Is your heater not getting quite as hot as it should? It may be gunk and grime in the heater core. YouTube mechanic #ChrisFix offers a simple solution – a fast and easy heater core flush using just your garden hose!
How does ChrisFix say to flush your heater core?
- Start with a cool engine
- Identify the inlet and outlet hoses
- Disconnect the hoses
- Connect a garden hose to the outlet side
- Run the hose to flush the system
- Refill with antifreeze and reconnect everything
Seems easy, right? The video sure, makes it look easy. To learn more ways, you can take care of your car or truck, subscribe to ChrisFix’s channel.
Now, let’s break down what he said to do in an easy-to-read format.
How to Flush a Heater Core
Flushing a heater core is very quick, and it lets you get more heat output from your vehicle. Before you start, make sure the engine is completely cool and is off. You don’t want to get burned by hot coolant.
First, find the inlet and outlet hoses. Before disconnecting them, note which is which. The Inlet hose has the heater control valve.
Use pliers to disconnect these. Then determine the diameter of the coolant hose.
Purchase a flush kit for about $5 from your local hardware store. You’ll also want an adapter that you can connect to your hose that’s the same diameter as the coolant hoses on the other side. Finally, get some clear hose tubing
Connect the garden hose to this adapter. Then, place the adapter into the clear tubing. Now you’re ready to begin.
Connect the clear tubing connected to the garden hose on the outlet valve. You’re trying to reverse the flow to push the gunk out.
Then, connect a long piece of clear tubing to the inlet hose. Run that hose all the way to a bucket.
Remember, the coolant you’re flushing out of the heater core contains antifreeze, and that’s poisonous to animals. Dispose of it properly.
Turn on the garden hose. Let it flush the system until only clear water is running out. Collect the dirty coolant in a bucket.
Turn off the hose. Then, use a funnel to add antifreeze to the heater core. Keep adding antifreeze until you see it coming out of the other clear hose.
Reconnect everything. You’re now done with your heater core flush.
How to Tell if it Worked
Your heater core flush will help your heater run more effectively. Before doing the flush, get the engine hot. Then, turn on the heater to full power and the highest temperature. Use a thermometer in the heater vent to measure output.
After doing the heater core flush, test the temperature again. In the video, Chris saw an improvement of 25 degrees or more. You should see similar results, especially if the coolant was pretty dirty.
Check Maintenance Records Before Buying a Used Car
If you’re in the market for a used vehicle, you’ll want to know that proper maintenance, like this heater core flush, has been done. Use the Vehicle History Report to check this and other details about any car you’re considering.
