audigemini

My heat isnt working and I get a smell coming into the cabin when i turn the heat on.; Though it isnt nearly as bad or gone when the heater is on manual recirculation.

I was just talking to a new mechanic (well known) who recommended a Heater Core Flush using Kleen Flo Rad Flush
He said they have a pump that circulates this through the heater core and it almost always fixes the problem
They flush it for 1 hour
Also it is only 100.00 plus taxes

My previous mechanic says that flushes never work and I will have to replace the heater core anyway
New heater core is 800.00 (labour and parts)

So I am getting conflicting opinions

Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks!

audigemini

nobody interested in giving me their opinion?

GeneKam

I dont know anything about that exact part to be honest, but you have to see which mechanic has more credential, and just ask a few more shops, flushing it isnt hard, while replacing is a bit more complicated = more labour money. Thats the thing about north america, mechanics here just replace stuff, back in the mother land we fix. So in my opinion if the flusher mechanic does seem to have better credentials, i say go for it. You might have to spend extra 100 if replacment is needed, but you might spend only 1/8 of the cost and get it to work again, and never go back to the replacing mechanic.

just my 0.02$

audigemini

Thanks for your input..i agree . The problem is the mechanic that recommended the heater core flush cannot do it until Dec 3rd and yesterday I needed my heater..lol
Should I just go to a jiffy lube or something and have them flush out the heater core?

shuks

Why don't you do it yourself? There is tons of info out there and it is easy as 1-2-3. Make it a weekend project.

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthre...ter+core+flush

People in this thread seem to be in a similar situation maybe that helps you. Don't go to Jiffylube.

GeneKam

i concur on doing it yourself. but if you are not sure after looking over a guide or two, i say go to a different mechanic and ask them to do it. I mean flushing it is flushing it right?

awcjacobs

I have had a heater core go on my old 87 Ford Mustang, twice. The signs were fogging up windows when the heat was on, strong smell of antifreeze in the cab, and a leak when I pulled the carpet underneath the heater. Just some 'symptoms' to check, maybe help solve your problem.

BryanR

You want it done fast, or you want it done right?

Replacement doesn't always solve the problem. When you're dealing with an Audi Specialist, they tend to know a few things about the car that a general shop or spiffy lube won't, or has never even come across...

Replacement may work for a while, but if there is a 'pre-existing problem' (which the right tech needs to investigate) you may be throwing $800 out the window.

The "well known" tech can explain it to you in more detail when you go in for your appointment

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Wow, booked until Dec 3rd - they must know what they are doing to be that busy

BryanR

Nope.

GeneKam

Interesting, i guess the heater core is harder then it seems