Leaky Heater Core....Temporary Fix???

[Thomas M]

1991 Jetta 1.6 Diesel non-turbo.................

If the heater core goes bad, which method is best to use as a temporary fix until it can be permanently repaired?

1. Detach the 2 hoses from the heater core at the firewall and plug each of them

or

2. Detach the 2 hoses from the heater core and join them together in series as to "short circuit" the heater core.

Will one method work and the other not or will either method do the trick equally well??

Thanks,
Thomas

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Join the two hoses together to maintain proper coolant flow

[82vdub]

I believe the heater hose connections play a crucial part of the engine's cooling system. The return line goes to the metal tube that connects to the return line from the overflow jug. I'd say you have to connect the hoses together. It may even remove more heat from the top of the engine, since that's where the feed for the heater core comes from.

[damac]

There is no valve on the mk2 setup like the mk1 right? But the layout is the same with hoses and all of that and each of my cars does the job so I'm guessing it doesn't matter?

[Thomas M]

I joined the hoses together and will leave it that way until I resolve an overheat situation with which I am dealing. My system has to be flushed and scrubbed before I let it flow through that nice, virgin heater core.
I had driven the car for some distance at high speed. It overheated either way, with the hoses joined or plugged.

[Fatmobile]

I don't think either way would matter,.. the MK1s block the flow with the heater valve.
The bypass hose going to the water pump has more effect on the thermostat than the metal return line.