Will do. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

 

well if you don't drive it hard, for now why don't you try like one of the post said ad some really good quality stop leak and see if that wont by you some time, you never know it may work for a long time? what do have to loose?
Tim

 

Did you read the part about filling and puddling at the same time?

 

so I guess that won't work?
don't feel bad I just spent thousands of dollars on a new motor and turbo.

 

OK. Not sure if it's feasible on the HHR, but what about bypassing the heater core ?

Back in my mechanic days, I have done this for customers. It was either they needed the car then and would return later for the repair. Or, they didn't have the funds at that time.
Either way, I was able to keep them on the road until they were able to get the work done at a later time.

 

I don't know why that wouldn't work. Just jump the 2 hoses together.

 

Yes ..... you can bypass the heater core.
You just will NOT be able to use the heater.

The connections on the motor might too close, for you to use the hose that is already on the motor.(you DONT want to put a kink in the hose).

You might have to take the hose off and match it up with a U shaped hose that will fit. It would take you about an hour to bypass the heater core(it is tight by the firewall) and this will make SURE the heater core is your problem.

Remember to refill the radiator with Dexcool when you are done.

 

I was about to ask about bypassing. I will definitely try it. I don't feel good about using stop leak products, just seems like it could do more damage in the long run. Monday is the soonest that I'll be able to work on the car. I have been driving it carefully, no more than 10 miles at once (thankfully, that is the distance from home to work). Driving it much more than that would definitely overheat it.

 

I thought about that after I posted the stop leak fix.
That will work, it doesn't get to cold for long in Texas right? cold days just were a jacket.
that should save you about a thousand bucks :)
Kudos George!
Tim

 

I've seen race cars take a rock in the radiator and the Mendtite stopped it. I have a Blazer that had the heater core leaking. It's also a big job requiring removing the entire dasboard. I used the Mendtite and its been fine for 5 years. We use it in Mack and Cummins engines. It seals leaks with the systems pressurized. It's well worth a try before spending $1,000.