Radiator Change - Toyota Yaris Forums

CoryM · 06-22-2012, 01:11 PM

When doing a pressure test you are applying pressure to the cooling system. This helps show any leaks as it will make coolant come out faster where it is leaking. The heater core is not a complicated system. You are passing hot engine coolant through the core, then blowing air over the hot core. The air gets hot and then comes out the vents. If it is leaking you should be getting a "sweet" smell when blowing warm air, moisture on your windshield, and coolant on the floor.

I would be surprised if a heater core was damaged during a crash. It is pretty well protected in there, and if it were damaged you would expect the whole case it is in to be broken. That being said, strange things happen in crashes.

If you need to save some money, you may be able to bypass the heater core with a hose. No heat, but no leak either.

Hope this helps clear things up a little.
Cheers.

06-22-2012, 01:11 PM	#6
CoryM Drives: 2009 5-door, 5-speed Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: White Rock BC Posts: 687	When doing a pressure test you are applying pressure to the cooling system. This helps show any leaks as it will make coolant come out faster where it is leaking. The heater core is not a complicated system. You are passing hot engine coolant through the core, then blowing air over the hot core. The air gets hot and then comes out the vents. If it is leaking you should be getting a "sweet" smell when blowing warm air, moisture on your windshield, and coolant on the floor. I would be surprised if a heater core was damaged during a crash. It is pretty well protected in there, and if it were damaged you would expect the whole case it is in to be broken. That being said, strange things happen in crashes. If you need to save some money, you may be able to bypass the heater core with a hose. No heat, but no leak either. Hope this helps clear things up a little. Cheers.