Preventing heater core from freezing

[Mino]

So we had 2 weeks of great weather and then it went back to normal. Temps have dropped into the 20's a couple of times. I know how to drain the engine block, but am looking so suggestions on draining the heater core.

[robtr8]

[Sethro]

Just remove the hoses at each end and blow air through the core. Most will say use your own breath (that's what I do) or very carefully use low volume of compressed air. Quick fittings like robtr8 make it very easy.

[Bill_AirJunky]

I can't get to the heater core very easily as it's mounted up, inside the driver's side dash, and there is a subwoofer mounted in front of it.

There is an article in the DIY section on how to install the garden hose fittings above.... similar to the exhaust drain hoses already on most of our boats. I found it's not so easy to get 2 hands down in there to assemble/disassemble those fittings though. I've been using radiator flush Ts installed on the heater hoses at their lowest point in the bilge. I pull the caps off one handed & put them in a cupholder with the hull plugs. Gravity will drain the core if it's installed with the hoses on the bottom edge of the core. And bump starting the motor will blow out anything that happens to be sitting in there.

[BuFootin]

So we had 2 weeks of great weather and then it went back to normal. Temps have dropped into the 20's a couple of times. I know how to drain the engine block, but am looking so suggestions on draining the heater core.

Do what robtr8 picture shows. Have them on my 05 and makes draining the core a 30 second task.

[Mino]

Thanks everyone for your input. Looks like I have a new project. Wonder why Malibu doesn't make life easy and just install something like this already.

[tvano]

give a tiny bit of thought to the location and sex of the fittings that you will install.

if that heater core starts to leak you will want to disconnect those fittings and swap them effectively eliminating the heater core without missing a set.

[davemac]

Great little bit of advice, tvano.

Hey... what type of fittings are these, where do you get them, and are they reliable?

TIA