# Heater Core **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** volkswagen, passat\ **Created:** [January 27, 2010, 3:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core/43299 "2010-01-27T03:00:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![laurenr86](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e9bcb4/32.png) [@laurenr86](https://community.cartalk.com/u/laurenr86)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2010, 3:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core/43299/1 "2010-01-27T03:00:25Z")
I had some repairs done on my car this fall and I mentioned that my heat wasn’t working properly. They told me someone had used stop-leak in my car, and that it had ruined my heater core. They quoted me $1100. I have not had the money to repair it until now. I called several area mechanics and three different places said it is very strange that I would need a new heater core, and they recommended taking a look at it to see if there is a cheaper alternative. How likely is it that I need a new heater core? ---
**Author:** ![waterboy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/waterboy/32/764_2.png) [@waterboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/waterboy)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2010, 3:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/heater-core/43299/2 "2010-01-27T03:16:06Z")
I doubt stop leak ruined your heater core, Honestly we are not able to see the car and perform any tests, but a mechanic that can tell you why you have no heat by verifying the condition will do you better in the long run. I mean, no heat, bad heater core, easy first guess, but maybe the heater core is good and it is a control valve instead. How likely it is you need a new heater core is best determined by visual inspections and tests, not an internet diagnosis, I don’t mean to sound cruel but you need a qualified person to inspect your system and make a proper diagnosis.