Anyone run their Ranchero sans heater core? This isn't my daily driver and even though the model came with A/C, the A/C components have been removed and with a suggestion from another Ranchero owner, I had a custom, very shallow A/C evaporator box made (since there is no longer the components inside). Basically it is just a cover on the firewall. My question now is, do I really need the heater core? The dash is off and I am replacing the heater core now, but I don't think it should matter for engine coolant and overall health of the car. I am just wondering if I am way off track. The no A/C has never been an issue and I never use the heater to get warm. The fan and heater work, just never use them. I drive when it's nice out and it is a garaged car.
Yes, you can run without the heater core, just connect the two hoses together. If you know how to sweat copper, join two 1/2" elbows with a short length of tube to make a "U", secure with hose clamps.
Ok, sweet. I had purchased a "Bypass" which is basically a U shaped metal piece where you attach the two hoses. I have read conflicting posts about bypassing permanently. The piece I bought is to bypass in the event of a heater core failure when on a roadtrip - to prevent leaking. I put the bypass in and have been running smoothly as I wait for the replacement heater core in the mail.
If you have too many heater core failures, go to a 7 lb radiator cap. Chances are your Ranchero will run cool enough anyway and the heater cores will last forever. Works with my '75 460 even with the A/C running.
I think it has a 13 right now. At least that is stamped on the one that came with the radiator. I got a larger aftermarket radiator and an overflow container as I hated when it splattered radiator fluid everywhere. I think I have the right ratio of water and radiator fluid. I know that can be too high and be acidic. I am hoping it was just a faulty heater core. The first one was someone pulling the hoses so hard it broke the pipe mount and then made a mess when I started it. This last heater core was new and lasted about 6 or 7 years. Sprung a leak and started leaking inside the passenger side. Little pinhole leak in the heater core blades but doesn't take much.
