, but I hate heat

[MattyT]

Heat is delicious! You must have it!

[The_Hawk]

As long as you actually bypass it and complete the circuit rather than block the pipes, which will destroy your engine, you will be right.

Technically with the heater on you can reduce your engine temps slightly, the heater core being a radiator and all, but then you would be much hotter Other than that, there shouldn't be any issues bypassing it.

I have had mine replaced and dang the heater can generate some heat, even in the dead of winter I don't know that I would have the heat full on. Veyr much like the AC, on the right day you will be glad you have it

[RFMC]

I ran my VR with the heater core bypassed for about 6 months after it popped (very scary!)
The only time I noticed a difference in performance was at the track. With the core bypassed the car started to run hot after a few laps. When I replacd the core it held correct temp for a lot longer.
Under normal driving it was fine with the core bypassed.

[Elwoods 2LGL]

Bypassed heater core

Ive bypassed my heater core over a year ago now. . I got a $10 piece of radiator hose from supercheap and some $2 hose clamps . . .its golden

the only drama I have now is the wife nagging me to get it fixed so she can have some heat in winter. . . .

[VW VR6]

That is good idea ... you will use a little bit less red coolant ...

[sc_rufctr]

Why not fix it...

If you can find a cheap heater core fixing is not that hard.
Don't go to VW but try Euro Car Parts in your capitol city.

The biggest issue is the time to replace it. It took me about a day to strip out my dash and then another day to put it all back together...
While you're in there make sure you wash out the vents in your dash. You can't remove them from the dash as they are help in place with plastic welds.

Take it from me the longer you leave it the harder it will be to motivate yourself to fix it.

[sc_rufctr]

Hey dude... You're from Adelaide. If I can help in any way just send me an email... I live at West Lakes