How bad does my heater core look

[Wildthings]

If you don't have the money, don't sweat continuing to run your present core. Neither of the hose fittings are white with condensate and much of your core doesn't get air flow across it so will have close to zero build up. Heater cores only are used sparingly compared to the radiator and are much slower to build up deposits two start with. If your core was leaking the nasty buildup from the leaking coolant would have been obvious.

On my own rigs on autopsy, my own radiator cores show they have had little buildup even after 300K miles, they would still have been working at close to 100% of design.

[shagginwagon83]

[dhaavers]

The felt flappers look good - probably better than my "camper" tape...

The tape I used is very cushy - like memory foam - but seems subject to
temperature swings & doesn't compress as well at cooler temps. I like the
felt weatherstrip idea & will probably go that route..."next time"...

- Dave

PS: Good looking resistor, too!
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[Steve M.]

Replace the Radiator.
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This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[greebly]

[PDXWesty]

There's no way I would take the dash out and not install a new core. I know $150 seems like a lot now to a college student, but you'll be kicking yourself later if you don't. I've learned many lessons over the years while working on a lot of different types of projects (not just cars), every time you skimp or take a shortcut, it comes back to bite you. Do it now and you won't regret it.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[Abscate]