Another Journey leaking heater core..

[smlranger]

Well, add me to the list of folks with a leaking heater core on a Journey. We noticed the slight hint of antifreeze odor yesterday. Today, upon arrival at St. Louis, saw coolant dripping from under front of coach. Have by-passed the core and will tackle the job when we get home in about 10 days.

[smlranger]

Well, add me to the list of folks with a leaking heater core on a Journey. We noticed the slight hint of antifreeze odor yesterday. Today, upon arrival at St. Louis, saw coolant dripping from under front of coach. Have by-passed the core and will tackle the job when we get home in about 10 days.

[SargeW]

How long is that list?? Was it certian years, or was it across the board?

First I have heard of this, and since my rig is a sister to the Journey, I am interested.....

[ichn2go]

Gary, since you mentioned the odor of anti freeze I remember now that was the first thing to be fixed on my friends 2000. That was a Horizon though...Yup those cores are a problem...

[Florida Guy]

Are you sure it is the heater core and not the fittings? The fittings to and from the core are also a weak link in the system. Seams the fittings are of a different material and common to corrosion where they screw into the core. I had read numerous threads on this issue and replacement of the core sounds like a real bear. Have to remove the front cap to get to it. Keep us posted, as a 2003 Journey owner am interested in your findings and repair. Good luck.

[smlranger]

Don't think it is the fittings. I have the new-and-improved fittings with me and that was the first thing I checked. No leaking visible near them but lot's of coolant running out from under the rig, so figured the core itself has sprung a leak.

[cbeierl]

Does anybody know if this is an issue for the newer Vectra/Horizon models as well? If so, is the access as difficult as it apparently is on the Journey?

[RKL2]

Gary...replaced mine 1 month ago by following the step by step instructions that I found in the search on this forum...took me about 8 hours with the help of a friend...Tilted the front cap forward versus totally removing it...Toughest part of the job was fitting the core into the clamshell. Found out it is best to remove one of the hose fittings on the core before trying to put it in the shell
...My core was rusted thru at in the copper part of the core and not near the fittings.
Also, the tech at SGS Fridgette told me to ground one of the fitting nipples to the frame to eliminate the electrolysis factor...I did it with a hose clamp and wire....Good luck, go slow and it is not too bad...Would not hesitate to doit again....RKL

[RKL2]

Gary...the step by step instructions for pulling the cap were posted" 4/9/06 by Battchief
@ 10:50 P.M." on this forum...... RKL

[traveler of california]

I lost 2 of them in my '01. Both fixed under extended warranty.

Nick, Journey '01