Hi all,
Has anyone been successful in getting VW to cover a heater core replacement
in a 91 Jetta GLI?
I have spoken to a VW dealer this morning, they don't show my car as having
the recall on it. They would not comment on if they would do this work under
"related to recall" status. They turned me over to VWofA to discuss. Spoke
to VWofA, they wouldn't garauntee assistance with this repair without a
"dealer diagnosis" first, at my expense if they then decide not too
help.(~$100). I have asked the dealer for an estimate for this work, they
are to get back to me.
Talked to a local German repair shop that I have used before, their estimate
was ~$600.00. Does this sound reasonable? ($115 for heater core, $385.00
labor(5.5hrs), plus additional hr for AC evac/refill.) Car has already been
converted to r143a freon.
-Greg
From: "Darner" <[email protected]>
To: "Greg Bensinger" <[email protected]>,<[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [a2-16v-list] utoh...heater core going?
Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 06:43:11 -0500
Greg-
You CAN replace your own, but be warned that it's a more
time-consuming
and elaborate procedure than on at least some GM cars. I've done three
VWs,
two '87s and an '89, and it isn't fun. Too many things to take out and
replace, and even positioning the mounting hardware to line up through the
firewall can be difficult. I've also done a late 80s Cutlass Ciera, and it
was dead simple.
On the other hand, I had the "maple syrup" smell more recently, and
threw in a bottle of stop-leak in desperation. It has been several months,
and I haven't had to add water/coolant, nor has the smell or nasty fog on
the windows returned. I used one of the pellet-like brands - still have
about half of it left, so if you want the brand I can find it. I do not
know that it is the best, just that it came closer to suiting my immediate
circumstances when I was in the parts place reading labels.
Two elbows and three "close nipples" from the plumbing supply part of
your local hardware store will make you up an emergency heater core bypass,
by the way. Think it's 3/8 nominal, but could be half inch. You can
pretty
well judge by looking at the hoses that go into the firewall. I carry one
already made up, and have done the switch in ten minutes on the side of a
freeway. Far better than paying for a tow or having the engine overheat
and
get damaged.
Ron
Ron
----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Bensinger" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 12:16 AM
Subject: [a2-16v-list] utoh...heater core going?
> Hey all,
>
> As luck would have it, coolant smell inside car when engine is
hot(sitting
> in traffic). Also, when I have this smell if I turn on the fan blowerI
get
> steam into the car.
>
> I seem to remember that there was a recall on VW heater cores. What
years
> are affected? I have a 91 Jetta GLI.
>
> If it is the heater core, and it needs replaced...is this a DIY or a
"ring
> up the dealer" job? Does any one have pictures of the procedure?
>
> I have replaced heater cores before in GM cars, fairly simple.
>
> Thanks for the help...
>
> -Greg
>
>
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