# Heater Core Challenge **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** e150, ford\ **Created:** [February 3, 2018, 1:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937 "2018-02-03T01:33:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ABLE1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/able1/32/6949_2.png) [@ABLE1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ABLE1)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 1:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/1 "2018-02-03T01:33:55Z")
So with the extra measure of cold this winter I was again freezing my butt. Last year I tried all kinds of possible solutions non of which effectively worked and then it got Springy again and it became a minor issue. This year, once again I was too busy to be without my service van due to workload. Anyhow I finally bit the bullet and scheduled a day in the shop to get the heater core replaced. I requested the old core be left in the van so I could perform an autopsy with my saws-all. After cutting the core into a few segments I observed what looked like a warm beeswax substance. Needless to say it insulated the flow of antifreeze from transference of heat to the air mass passing the fins but not enough to make a decreased flow of fluid even after a number of prior flushings. My questions are as follows: 1. What causes this “beeswax” to form?? 2. What could or should have been used to clean it out?? 3. Is the same stuff in the radiator that will cause replacement to it?? 4. If the same is in the radiator will it migrate to the heater core starting all over again?? 5. Should I consider replacing the radiator or what is the best way to clean it to remove the junk?? I know that is a load of questions. If whomever would like to contribute an answer or comment, take your choice of question(s). Oh, forgot to mention. My butt does not freeze anymore. Thanks in advance. Les ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 1:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/2 "2018-02-03T01:38:57Z")
The beeswax substance is formed when a too high of concentration of antifreeze to water ratio is used. Tester ---
**Author:** ![ABLE1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/able1/32/6949_2.png) [@ABLE1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ABLE1)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 1:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/3 "2018-02-03T01:44:34Z")
Is there a way to reduce it after forms such as when the weather is warm to remove antifreeze and install just water or something else?? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 1:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/4 "2018-02-03T01:48:43Z")
You flush the cooling system, while at the same time introduce a fresh blend of 50/50 coolant. Here’s the machine I use. ![COOLANT FLUSH MACHINE](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/2X/3/32738eeec98593bb4bb6aee97fdd81340a60789b.jpg) Tester ---
**Author:** ![ABLE1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/able1/32/6949_2.png) [@ABLE1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ABLE1)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 1:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/5 "2018-02-03T01:52:45Z")
So the machine has a cleaning solution and/or super heat to clean the junk out?? Based on what I typed do you think that my radiator has potential issues?? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 1:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/6 "2018-02-03T01:57:53Z")
I use no cleaning solutions. I run new coolant into the cooling system that exceeds 10% of the cooling systems capacity. So all the coolant is replaced. Tester . ---
**Author:** ![ABLE1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/able1/32/6949_2.png) [@ABLE1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ABLE1)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/7 "2018-02-03T02:01:26Z")
Confused here. Exceeds 10% of volume, concentration, or something else?? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/8 "2018-02-03T02:02:27Z")
10% volume. Tester ---
**Author:** ![ABLE1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/able1/32/6949_2.png) [@ABLE1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ABLE1)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/9 "2018-02-03T02:05:41Z")
So what would happen if I drained and replaced with 50/50 plus 10% and just ran that, would it clean the beeswax out or is the machine still needed?? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/10 "2018-02-03T02:12:08Z")
If you’ve had the heater core replaced , I’ll bet the coolant mixture is correct. Tester ---
**Author:** ![ABLE1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/able1/32/6949_2.png) [@ABLE1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ABLE1)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/11 "2018-02-03T02:15:14Z")
I was told that it was. However, I do have a concern based upon your first comment. I never added coolant to the system it was always my shop. Just trying to understand why this happened in the first place. Will be difficult trying to figure it out with all the time that has passed. Really trying to understand. ---
**Author:** ![insightful](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/insightful/32/2732_2.png) [@insightful](https://community.cartalk.com/u/insightful)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/12 "2018-02-03T02:17:26Z")
> [@ABLE1](#): > > Is the same stuff in the radiator that will cause replacement to it?? I have no idea what the buildup is, but if your van’s engine temp is OK on the hottest days, there’s little chance of this buildup in the radiator. ---
**Author:** ![ABLE1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/able1/32/6949_2.png) [@ABLE1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ABLE1)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/13 "2018-02-03T02:19:53Z")
Ok so the non flow through the heater core during the summer is the cause?? ---
**Author:** ![insightful](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/insightful/32/2732_2.png) [@insightful](https://community.cartalk.com/u/insightful)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/14 "2018-02-03T02:30:05Z")
> [@ABLE1](#): > > Ok so the non flow through the radiator during the summer is the cause?? Assume you meant through the _heater core_, and yes, that would contribute to the buildup. ---
**Author:** ![ABLE1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/able1/32/6949_2.png) [@ABLE1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ABLE1)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/15 "2018-02-03T02:33:32Z")
Yes, I fixed it. So, then having a constant slow flow through the heater core could be a good solution for future thinking?? ---
**Author:** ![insightful](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/insightful/32/2732_2.png) [@insightful](https://community.cartalk.com/u/insightful)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/16 "2018-02-03T02:42:39Z")
> [@ABLE1](#): > > So, then having a constant slow flow through the heater core could be a good solution for future thinking?? Yes, most vehicles have gone to constant flow through the heater core. (The more flow, the better.) ---
**Author:** ![ABLE1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/able1/32/6949_2.png) [@ABLE1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ABLE1)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2018, 2:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core-challenge/111937/17 "2018-02-03T02:49:25Z")
Makes sense as well as the concentration being high. I am guessing a combination of both. Thanks for the input. Les