Patrick Carman

Heater core issues and maintenance are a growing frustration as vehicles evolve. But it doesn't have to be this way. Our current design engineers, (kids who went to college, but have no hands on experience) have decided to put often serviced components in areas that require a contortionist to push his limits. Case in point, the heater core. As you know, replacing a Journey heater core by the book requires a ridiculous amount of work. But it can be done much more quickly by a simple cut and splice technique of the aluminum lines by the heater core body, thus eliminating the need to dismantle the entire dash interior of your vehicle. Many you tube videos walk you through the process. With a little common sense this replacement could have been designed with quick couplers near the core location. Never try to remove the heater core pipes at the core to attempt to replace it. Believe me, it not only can, but will leak as your pliers are no match for the factory crimps. Speaking of dash removal to replace a heater core, that's like removing the vehicle body to get to the spare tire. Oops, I probably gave some young engineer a new thought. How about an access cover where two clamps are removed and the core then slides out and in in a matter of minutes? Oh, sorry, that's to much common sense and something today's engineering can't comprehend. Anyway , cut and splice your core pipes about 6 inches from the core and reconnect with a short hose and clamps. Damn, just saved about 3 hours of mickey motion! Remember, analyze your repair and use common sense and you are way ahead.

Coolant temp on any engine should not run over 200 degrees. As a certified auto tech of 51 years, I remember when we had 160 and 180 degree t-stats. When we saw over 200 it was a problem. With the new cheap plastic and aluminum component engines today high engine temps are even more problematic. Warpage and cracking is a common issue. Common sense dictates the cooler and more consistent the engine temp remains, the longer your engine lasts. In point, a 2012 dodge journey with a 3.6 pentastar v-6, (piece of pure garbage) runs normally around 220 degrees. These engines with less than 100,000 miles, regularly have had thermostat, water pump, radiator, oil cooler, water bypass housing, heater core, head gasket, cooling fan and more overheating problems. Not to mention cam phasers, camshaft, roller rocker, lifter, pulled head bolts and a multitude of other engine related issues. Why ? Running too hot with cheap Chinese plastic and inferior aluminum componants. High temp thermostats are a wet dream of some youngster engineer to insure you always have to have your engine repaired or even worse replaced. But then again, common sense in today's engineering is non existant. It's all about getting you to spend more money. Build an engine with USA made steel and aluminum, with a 180 degree two-star and watch it go 300 000 miles! Wow, what a concept! Just a note, my 1994 k2500 with 454 just cruised over 355,000 miles. It's never even had the valve covers off, let alone any overheating, with a 180 thermostat. Oh, by the way, it also runs a whipple supercharger and has towed most of its life. Well, enough common sense for now.