Heater bypass
 

My'46 heater core has sprung a leak. Since I store the car in winter , I'd like to just have the coolant bypass the heater but leave it in place under the dash. I see one hose going from the left lower radiator hose through the firewall to the heater and another coming through the firewall to a port on the opposite (driver's side) head. My plan is to join these two hoses under the hood or put shut-off valves on the engine side in both of them. Is either of these a viable solution? If not, does the heater need to come out and what does that involve? Thanks in advance for any comments, suggestions etc. I'm always grateful for the good advice that comes from the Barn.

Dan

Re: Heater bypass
 

Normally there is a shut off on the head that you close and that stops the water from circulating through the header.

Re: Heater bypass
 

I believe there will still be water in the other hose and will be pressurized by whatever your radiator cap pressure is. Your idea to just join the 2 hoses should work and no need for shutoffs in them. JMO
John

Re: Heater bypass
 

Any 5/8" dia. rod (metal,wood etc.) clamped in the tubes going to the heater to plug.
The water does not have to circulate.
When core is repaired, remove plugs and reassemble.

Re: Heater bypass
 

Thanks guys!

Re: Heater bypass
 

The water flows from your lower right radiator hose through the heater and then back out of the heater into the head fitting. As noted above, I, too, have a shutoff at the head fitting. Just connect the input hose to the head fitting and let it circulate, with or without the shutoff closed.

Am running the one on my '47 like that now until I get the heater back in the car following engine and trans rebuild. (I needed to take the heater out to remove the floor pan.)

Dick.